Located on the ancient Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world each year. As in most Asian countries, you'll find numerous local beliefs in this nation that every traveler should understand before visiting.

We've prepared a selection of beliefs and traditions you may encounter during your journey to Kyrgyzstan.

The 40-Day Rule and Other Beliefs About Babies

In Kyrgyzstan, when a baby is born, parents make every effort to keep the child away from strangers for 40 days. It's a common belief that if a stranger or someone outside the family sees the child before 40 days have passed, the baby risks falling seriously ill.

Another belief holds that if a baby tends to sleep during the day and not at night, the mother should place the child's head against the exterior wall of a tandoor (a clay oven) three times. This ritual is performed in hopes that the child will adjust to sleeping at night. Of course, during this practice, the tandoor is not heated.

The Pine Needle Ritual

This is a ritual that Kyrgyz families practice when one or more family members face financial or personal difficulties. The ritual is performed with a shrub known as Archa. Branches are placed in a dish to be burned. Once it begins to produce smoke, it's turned around each family member while pronouncing the words: "may prosperity and success accompany us throughout the year."

Whistling Indoors Brings Bad Luck

This belief is widespread not only in Kyrgyzstan but in many former Soviet Union countries. The origin of this belief is unknown, however, a Russian website offers two explanations. The first is that whistling is a means unclean spirits use to communicate with one another. Thus, by whistling in the house, you risk inviting them under your roof. The second stems from a local legend. This legend tells that the ancients used whistles to summon wind gusts when they needed them. But they had to be very careful, because if uncontrolled, these winds could blow the roof off their dwellings.

The Full Moon, a Sign of Abundance

This is another belief very widespread across former Soviet Union countries. Some astrologers associate the full moon with abundance. Thus, it's a common belief that passing a banknote on a full moon day considerably increases wealth.

The Horseshoe, a Good Luck Charm

Finding a horseshoe on a road brings good luck. And the fortune increases if you bring it home and hang it above the door. Thus, it's quite natural to see a horseshoe hanging on a door in Kyrgyzstan.

Placing Objects Under the Pillow to Ward Off Nightmares

This is a widespread belief, but not unique to Kyrgyzstan. In Guatemala, for example, there are worry dolls that keep bad dreams away. Native Americans have dream catchers to trap bad dreams in their web and let only the good ones pass through. In Kyrgyzstan, if someone has nightmares, bread, wheat, or table knives are placed under their pillow to keep the nightmare at bay.

Bubbles in Tea, a Sign of Prosperity

As in many Asian countries, when Kyrgyz residents see bubbles in their tea, it's a sign announcing prosperity in the future. When visiting a Kyrgyz home, you'll notice that when tea is served to you, it's always half-full. In fact, this is a way for your host to show that they hope you'll stay longer. When it's time for you to leave, they'll let you know by serving you a full cup.