It upset me. Later, I got a copy of their report. It was nice to see they drew the distinction. Arabs are among the most superstitious people in the world. But, you will rarely see a seashell.
Caged birds are bad luck, too.
They are singing curses at you for locking them up. But a bird flying around in your house is a symbol of good fortune. Just don't kill it. Don't hang philodendrons in the house. They symbolize the devil's tears.