Superstitions and Traditions to Avoid Being Cursed or Haunted in the Hetao Plains
The Hetao Plains, steeped in ghostly legends and eerie phenomena, have given rise to a wealth of superstitions and traditions aimed at avoiding curses or hauntings. These practices reflect the region's history and the deep fears of those who dare to traverse its haunted expanse.
1. Stay on Your Side
- For Malnarrians and Others:
- If you’re Malnarrian or from another region, stay on the Malnarrian frontlines and avoid venturing into the Nyaanese-controlled areas.
- Crossing into the enemy’s side is said to anger the spirits, as they see you as a trespasser or invader.
- For Nyaanese:
- Likewise, Nyaanese travelers are warned to stay on their own frontlines and avoid entering areas historically held by the Malnarrian forces.
- Why It’s Believed:
- The spirits are thought to remain loyal to their respective sides, and entering the opposing frontlines is seen as a sign of disrespect or provocation.
2. Raise Your Hands When Crossing the Frontlines
- The Surrender Gesture:
- When crossing the former frontlines, travelers are instructed to raise their hands as though surrendering. This gesture is believed to signal to the spirits that you come in peace and mean no harm.
- Why It’s Believed:
- The surrender gesture is thought to confuse the ghosts of soldiers, who may mistake you for one of their own laying down arms and let you pass unharmed.
3. Respect the Mass Graves
- Avoid Walking on Uneven Ground:
- Locals warn against walking on uneven terrain that might indicate a hidden mass grave. Disturbing these sites is believed to bring misfortune or illness.
- Offer a Small Tribute:
- If you suspect you’re near a grave, it’s customary to leave a small token, such as:
- A coin for the spirits’ passage.
- A flower as a gesture of respect.
- A piece of bread or rice as an offering for hungry spirits.
4. Stay Silent During Fog
- No Talking:
- Travelers are told to stay silent during heavy fog, as speaking might attract phantom soldiers who could mistake you for an enemy or a deserter.
- Why It’s Believed:
- The fog is seen as a veil between the living and the dead, and breaking the silence is thought to awaken the spirits wandering nearby.
5. Avoid Touching Artifacts
- Don’t Pick Up War Relics:
- Locals warn against picking up anything left behind, such as:
- Helmets, firearms, or uniforms.
- Personal items like letters, photos, or trinkets.
- These items are believed to be cursed, bound to the spirits of their original owners.
- Why It’s Believed:
- Taking an artifact is seen as robbing the dead, which may cause the spirit to follow you and bring misfortune.
6. The Ritual of the Windmills
- Offerings at the Windmills:
- Before passing by a windmill, travelers are advised to leave a small offering, such as a handful of rice or a lit candle.
- This act is believed to appease the spirits who haunt the windmills and keep them from luring you into danger.
7. Carry Protective Charms
- Common Charms:
- Silver Coins: Said to repel restless spirits.
- Blessed Water: Drawn from Gohomi or another sacred source, believed to protect against hauntings.
- Salt: Carried in a pouch to scatter if you feel a ghostly presence.
- Why It’s Believed:
- These items are thought to create a spiritual barrier between the living and the dead.
8. Don’t Camp Overnight
- Keep Moving:
- Travelers are strongly advised not to camp on the plains, especially near trenches, craters, or abandoned villages.
- Why It’s Believed:
- Nighttime is when the spirits are most active, and lingering too long might attract their attention.
9. Respect the "Phantom Lanterns"
- Don’t Follow the Lights:
- The phantom lanterns that appear at night are thought to be carried by spirits searching for their comrades or families.
- Travelers are warned never to follow these lights, as they are believed to lead into bogs, trenches, or abandoned traps.
- Why It’s Believed:
- Following a lantern is seen as being lured into the realm of the dead, where you might lose your way forever.
10. Apologize to the Spirits
- The Traveler’s Apology:
- Before entering the plains, travelers are advised to say a prayer or apology, such as:
- “I mean no harm, only to pass through.”
- “I honor your sacrifice and seek your blessing.”
- Why It’s Believed:
- Acknowledging the spirits shows respect and humility, which may prevent them from viewing you as an enemy or intruder.
11. Never Look Back
- Keep Moving Forward:
- If you hear footsteps or voices behind you, it is said you should never turn around. Looking back might allow a spirit to attach itself to you or drag you into their realm.
- Why It’s Believed:
- Turning around is seen as acknowledging the presence of the dead, breaking the barrier between worlds.
12. Avoid the Plains During Key Dates
- Anniversaries of Battles:
- Locals say the spirits are most active on the anniversaries of major battles, reenacting their last moments and becoming more hostile to intruders.
- Why It’s Believed:
- These dates are thought to carry the emotional weight of the events, amplifying the plains’ supernatural activity.
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