Russian Students Superstitions
Superstitions are a unique form of folk belief that intricately combine magical, religious, and psychological views of the world. In Russian culture superstitions have always played an important role — from ancient rituals to daily habits, from folk omens to student traditions. Even in the 21st century, despite scientific progress and the spread of rational thinking, they remain relevant and continue to thrive in language, behavior, family traditions, and everyday life.
In this article, Sofia Mosiagina would like to share with you the most popular student superstitions, some of which she also uses herself during exam periods.
The Origins of Russian Superstitions
First of all, let’s find out what superstitions are and where they come from.
The roots of Russian superstitions go deep into ancient times. Before the Christianization of Russia in 988, our ancestors were pagans and believed in numerous spirits — house spirits, forest spirits, water creatures, mermaids, bathhouse spirits and other supernatural beings. It was believed that the world around them was inhabited by invisible forces that could either help or harm a person. To gain their support or avoid trouble people performed special rituals, used charms and even made offerings [1].
After the adoption of Christianity pagan beliefs did not disappear but merged with the new religion. As a result, a variety of hybrid beliefs and customs emerged. For example, an Orthodox Christian crosses themselves when passing a church but may also spit over their left shoulder or knock on wood to ward off bad luck. Superstitions became an integral part of daily culture, especially in rural areas.
Many omens were based on observations of nature, weather and animal behavior. For example, meeting a black cat is still considered a bad sign. Just like spilled salt predicts a quarrel and whistling in the house is believed to bring financial trouble. People have long looked for signs in the world around them trying to predict fate or protect themselves from misfortune.
The influence of superstitions can sometimes be so strong that they affect crucial life decisions. A vivid example is the story of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin. In December 1825, the poet was planning to travel to Saint Petersburg to join the Decembrist uprising, where many of his close friends were involved. However, a hare ran across the road — a traditional symbol of misfortune and bad luck. Pushkin took this as a sign of fate and canceled his trip. As we know, the uprising was brutally suppressed and many of its participants were executed or sent to Siberia. It can be said that this superstition possibly saved Pushkin’s life. This case shows how deeply even educated people could be immersed in folk beliefs [2].
A special category of Russian superstitions is student beliefs and rituals, which are widely practiced in the academic environment. They become especially relevant during exam periods, when nerves are tense and every action takes on a magical meaning. At such times, superstitions are more than just tradition — they become a whole system of symbolic behavior aimed at attracting luck and ensuring success.
Halyava come to me
The most well-known and recognizable student superstition. On the eve of an exam a student opens a window and loudly shouts into the night three times “Halyava come to me.” The word halyava in Russian slang refers to an unexpected stroke of luck or getting something easily without effort — like a simple exam question or a lenient professor. Some wear a pan on their head while others hold their gradebook. There are even “magical hours” from midnight to 3 a.m. when the call is believed to be most effective. This ritual supposedly calls for good luck an easy question or a kind professor. Variations exist — some yell “Halyava catch me” or add details like “Halyava come pass the exam bring a five.” It depends on the region of the university and even individual courses. The key is to believe in the spell.
Coin in the Shoe
Probably the second most popular superstition. This superstition is rooted in the symbolic value of numbers. In Russia, the highest exam grade is “5,” so placing a five-ruble coin under the heel is meant to “invite” a top score. It is not just any coin — the number on it is crucial. A “5” is a direct representation of the desired result. The coin is typically placed inside the right shoe, under the heel — a spot believed to be connected to one’s strength and energy. The idea is that every step taken during the exam is powered by luck and monetary energy.
Some students carry the same coin for years, believing it accumulates success and positive energy from previous exams. It may even be passed down from upperclassmen to freshmen, becoming a sort of academic heirloom. Others may personalize the ritual by whispering a wish into the coin or wrapping it in red thread for extra strength.
Gradebook on the Windowsill
Another common superstition involves the student record book. Before the exam, it should be placed on a windowsill with an open page facing the moon. The idea is that moonlight will “charge” the gradebook with knowledge and help the student remember information better. It’s important for the room to be quiet and undisturbed during this “charging.” Some students read their notes during the process, hoping the moon will help absorb the material.
No Washing Before the Exam
Some students believe that one should not wash hair, cut it or shave before an exam. The idea is that knowledge may be washed away with water. This likely stems from the old belief that hair stores energy and memory and cutting it may weaken the mind. Though questionable in terms of hygiene, this superstition remains popular in student circles.
Lucky Clothing
Many students believe in wearing lucky clothes for each exam. This might be a favorite T-shirt, jeans, sweater or even socks. The important thing is that the item is associated with positive emotions and past academic success. Some students even avoid washing their “lucky” clothes, so they don’t lose their magical properties.
Textbook Under the Pillow
A traditional belief says that placing a textbook or notes under your pillow the night before an exam will help knowledge seep into your brain during sleep. This superstition is especially loved by students who didn’t have time to study — they rely on a little magic instead.
Don’t Wish Good Luck
Wishing someone good luck before an exam is considered bad luck. Instead, people say “Ni pukh, ni pera,” which means “neither fluff nor feather” — a phrase from hunting culture. The student must reply “K chortu” — “to the devil.” The idea is to trick evil spirits by pretending not to care about success. Though now said humorously, many students still follow this rule just in case.
Taboo Words
On exam day, certain words are avoided, such as “fail,” “flunk,” “zero,” or “didn’t pass.” Instead of “exam,” students say “event” or “situation.” This small ritual helps reduce stress and avoid jinxing the outcome.
Ritual with the Freezer
Some students place their gradebook or notes in the freezer the night before the exam. The idea is to freeze bad grades, anxiety, or the professor’s anger. This is often accompanied by phrases like “Cool down bad luck, freeze failure.”
Don’t Look the Teacher in the Eye
During the exam, some students try not to look directly at the teacher thinking it may confuse them or break their concentration. They may instead look off to the side or at the teacher’s nose.
Silence is Golden
It’s considered bad luck to say out loud which question or topic you want to get. “If you say it out loud, it won’t come true,” students say. Some even avoid talking about the exam the whole night before, to avoid scaring off luck.
In-Class Rituals
Right before the exam, students also perform rituals in the classroom. Some touch the pen they used on a past successful exam, others whisper a charm or simply sit quietly trying to calm their thoughts.
Russian superstitions are more than just old beliefs — they are a living cultural phenomenon blending history psychology religion and everyday life. From ancient rituals to modern student customs, they still play a major role in the lives of millions of people.
Superstitions help people to cope with anxiety, add symbolic meaning to important events and create a feeling of control in uncertain situations. Even if science has proven that black cats don’t affect fate and a good grade doesn’t depend on a coin in your shoe you can still hear the call echoing across campus dorms at night — “Halyava come to me!”
Список использованной литературы
- Верования на Руси до Крещения // КУЛЬТУРА.РФ URL: https://www.culture.ru/materials/151806/verovaniya-na-rusi-do-kresheniya
- Какой знак судьбы уберег великого поэта? // ТВ-3 URL: https://tv3.ru/post/chto-ubereglo-pushkina-ot-katorgi
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