From severing relationships with knife gifts in Chinese culture, to warding off evil with garlic in Greece, food superstitions and traditions are as diverse as the cultures they originate from. These fascinating food beliefs, customs, and their origins will dazzle you and have you questioning your own culinary traditions.

The Chinese believe that a knife gift could potentially sever a friendship. As a workaround, the giver often includes a coin which allows the receiver to 'purchase' the gift, thus counteracting the sinister symbolism.

Back in Europe, between the Roman Empire and 16th century, sailors were suspicious of witches sailing in eggshells during tempests to sink ships. The seafarers would consequently destroy the shells or strictly forbid the presence of eggs on their vessels. In the same region, an ancient belief predicted a twin birth or forthcoming marriage upon discovering twin yolks in an egg.

Garlic, popularized by Dracula folklore as a vampire repellant, is widely recognized for its apparent power to repel demons. This belief is particularly strong in Greece where garlic braids adorn the entrances of various establishments as a protection against evil forces.

Salt’s universal seasoning role does not overshadow its mystical connotations. Various cultures have traditions of tossing spilled salt over their left shoulder to shoo away misfortune. In ancient Rome, salt was regarded as a symbol of friendship due to its preservative properties, while in Scotland, new homeowners receive salt as a housewarming blessing. Meanwhile, Slavic nations often present bread and salt as tokens of respect and longevity.

Birthday and anniversary celebrations as well as the Chinese New Year feature a long-standing tradition dating back to the Han dynasty- eating whole longevity noodles. The belief underlying this practice is that cutting the noodle signifies a shortened life.

From the Etruscans came the custom of wishbone breaking, a ritual believed to grant the larger piece's holder their wish. In cases where the wishbone breaks into two equal parts, both people's wishes were said to be granted. This custom soon spread to England, where the wishbone was referred to as a “merrythought,” and subsequently reached America.

The birthday cake candle blowing tradition has its origin among the Greeks who would make offerings to Artemis, the goddess of the moon and the hunt. By the Middle Ages, the Germans had adopted the tradition due to the belief that children, more susceptible to evil spirits on their birthdays, needed the protective “lebenslicht” or “light of life.”

The Italian cornicello resembles a red chili pepper which, when worn as a necklace or charm, is perceived to guard against the evil eye. In Mexico, a rising corn tortilla infers a forthcoming wedding, indicating approval from one's mother-in-law.

Parsley too has its fair share of superstitions. Its slow growth has been tied to an enduring myth that the seeds make a literal journey to hell and back before sprouting.

Ancient Romans used to throw rice at wedding ceremonies as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good luck. This practice hasn't entirely faded out of modern weddings.

Then there’s Spain and various Latin American nations that embrace the grape-eating tradition on New Year’s Eve, with each grape representing one month of prosperity for the forthcoming year.

Finally, we can't leave out the universal fear of the number 13, or Triskaidekaphobia, which peeks on Fridays. Now you know some food superstitions and where they originate from.