In the story 6th Sense, the author mentioned that it is bad luck to go to sleep with your hair untied, particularly if you have long hair. I wondered why, and he/she was kind enough to give me an answer. Thank you! ^^

According to our Bangladeshi culture, hair - especially long hair - is seen as something beautiful. Just like humans, human spirits are also attracted to beauty.  Sprits, jinnats etc are particularly envious of new brides and babies.

Back in my Nan's generation, all babies, male or female, would have their ears pierced to so as to create an imperfection. Do u see what I mean? They do this so that the spirits would not be very jealous anymore.

Even though they don't do that now, new babies are always marked with a kohl spot on the side of the forehead to deflect evil - therefore imperfections such as birthmarks are considered good as protection against possession.

Talking about superstition, Bangladeshi communities are still rife in their belief of possession. Elders say red or white clothing attracts spirits and Phari's (malicious faeries!). Hair untied is another thing you should avoid and walking under a Bhot tree is considered bad. These trees are absolutely huge and reputedly the hangout of women spirits called Fehtnis. Toilets are seen as very nasty places, because they are generally naphak (unclean).

Isn't it strange though, that the Chinese believe red brings good luck while the Bengali believe that red brings bad luck?