International Home Habits You Didn’t Know Existed (Until Now!)

We all have our special habits that make a house feel like home. This writer, for example, requires two pairs of slippers by the bedroom door at all times, for before, and after a shower. More often than not, these quirks are influenced by the culture we grew up in. And, sometimes, they can be really peculiar.

To shine a light on these "Grandma always said..." traditions that make each culture unique, we've rounded up 10 of the most interesting home practices and superstitions from family, friends, and distant relatives. Click ahead for tidbits ranging from the history of phallic objects as home accessories, to one theory that argues why a broom might be the reason you're single.