Top 10 Incredibly Weird Celebrity Rituals
#10: One Shirt
Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg has been criticized for a number of things, but one thing that never arises is any kind of fashion faux-pas. That’s because he wears the same grey t-shirt every day (not the same same one, though - he can afford a few). He claims wardrobe selection is a useless decision, and tries to limit the number of choices he has to make in a day. There’s actually some psychology behind this, too, called “decision fatigue”, and it theorizes that we can only make so many well-grounded decisions in a given day. Therefore, Mark “One-Shirt” Zuckerberg likes to keep his decisions for important things. We might also mention that the shirt in question is from Brunello Cucinelli and costs him around $400 a piece, “only”.
#9: White Rabbit
James McAvoy
Here’s a thing… If ever you happen to be the first person James McAvoy sees on the first of the month, he will undoubtedly say “white rabbit” to you. That’s because it supposedly brings good luck. McAvoy was reportedly taught this particular superstition by his grandmother. The practice has been around for some time in North America and Great Britain, with variations such as “rabbit rabbit” - twice or in some cases, three times. The exact explanation for it isn’t clear, but rabbits (and their feet) have been associated with luck for millennia. It has definitely worked for James McAvoy, so perhaps it’s a good habit for the rest of us to pick up too.
#8: Anti-Superstitions
Christian Bale
What do you call it when Batman misses church? A Christian Bail. (Bad um tss!) But seriously, if going to church was seen as auspicious, the actor would skip out on it. That’s because, as we would expect him to, Christian Bale goes against the grain when it comes to superstitions. He has admitted to doing the opposite of all things lucky, including purposely walking under ladders. We’re considering this ritualistic behaviour and not skepticism, as he goes out of his way to do these things. Plus, we can safely say he has no issue with being around black cats - Catwoman can attest to that! Again, it seems to be working for him luck-wise, so carry on Mr. Bale.
#7: Total Darkness
Eminem
Eminem’s habit isn’t too bizarre, maybe just a little inconvenient at times. When Slim Shady goes to sleep, it isn’t enough for him to simply draw the shades. (Questionable pun intended.) He can only sleep in complete darkness. When on tour, he asks hotels to cover the windows so he can get his beauty sleep. And, wouldn’t you know it, he’s actually on to something. The complete absence of light is important for sleep because it tells the brain that it’s time to relax. Light causes stimulation, alertness and action. Darkness, on the other hand, increases melatonin levels - while light inhibits them. We assume Eminem gets a good night’s sleep in the dark so he can have the energy to rap at the speed of light by the morning!
#6: Superstitions Galore
Kit Harington
Many people have superstitions, and Kit Harington apparently has enough for those who don’t. The actor, who has described himself as “horribly superstitious”, also has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He reportedly does things in threes, such as kissing the stage 3 times before a show. Or, whenever he takes a flight, he must touch the outside of the plane 3 times before entering. The number 3 has a long history of being associated with luck, most notably in major religions, such as the Holy Trinity in Christianity, so that might be an explanation. He’s even admitted to scratching his - ahem - nether regions whenever he sees an ambulance - wherever that came from.
#5: Make a Wish at 11:11
Paris Hilton
We can probably all admit to doing this at some point. “It’s 11:11! Make a wish!” Well, apparently Paris Hilton is a little obsessed with this superstition - she has tweeted about it nearly every day since 2009. What is she wishing for? One might assume she already has everything… The ritual isn’t unusual: many believe that the numbers 1 and 11 are associated with new beginnings or a time for self-reflection, among other things. For some, the numbers are meaningful no matter where they are - not just on the clock!
#4: Leech Therapy
Demi Moore
It seems the wealthy will try anything to retain youth. Even age-old treatments aren’t completely out of the question where beauty regimens are involved… and Demi Moore has admitted to leech therapy. Yes, leeches: those things found in shallow lakes that stick to your skin and suck your blood if you’re not careful. Moore claims it detoxifies her blood, though, leaving her feeling revitalized and in optimal health. Leeches are actually used medically, as they release proteins and peptides that act as anticoagulants for blood. And they’ve been shown to greatly aid in recovery from surgery, so maybe Moore is on to something. She says her leeches “aren’t just swamp leeches. [They’re] highly trained medical leeches”. Leeches that went to Harvard, if you will...
#3: Flight Ritual
Megan Fox
Many of us have a fear of flying, and with this fear often comes superstitious practices. Megan Fox, as it turns out, also suffers from aerophobia, and has her own unique way to cope with it. She listens to Britney Spears. Apparently, Fox knows “for a fact” that she won’t die listening to Britney Spears; thus, it’s vital that she listens to Spears’ archives while she flies. We’d like to know where Fox gets her “facts”, but hey, whatever works! If she starts wearing a red Lycra jumpsuit every time she flies, however, we might have to worry.
#2: Bird Poop Facials
Tom Cruise
Have you heard of the Geisha Facial? Tom Cruise seems to rely on it to keep his youthful glow. It’s Japanese, and sounds rather exotic, doesn’t it? Well, it’s bird poop. The facials were introduced to Hollywood by who other than Victoria Beckham. They apparently contain an anti-ageing formula that includes powdered nightingale feces, which are said to exfoliate and rejuvenate skin. For the reasonable price of around $180, you too can have a bird excrement facial! Or, and hear us out, for a free facial, just lie down in a fast-food parking lot and wait for the seagulls. Sure, it’s not exactly the same, but can we all agree that bird poop can be free with just a little imagination?
#1: Gold Earrings
Morgan Freeman
Everyone’s favorite narrator has a very practical - if a little morbid - reason for wearing his signature jewelry. Freeman is always seen wearing 2 gold earrings, and he has an explanation for it. In the unfortunate case that he should die in a location distant from home, his earrings are worth the exact amount it would cost to purchase a coffin. Freeman got the idea from sailors. Sailors wore earrings for a number of reasons, but one of which was to pay for their funeral or transport costs should their bodies wash up ashore or should they die onboard. And, you know, they look cool, too!