Growing up, I was told to not take photos when there are 3 people. Along with that, I also was told to never be in the middle when taking pictures with other two people. As I get older, my mind is modernized and this superstition starts to fade. However, there are still many people who believe this. So why do Cambodians avoid taking photos of 3? You will find the answers below.
Why Do Cambodians Always Look For The Fourth Person?
Whenever people take photos and there are just 3, someone old will always say “Just 3? Find another person, don’t take photos with just 3 people.” I have heard this so many times when I was a kid, and here’s why. Old people believe that bad things will happen to one of the 3 people in the picture. The bad luck mostly happens to the person who stands in the middle. 3 is an odd number, we don’t really use this number much; especially on special occasions. They believe that the number 3 is associated with bad spirits so we mostly avoid doing things related to the number 3.
What Will Happen To The Person Standing In The Middle?
Standing in the middle when taking photos is something that many people avoid when there are only 3 people. It is believed that the person who stands in the middle will experience bad luck or even life-threatening incidents. The bad luck will remain with them for up to 5 to 8 months, and things they do will not prosper. The person in the middle is seen as alone, and there could be some spirit that wants to complete the pair. This is why only married people are allowed to take photos of 3 and they can even stand in the middle.
Final Words
This belief is not only in Cambodia but also in other countries in Asia. As always, I do not want you to believe in any of this; I only want to share what I grew up knowing. And, of course, I take photos with two other people on many occasions, and I love being in the middle. I just think this is not something that you will come across or hear much. If you wonder why do Cambodians avoid taking photos of 3, you got your answers.
Related Post: Things Cambodian People Avoid When Camping