Although I should start by answering some, but honestly
I am unsure of really which ones bother me as much (or if I regularly follow them without fail).
Some that I found interesting, are from the sporting world.
Have known some teams or players of NBA (basketball) never do certain things before a big game or tie their shoe laces in a particular way.
Some have other rituals.
In sumo wrestling, sprinkling 'salt' on the floor of the ring is considered good omen.
(I know, many say that the origins are in that salt was and is a preservative and also helps keep microbial activity away.. in case of injury or when they are pinned to the ground).
Other stuff I have heard from other regions are there too.
Chinese do not consider it a good omen to gift anyone a clock. Maybe gifting watches too is considered unlucky for the recipient.
It is like one is telling the other person: your time has come. (Giving clocks is like giving death..in Chinese customs).
In Indonesia, Japanese and many other cultures.. pointing at someone with the index finger.. too might be a strict no-no.
Like if one is in the same hall/room and one has to point towards someone or introduce one person to another..
..the custom is to extend the whole palm in their direction.. with the thumb bent inside the palm.
Basically pointing with all four fingers and the palm facing towards oneself.
Japanese may find it rude to point with index finger. But I think in Indonesia it is even considered bad omen.
Tying amulets, threads (ceremonial threads too), other items one wears... are part of culture too.. in many regions.
Satere-Mawe tribe in Amazon forests have a 'right of passage' ritual for boys turning into adults.
It involves them (the young men, boys) being stung by thousands of army ants or other carnivorous ants, for a certain amount of time.
Maybe the same tribe or similar one also has the same young men having their skin cut with blades.
The cut patterns are made to replicate the look (due to scarring) of the scales of a crocodile.
Papua New Guinea has some tribes (I think the Etoro people. Maybe also referred to as the Sambia) where they have a unique 'right of passage' ceremony for the men.
Part of the rituals necessitate the men to consume the semen of their elders.
This is allegedly a way of passing down the same strength, courage and ferocity those elders.
South Asians, people of desi descent too might have various superstitions.
Some might be practiced in our families too or within close circles.
Have often seen people consider various events as good omens, bad omen.
Like some believe: seeing a (cow) calf drinking its mother's milk, is a good omen if you are starting on a journey.
Similarly watching a donkey/ mare (female horse?) on one's left side.. too is a good omen if seen while starting a journey.
Desi people too tie threads (around waist, on wrist), amulets on arm, wear other stuff as good omen.
Consider stones, pearls of particular type as good for prosperity, health.
Even if it is kept in wallet, one's room.
Sneezing, seeing a cat cross one's path are a strict no-no for some people.. especially if starting on some new activity.
People in my own close relation, do not leave the home if someone utters the words shoes, slipper.
They sit back and let some minutes pass. No use of the word joota/chappal allowed.
Others insist on the 'dahi-jaggery' ritual.
(Dahi and gud/jaggery being fed to anyone going on a journey or for an important task: like taking exams).
Others in my extended relatives do not consider it a good omen if someone calls out from behind.. after they have left.
Like if they reached the lift or the staircase and someone calls out.. that take this item too with you.. or that you should bring back xyz item whe returning..
.. then they say that it is not a good omen.
They come back inside for few minutes.
(Same folks do not at all appreciate being asked 'where are you going'. They say that such cling from behind, after a person has left.. or asking 'kaha jaa rahe ho'.. results in the tasks not getting succeeded.
The tasks for which one is leaving/ going outside.)
