Nepal 

Superstitions in My Country Nepal

By Subhadra Rai  

I was born and raised in a small village in eastern Nepal. Most of the people living in my area have limited educational opportunities and technology. Many people believe and follow superstitions, and I was, too. 

When I was 12 years old, I was heading to school to take a test. As there was no means of transportation, I had to walk on foot to school which is one hour away from home. I had my school bag on my back and a water bottle in my hand. It had only been five minutes when something unexpected happened. I came to a halt. I was scared and nervous. I started to feel sweat and moisture on my forehead. A black cat had just crossed the road. 

Until this day, I had been listening to people talk about how a black cat crossing the road brings bad luck. I hadn’t really paid attention until that day when I actually encountered this situation myself. I was confused and didn’t know what to do. I suddenly remembered what my mother had told me. If someone else walks before you, he will take the bad luck from you. So, I waited ten minutes hoping someone would walk before me. 

Right at ten minutes, a middle-aged man walked past me towards the road where the black cat crossed. He kept walking and soon after he was gone. Now since someone else had taken the bad luck from me, I felt relieved and headed toward school ready for my test. 

Around 5 pm, I stood at the same spot when returning home from school. I felt thankful for the man who took my bad luck away. I had passed my test and happily headed back home knowing the bad luck was gone.