“Take a shot of whiskey for a hangover.”
Although this hangover remedy seems to have absolutely no basis in reason or medical knowledge, my informant swears by it. Every time he has a hangover, he takes a shot of whiskey–no matter how badly he wants to throw up.
Perhaps this remedy works for my informant because whiskey is so strong that it can probably force a person to momentarily forget about any nausea or sickness. In addition, Korean males firmly believe in the power of alcohol as a remedy for anything.
Author Archives: Tammy Kang
“Don’t step on the threshold when entering a room.”
“Don’t step on the threshold when entering a room.”
This is a popular Chinese superstition. Many Chinese people say that stepping on a threshold when entering a room will result in a death in the family. To the Chinese, thresholds represent life, and stepping on thresholds can cut lives short.
“Don’t wash your hair the night before an exam.”
“Don’t wash your hair the night before an exam.”
Many Korean students believe that when studying for an exam, all the knowledge is contained in the hair. Therefore, they believe that washing their hair before an exam will wash away the knowledge, and they will not be able to do well on an exam.
“Don’t buy shoes for someone you love, or they will walk away.”
“Don’t buy shoes for someone you love, or they will walk away.”
This is a common Korean superstition; many people believe that buying shoes for someone they love will make them walk away. Essentially, they believe that they are providing the tools needed to walk away.