The weather has been pretty gloomy lately, and we all know how rain can dampen — like, literally — the moods of those heading to an outdoor event.

But did you know that we Singaporeans actually have a unique way to 'pray' for a sunny day?

Recently, Taiwanese singer Ariel Sha, aka the wife of Tony Sun, took to Instagram to share something she learnt on her recent trip to our little red dot.

Ariel was in town with the 5566 member, who was here on Sunday (Sep 14) with the rest of the group to perform at the One Love Asia Festival at the Bayfront Event Space. 

"I saw something that was very interesting and quite cute," said the 37-year-old, who was waiting backstage during 5566's rehearsals when she noticed a handful of chillies scattered all over the floor.

"Initially I thought someone wanted to add chilli to their food but accidentally dropped them. But it was too absurd because they were found across a very large area," she cackled. 

She only found out after asking around that the chillies were used as part of a ritual to pray for clear weather for the event.

Known as the "chilli bawang" ritual, the popular folk practice sees people placing chillies and onions in strategic locations, often by a virgin, and is believed to prevent rain.

The superstition is rooted in old beliefs that the hot and spicy nature of the chillies and onions can ward off the coolness of the rain. 

"I thought it's so cute! So cool! I thought it was so interesting and had to share it with you guys," she chirped.

She also shared how different countries have different superstitions and rituals to prevent rain.

In Taiwan, the tradition to help prevent rain is to draw a tortoise then burn it. A tortoise is "wu gui" in Mandarin, which shares the same "wu" as "wu yun" (dark clouds). 

The act of burning the tortoise drawing signifies "wu yun gui qu", which translates to 'the dark clouds have retreated'. 

Taiwanese also believe in the teru teru bōzu, which is a small traditional Japanese handmade doll that people hang outside doors and windows in hopes of sunny weather.

Many Singaporeans took to the comments to admit that they were unaware of this practice too.

"Crap, [I'm] a local and I didn't even know. I've learnt something new," laughed one netizen. 

One fan also confirmed that the ritual did work given how sunny it was that day.

"No wonder, I was still wondering why there were so many chillies on the floor. In the end the sun was scorching that day. I was waiting at the venue since 1pm and got a sunburn," they lamented.

View Ariel's full post on Instagram below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 夏宇童Ariel (@sha_ariel)

Photos: Ariel Sha/Instagram