Japanese

"Lucky charms of entrance exams"

In the U.S., seeing a white cat at night is believed to be a bad sign. Instead, we Japanese seem to abominate black cats. Also, as we have introduced to you before, while "13" may be considered a bad omen in the western society, we avoid "4" because this number reminds us of "death" (4 is pronounced like "Shi" and it is the same pronunciation as "death".) In some cases, 5 cakes are bought as a gift to a family of four to avoid this number. It's not too hard to imagine that there will be a fierce competition over the remaining cake.
Other than the above main examples, there are many interesting and some outrageous street talks regarding lucky charms during the entrance examinations of higher education. I suppose it's all part of a modern culture, so I should be proud to present some of the examples.

-1 This lucky charm is oriented among the parents who want their kids to enter a very highly accredited primary school in Tokyo. When visiting the school for the entry exam, one should pet the school turtles as the lucky charm is that anyone who touches the turtles will pass the exam.
Effect: Enormous numbers of parents touched the turtle back and they began shinning brilliantly. The turtles must be pleased but nobody knows about the actual effects.

-2 In a preparatory school for middle schools, anyone who touches a stomach of certain fat teacher will pass the exam.
[Effect] Touching is believing!? Some say that by touching the belly of this respected fat teacher actually relieved the stress of the exam. (Not to mention the benefit of massaging to the teacher's stomach)

-3 Carrying as a lucky charm a sample of hair from the student who goes to school they desire to enter can be very effective.
[Effect] For the seniors, no further need for a haircut?? Maybe a little awkward, and certainly not stylish, but heck, what's a little disorder for those cute potential freshmen!?

-4 Purchasing two pieces of "KitKats" brings you a successful result in exams.
("Kitkats" is pronounced like "Surely you will win." in Japanese)
[Result] Nestle smiled.

-5 "Koala March" biscuit is also effective because Koala bears never fall down from the tree even while they are sleeping.
[Result] LOTTE smiled.

In a preparatory school, if you see a ghost of a child you will pass the exam.
[Result] Very good omen to improve student's motivation toward over time study at school.

Although most of the Japanese people don't have any specific religions, some do pray for a God's help or believes in lucky charms at times of need. We sometimes pray for Buddha in order to enter a Christianity school. Nonsense, but whatever works.

Well, it's often told that the best cure for illness is a belief that medicine will do you good, no matter what you take. I assume that lucky charm is just like this medicine.