"China's 'Bank Soil' Superstition Sparks Controversy and Debate"
Despite the rapid strides in technology and science, there exists a narrative where individuals fall prey to superstitions.
By: Tupaki Desk | 11 March 2025 8:13 PMIn this era where technology reigns supreme, it's surprising to encounter tales of superstitions still holding sway over people's beliefs and actions. In China, a peculiar superstition has taken root, illustrating how even in a country at the forefront of technological advancement, age-old beliefs can persist. The crux of this superstition lies in the notion that soil from bank premises has the mystical ability to attract wealth and good luck to its possessor. This belief has spurred individuals to purchase what is being marketed as "Bank Soil," with the promise that keeping it at home will significantly enhance their fortunes.
Despite the rapid strides in technology and science, there exists a narrative where individuals fall prey to superstitions. In a recent development in China, a bizarre superstition has emerged, where people are convinced that possessing soil from the premises of various banks, including top names like the Bank of China and the China Construction Bank, will usher in prosperity and good luck. This soil, sometimes extracted from flower pots within the lobbies of these banks, is being packaged and sold at prices ranging from a modest 24 yuan to an exorbitant 888 yuan. E-commerce platforms and certain business entities have been promoting this "Bank Soil," claiming it guarantees a direct path to wealth. The fervent promotion through advertisements and videos showcasing the collection of this soil has led to a widespread belief in its supposed benefits.
This phenomenon has not only caught the fancy of the believers but also sparked a significant discussion on social media platforms, polarizing opinions. While a section of the population has been drawn into the frenzy, purchasing the soil in the hopes of securing wealth, there exists a vocal opposition that criticizes this practice as mere foolishness, rooted in superstition. The controversy has escalated to the point where concerns over the potential damage to government property have been raised, given the soil is being extracted from the premises of state-owned banks. The government has taken notice of this unusual trend and has implemented a ban on the sale of "Bank Soil" by e-commerce platforms. Despite this, offline sales of the soil persist, underlining the deep-rooted nature of this superstition.