Superstition is a very big part of Ukrainian culture. While many superstitions are largely ignored, many more are so common that they have become an inseparable part of everyday etiquette. So while Ukrainian friends may joke about them, it may be courteous to be aware of common superstitions and show respect for them just the same. After all, do you really want look disrespectful, or worse, risk bad fortune on yourself?

Origin of Ukrainian Superstition

While Ukrainians are predominantly Christian, it’s important to remember that Kievan Rus didn’t turn to Christianity until the end of the 10th century. As such, pagan tradition and beliefs remained entrenched in Ukrainian culture. The remnants of these pagan beliefs form the foundation of superstitions so prevalent in Ukraine today.

Its also important to point out that superstitions often vary region to region. Below are the most widespread Ukrainian superstitions.

Love and Relationship Superstitions

Table Corners. A single boy should not sit at the corner of a table. Doing so means he will not find a partner in the near future.

Odd Number of Flowers. Always give your boyfriend or lover an odd number of flowers. An even number of flowers is for funerals only!

Yellow Flowers. Don’t give your lover yellow flowers. Doing so is a sign of bad luck and signifies the end of a relationship.

Step on Foot. If you accidentally step on your partner’s foot, let him gently step on yours. If you don’t, you risk a future conflict.

Money and Luck Superstitions

Birthday Parties. Birthdays should not be celebrated early. Therefore, when your birthday falls on a weekday (and you want to celebrate on a weekend), you should celebrate on the following weekend versus the preceding weekend.

Sitting in Silence. Before leaving on a long journey, all travelers and all of those seeing the travelers off, must sit together for a moment in silence.

Forgetting Something and Returning. When you return for something you’ve forgotten this means very bad sign. To mitigate this, look into a mirror at your own reflection before you leave again.

Black Cat. Another common superstition, black cats are bad luck when they cross your path (can signify failure in business). If you see one try to avoid crossing its path or let someone else do it first.

Itchy Hand. If your right hand itches you’ll be receiving money soon. If your left hand itches, you’ll soon be paying someone money.

Whistling Indoors. Whistle inside and you are whistling away your money. If you forget, you are sure to be reminded immediately by your Ukrainian friend(s) – especially if it is in their home.

Not Recognized. If a person is not recognized when seen or heard by a familiar acquaintance, it means he will be rich. Last time this superstition is used rather as joke in case you haven’t recognized your friend’s voice over the phone.

Doorways. Never greet or say goodbye on the threshold of a doorway. Doing so, it is bad sign.

Knock on Wood. If someone praises you, avoid a jinx by knocking on wood and spitting three times over your left shoulder. Throwing salt over your left shoulder won’t work since Ukrainian superstition considers it bad luck to spill salt.

Bus Tickets. Usually Ukrainian bus tickets have 6 digits as account number. If the 3 digits on the right add up to the same total as the 3 numbers on the left it means good luck – you should eat the ticket or at least keep it in your wallet for years.

Same Name. Its good luck to sit between two people with the same names – you should make a wish and your wish will come true. This is not as hard as it sounds, since Ukrainians have short list of the popular first names.

Presenting Wallets or Purses. If you present someone a wallet or purse, put a little money in it first for financial luck.

Baby Gifts. Its very bad luck to buy (or accept) baby gifts before the child is born.

Drinking Superstitions

Itchy Nose. If your nose itches it means you’ll be drinking soon.

Full glass. One should not put a full shot glass of alcohol back on the table.

Empty Bottle. Never leave an empty bottle on the table if you are not in cafe or restaurant! Put it on the floor.

Toast. Traditionally, drinking should be preceded by a toast. The only time there isn’t a toast is for funerals and commemoration (including traditional Easter commemoration).

Interval between 1st & 2nd Shots. There should not be a long interval between the first and second shots.