Why Are Men Afraid of Falling Snakes?
In the old days, houses in rural areas were often dilapidated and old, with roofs made of bamboo, wood, and thatch. Due to their poor waterproofing abilities, these roofs often provided shelter to snakes, rodents, and other creatures.

A man confronted by a falling snake may encounter bad luck. (Illustrative image)
According to ancient beliefs, if a snake falls in front of a man, he may encounter misfortune. In the eyes of the ancients, snakes embodied the sacred and the ominous. Instead of attacking or killing them, people would politely ask them to leave.
Additionally, we are all aware of the agility and ferocity of snakes. If provoked, they may attack humans.
Ancient beliefs held that men were the family’s breadwinners, and any injury to them would significantly impact the family’s livelihood. Hence, the saying, “Men fear falling snakes.”
What Does “Women Fear Falling Mice” Mean?
In rural areas, mice are abundant, and their squeaks can be heard day and night. According to ancient beliefs, there are two reasons why women fear falling mice:

If food is stolen by mice, the woman may face complaints and reprimands from her family for not being vigilant. (Illustrative image)
Firstly, women tend to be timid, so they fear mice. If a mouse were to fall from above, it could easily startle them, causing anxiety and difficulty concentrating on their tasks.
Secondly, in ancient times, food was mainly stored by hanging it to prevent mice from destroying it. Mice would crawl along the beams to reach the food. Therefore, a mouse falling from a beam indicates that the food has been compromised.
In the past, if food was lost to mice, women would face complaints and reprimands from their families for not being vigilant. They might even be blamed for not safeguarding the family’s possessions, leading to strained relationships. The saying, “Women fear falling mice”, originates from this context.
The information in this article is for reference only and should not be taken as absolute truth.