Legend has it that if you have a birthmark it means you died of an accident in your previous life, and your birthmark is a clue to how it happened. If you have a birthmark, give it a closer look. Does it look like knife wounds or some other crazy accident?
Now this is all in good fun and we’re not sure who started these so called legends, but take it however you want to, it’s pretty interesting to check out these birthmark superstitions.
From a medical perspective, birthmarks are simply the result of excess skin pigment or increased blood vessels. However, there are beliefs related to the significance of birthmarks, both good and bad, in many cultures and religions around the world, passed from one generation to the next.
The superstitions vary widely. Birthmarks can be interpreted as relating to the person’s personality, as caused by strong emotions or particular food their mother had during pregnancy, or even as resulting from trauma in a previous life.
Just as with the interpretation of moles, many of these traditional explanations of birthmarks place great importance on the mark’s location. Read on to get a rough idea of superstitions about birthmarks, and if you happen to bear one find out what it might mean!
A hairy birthmark, no matter what color, is a sign of great wisdom. People born with hairy birthmarks are believed to lead a wise life.
A birthmark on the left side of the forehead signifies a potential spendthrift, while a birthmark on the right side of the forehead means self-control and strong willpower.
A birthmark on the nose indicates creativity and diligence. People with birthmarks on the nose tend to be successful both in their careers and family lives.
A birthmark on the chin denotes a breadwinner for the family, but with an unpredictable personality or a short temper.
A birthmark on the neck indicates difficult romantic relationships.
A birthmark on the collarbone means a mellow temper and generosity.
A birthmark on the left shoulder indicates financial difficulties, while a birthmark on the right shoulder means that you will be wealthy.
A birthmark on the arm for a man suggests he’s family-oriented, while for a woman it means she’s ambitious in her career.
A birthmark near the chest indicates a great thinker, but one who can be calculating and tricky in the pursuit of their own benefit.
A birthmark on the bellybutton indicates good luck and fortune lasting one’s whole life.
A birthmark on the back means truthfulness and open-mindedness.
People with a birthmark on their backside are believed to be “born with a silver spoon in their mouth”, and will have a worry-free life.
A birthmark on both the legs and fingers indicates decisiveness and independence.
A birthmark on the foot means enthusiasm for traveling and an adventurous spirit, while on the heel it indicates bad luck you can’t get rid of.
As we have seen, people are more inclined to interpret birthmarks auspiciously. It’s still the case that in some countries, people believe it brings them good luck to touch someone with a birthmark.
This article first appeared on www.beijing-kids.com in September 2018.
Photo: riverrunnerbaits.net, throneofbob, zoepadmoretattoo, unsplash
