Dietary superstitions and taboos are a common topic of interest for students and parents alike during exam season. The belief is that certain foods can bring good luck and improve exam performance, while others should be avoided at all costs. So, what should you eat and what should you stay away from to ensure success? Let’s find out!
1. Foods to Avoid During Exam Season
Eggs
Eggs are a big no-no for students due to their round shape, which resembles a zero. Superstition dictates that eating eggs before an exam will bring bad luck and possibly a failing grade.
Eggs
Black Bean Dessert
In many cultures, the color black is associated with bad luck and misfortune. As such, students are advised to stay away from black bean desserts and any black-colored items during exam season to avoid any potential negative impact on their performance.
Black Bean Dessert
Peanuts
Some parents believe that eating peanuts before an exam will cause their children to “go off-topic” and underperform. As a result, peanuts are often off the menu for students during exam season.
Peanuts
Bananas
It is commonly believed that eating bananas before an exam will lead to failure. The word for “banana” in some languages sounds similar to the word for “slip,” so students are often warned against eating this fruit to avoid slipping up during their exams.
Bananas
Dog Meat
Dog meat is considered unlucky to eat before exams. It is believed that consuming this meat will bring bad luck and negatively impact exam performance.
Dog Meat
Duck Meat
Similar to dog meat, duck meat is also considered unlucky. Folk beliefs suggest that eating duck will not bring good fortune during exams.
Duck Meat
Bighead Carp
In Northern and Central Vietnam, people avoid eating bighead carp at the beginning of the month, year, or during important events like university entrance exams. The word “mè” in its name is associated with “mè nheo,” which has negative connotations. Additionally, bighead carp is known for its strong smell and abundance of bones, further contributing to its reputation as an unlucky food choice.
Bighead Carp
2. Lucky Foods to Eat Before Exams
Red Sticky Rice
Red sticky rice, or “xoi gac,” has long been considered a lucky food for students taking exams. The vibrant red color is associated with good luck, and it is believed that eating this dish will bring success and smooth sailing during exams.
Red Sticky Rice
Xoi Vo (Crumbled Sticky Rice)
Xoi vo is made from mung beans, and in Vietnamese culture, the word “dau” in mung beans sounds similar to the word “dau,” which means “to pass” or “to succeed.” Therefore, eating xoi vo is believed to bring good luck and success in exams.
Xoi Vo
Beans and Legumes (except black beans)
All types of beans and legumes, except black beans, are considered lucky foods for students. Eating red beans, in particular, is believed to bring good luck and symbolize passing exams with high scores.
Beans and Legumes
Tofu with Tomato Sauce
Tofu with tomato sauce is a nutritious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for students during exam season. The red color of the sauce is also believed to bring good luck and symbolize successfully passing through the “exam gate.”
Tofu with Tomato Sauce
Apples
Eating apples before exams is a superstition that originated in Hong Kong. The word for “apple” in Cantonese sounds similar to the word for “peace,” so it is believed that eating apples will bring peace and good luck during exams.
Many Hong Kongers hold the belief that consuming apples before taking an exam will bring them peace, good fortune, and ease throughout this crucial period.
Apples
Chicken Essence
Chicken essence is a popular choice among students in Malaysia, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong. It is believed to enhance brain function and improve concentration during exam preparation and test-taking.
Be sure to check out our recommendations for the best chicken essence drinks to boost your confidence and motivation during exam season!
Chicken Essence
3. Dietary Tips for Exam Season
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Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring you don’t skip meals. Opt for fresh and organic foods with clear origins.
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Stay hydrated! Dehydration can lead to fatigue and reduced concentration.
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Include , , , , and in your diet for a healthy balance of nutrients.
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Supplement your diet with , and . These vitamins can be found in abundance in various .
Dietary Tips for Exam Season
These are just folk beliefs to boost the morale of students facing challenging exams. Ultimately, knowledge and preparation are the most important factors for exam success. We wish all students the very best of luck!
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