In a world inhabited by more than 7 billion people, it’s quite normal and expected that different cultures have different traditions, as well as rituals.
In line with this, they do not only have various beliefs and superstitions about life, but also certain legends related to death and its omens. Depending on the culture, some of the legends are quite eerie, while others are seemingly innocent. Check out how certain cultures know that death is approaching through some really spooky omens.
7Black Butterfly
No one can but love and admire the beauty and delicacy of a butterfly. But, there is one particular kind that should always be avoided – the black butterfly.
According to many superstitions, a black butterfly symbolizes death, and if you see one in your home, a family member will pass away soon. Depending on the culture, the meaning of the black butterfly may vary.
In South Texas, people say that it must be seen in each house corner to be viewed as an omen, however, in Hawaii, the black butterfly is actually a manifestation of a recently deceased loved one or family member who has returned to say their final farewell.
6Seeing Your Doppelgänger
The word “Doppelgänger” comes from German and represents a spooky and usually evil replica of a human being. There is a widespread belief that if people spot their doppelgänger, they will pass away quite soon.
A story has it that Abraham Lincoln, upon glancing at himself in the mirror, saw not one but a pair of his own reflections. The story goes that when he explained it to his wife, she made a prediction, saying that Lincoln will be president for a second term, however, she said that he would die before the term ends.
5Knocks of Doom
Some cultures believe that if you hear someone knocking at your front door three times, it could be Death itself, telling you that someone in the house will die soon.
Irish people consider the three knocks on the window or door as a death premonition, whereas Scottish people believe that the knocks mean death only if they are constantly repeated within several minutes. Native American, Jewish, and Indian people also believe that three knocks are linked with death.
4Your Dreams
Generally, dreams may reflect our current state of mind, but many cultures believe that certain types of dreams may even announce a death. For instance, if you see multiple moons in your dreams, or if you happen to be walking through a dirty pond or mud, it could mean that death is near.
Also, you should never assist anyone while they are putting on their clothes in a dream. Some cultures even believe that losing your teeth in dreams is also a premonition of death.
3Mirrors
Many cultures believe that if you let your one-year-old, or even younger child, glance at a mirror, they will die prematurely. Besides a common superstition that a broken mirror causes bad luck for seven years, there are cultures which claim that a cracked mirror is actually a warning that death is coming.
2Owl Of Death
Owls have always been related to some gloomy premonitions, so it’s no wonder that people regard them as a death omen. If an owl starts hooting while standing on the roof of your or your neighbors’ house, somebody will die soon.
It is said that the first to believe in such an omen were the Romans, as Emperor Antonius died while an owl was sitting at the entrance of his chamber.
1Dogs
Certain dog breeds are known to be able to recognize danger, particularly when it comes to their owners. Therefore, a dog starts howling in front of your house or window or next to a sick family member, it means that death is approaching.
However, if a dog starts howling but keeps its head down, it foresees an undefined death. Finally, if a headless black dog appears to you, some believe it’s a definite warning that you are going to leave this world very soon.
