
Funeral Superstitions Around the World: What Not to Do
March 14, 2025

The fun, the spooky, and occasionally terrifying your great-aunt since forever.
Funerals are serious business, but that hasn’t stopped the world from attaching some rather bizarre beliefs to them! Whether you're planning a send-off or just want to avoid any ghostly mishaps, here are some funeral superstitions to keep in mind. No promises, though—we’re not paranormal experts (just $1 a day funeral insurance pros).
1. Don’t Bring an Even Number of Flowers! (Russia & China)
Turns out, odd numbers aren’t just for lucky lotto tickets. In Russia and China, gifting an even number of flowers is like putting a big neon sign over the casket saying, “Oops, I messed up.” Stick to odd numbers if you want to avoid a withering glare from Grandma.
2. Red at a Funeral? Big No-No! (Asia)
Red is for parties, weddings, and your favourite hot sauce, not funerals. If you rock up in red, you might get some serious side-eye for looking a little too festive. In China and India, white is the mourning colour—so maybe opt for your least ketchup-stained white shirt instead.
3. Never Point at a Funeral Procession (Philippines)
Pointing at a funeral procession is said to bring bad luck or even an untimely demise. The safest approach? Keep your hands busy—maybe with a coffee, or better yet, a contract for affordable funeral insurance (see what we did there?).
4. Hold Your Breath Past a Cemetery (United States)
We get it—nobody wants a ghost hitchhiker. Legend says if you breathe while passing a cemetery, a wandering spirit might just hop in for a free ride. Bonus tip: Don’t test this theory while driving. Safety first!
5. Don’t Step Over a Grave (Everywhere, Really)
Whether you’re in New Zealand, Europe, or anywhere else, stepping over a grave is seen as major bad luck. Also, it's just plain rude. Avoid disrespecting the dearly departed, and maybe also avoid face-planting into a tombstone.
Of course, whether you believe in superstitions or not, the best way to ensure your loved ones are protected is with affordable funeral cover—no ghostly strings attached. Because if there’s one thing scarier than funeral superstitions, it’s unexpected funeral expenses!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and seek independent financial advice, if required, to ensure an insurance product is suitable for you.
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