Asian Food Superstitions
Submitted by Sarah Rata
Philippines
Pancit is a Filipino staple at every gathering and restaurant. It consists of different kinds of noodles depending on the specific variation, with a mix of meat and vegetables. Pancit is commonly used to symbolize long life because of the long noodles in the dish, and is often given to people on their birthdays. China also uses long noodles to symbolize long life in their culture.
Japan
A less positive superstition in Japanese culture is the belief that laying down right after a meal turns you into a cow. This is reasoned by the fact that rather than letting your body digest food as needed, it slows or shuts down when you lie down immediately.
Thailand
To finish on a positive note, in Thailand there is a common belief that the person who takes the last piece of food at the table is said to have great luck! This is very different from American culture in which we are often timid or feel guilty taking the last piece of food off the table. I personally like this superstition as it likely makes dining with friends and family less awkward.
