We all know that bragging is not polite.  However, it can also bring about bad luck.  According to this superstition, some people have the power to harm another person merely by looking at them.  This power is called the "evil eye."  In order to protect yourself from the evil eye, don´t draw attention to yourself by bragging, or talking about your good luck.

     In the event that you forget about this superstition (and your manners) and start to brag, don´t panic!  There is another superstition that might help protect you ? knocking on wood.  This superstition is based on a belief that spirits lived in trees. By knocking on wood, you call upon the spirit in the wood to protect your luck.

     So, while you might say, "I think that I got a 100 on my test, knock on wood," you should never say, "I am sure that I got 100 on my test and you´re going to fail.  Ha-ha! Na-na-na-na, poo-poo!"  Not only will the opposite come true when someone gives you the "evil eye," but you will soon find yourself without friends!