In the spirit of Halloween, let’s keep up the spooky talks.
Have you ever been yelled at for cutting your nails or combing your hair at night because it could attract evil spirits? If yes, then you my friend are well aware of Indian superstitions. But did you know that Koreans and Indians have a lot in common when it comes to these superstitions?
Though superstitions are nothing but beliefs passed down through generations regarding what actions could bring us good luck and prosperity vs what actions should be avoided to repel bad omens, spirits, negativity. It’s always fascinating to learn about different countries’ superstitions as they act like a window into a culture’s history, fears and values.
Here are some Korean superstitions that eerily mirror Indian ones-
Branches like Fingers, Mountains like Tombs
Creeping Trees
In India, the belief in Peepal and Banyan trees changes overnight, in the daytime it is offered Ganga jal(water), jaggery, gram dal and diyas to bring good luck as these trees are believed to have ties with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
At night, these trees are believed to be homes for wandering lost spirits and inhabited by chudails(witches), which is why most choose to stray away from them. Some also avoid walking past Peepal trees after sunset fearing possession or illness. It is believed that these chudails sit on the branches of these trees and wait for their next victim to pass by.
Haunted Mountains
As 70% of the country is covered in mountains, it holds a significant importance in Korean culture. The love for hiking and taking walks in the mountains is also depicted in many K-dramas.
Similar to the trees, taking a walk in the mountains at night is often avoided. In Korea mountains are believed to be a place reserved for dokkeobi(goblins), wandering spirits at night, and are often believed to be homes to gweshins(ghosts). It is also believed that every mountain has a spirit guardian where offerings made can provide a safe passage but disturbing them can bring misfortunes upon the person.
Flames of Warning, Colors of Dread
Gory Red
In India, red ink is used in auspicious environments like wedding invites or the Hindu swastikas in hopes to bring good fortune and prosperity. But, red ink holds a different meaning altogether in Korea.
Historically, the names of deceased family members were written using red ink in the family registry which led to the current belief that writing a living person’s name in red is considered unlucky and could mean bringing deathly wishes upon that person.
Somber Yellow
In India, the color yellow is also considered auspicious and believed to bring prosperity and is used in many Indian festivals and weddings. Hindus usually have a pre-wedding ceremony called Haldi, where the color yellow is celebrated with music and laughter.
In Shamanism, talismans were written on yellow paper to ward off evil spirits and bad omens. Though in modern Korea, the color yellow is to signify balance, yellow also has somber roots as yellow chrysanthemums are often used in funeral flower arrangements.
A Bite Can Change Your Fate
Slippery luck
For most Indians it is almost a ritual at this point to have at least a spoon of dahi shakar (curd and sugar) before an exam, a job interview, basically anything important that requires good luck.
Koreans have a similar pre-exam ritual, its having miyeok guk(seaweed soup), its considered lucky and believed that the slippery texture of the soup will prevent luck from ‘slipping away’
Chilli Peppers
In India, on the opening of any new business or after buying a new vehicle, nimbu mirchi (lemon and chillis) are hung to ward off nazar (evil eye)
Similarly, some Koreans hang dried red chillies outside their homes to ward off evil spirits.
The Owl Watches Even When We Sleep
Haunting Hoot
In India, seeing a white owl is believed to bring you good luck and fortune as owls are goddess Lakshmi’s vahana(mount). Also, finding an owl’s feather is believed to bring protection.
On the contrary, in Korea hearing an owl hoot at night or seeing one can bring misfortune and death. This belief mostly stems from Shamanism as owls were considered to be messengers between the humans and the spirit world.
The Fire Watches But So Do The Spirits
Agni
In India, havans and homa are a sacred fire ritual in Hinduism, it’s to purify and ward off any evil spirits. Havans are done during house warmings, weddings,etc. As fire is considered a barrier against anything evil or negative, the chants and smoke is believed to chase away spirits and anything negative lingering from a person or house.
Burning Incense
In parallel, we have Shamanic fire rituals, where small fires, candles and burning incense are considered to cleanse and purify and rid a person of evil spirits that may have latched on them.
Superstitions everywhere make us wonder about the fascinating history that led to the fear of the unknown. Next time we see a black cat, pass by a tree, see our reflection in the mirror walk on an eerie pathway it will stop us in our tracks and make us wonder about the mysterious spooks and keep life ever so entertaining.
Insider Tips!
Spooky season is upon us, don’t try any of these stunts at home. But, if you absolutely must, recruit a friend on your eerie excursion.
Enjoy a ghoulishly good Halloween!
Written by – Rimpa Ash
About the author –
Hello hello! Two things I love the most? Putting pen to paper and sharing little bits about Korea, from its culture to food and everything in between. Here’s both of them combined for you by me, simply a guide for your next exploration, be it for a new k drama or a new kimchi recipe.I hope my words make you tingle with excitement and push you to try that next new thing. Just a cozy corner on the internet where we explore fascinating things together.