The beautiful sight of Aurora Borevalis, or the northern lights, has created several superstitions as signs of war.
Of course, in a northern climate, such a belief would not have been allowed on the doorstep, since on winter nights this phenomenon is common there. But in the south, where Aurora is rarely seen, fear has found fertile ground.
In 1939, as Britain drifted closer to war, the northern lights were spotted south of London. And in the United States, before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, an amazing sight was seen for three consecutive nights in Cleveland, Ohio.
But even more common phenomena can serve as signs of war. Most often, animals appear here. The Americans say that war is heralded by the appearance of a large number of locusts with curious marks on the wings, reminiscent of the letter W. (Some say that the letter does not refer to war, but to poverty.)
Also, the unusual fertility of sheep means the approach of war, as if nature itself is preparing for a period of difficulties; the large growth of rats means the same thing. When ants are very prolific and active, war is just around the corner. Conversely, when bees behave sluggishly and almost do not produce honey, this is also a war.
The appearance of an unusually large number of beetles in Britain is a sign of impending war. In Sweden, the hoopoes point to war; in other countries, war is heralded by crows flying towards each other, or eagles flying low over the valley.
The beautiful sight of Aurora Borevalis, or the northern lights, has created several superstitions as signs of war.
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Of course, in a northern climate, such a belief would not have been allowed on the doorstep, since on winter nights this phenomenon is common there. But in the south, where Aurora is rarely seen, fear has found fertile ground.
In 1939, as Britain drifted closer to war, the northern lights were spotted south of London. And in the United States, before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, an amazing sight was seen for three consecutive nights in Cleveland, Ohio.
But even more common phenomena can serve as signs of war. Most often, animals appear here. The Americans say that war is heralded by the appearance of a large number of locusts with curious marks on the wings, reminiscent of the letter W. (Some say that the letter does not refer to war, but to poverty.)
Also, the unusual fertility of sheep means the approach of war, as if nature itself is preparing for a period of difficulties; the large growth of rats means the same thing. When ants are very prolific and active, war is just around the corner. Conversely, when bees behave sluggishly and almost do not produce honey, this is also a war.
The appearance of an unusually large number of beetles in Britain is a sign of impending war. In Sweden, the hoopoes point to war; in other countries, war is heralded by crows flying towards each other, or eagles flying low over the valley.
War comes when many boys are born or when children start to play soldiers on the street.
A dream with blood also portends war.
As for the heavenly bodies, the red moon means war, as does the sight of a strange heart in the northwestern sky, with stars visible on it.
In the US, the disappearance of the group of seven stars (undefined) is said to mean war. And in a positive sense, it can be added that the appearance of a full rainbow in times of international crises is a sign of peace.
The importance of war in superstition can be shown by the existence of special and unusual signs. For example, some British streams and lakes behave strangely before the war. Essend Brook in Oxfordshire is known for its irregularity.
Before the war, it dries up completely; locals swear that this was the case in 1914 and in 1939. Well of St. Helena in Staffordshire dries up before wars and other troubles. Dry Pond in Devon was full before the national disaster and was full before the death of King George VI in 1952.
The British know a wonderful drum that belonged to Sir Francis Drake, which emits a long beat, heralding war in itself. It is said that the last time this was in 1914. Obviously, he predicts victories, since Christine Hole noticed a modern legend: the drum hit in 1918, when the German fleet surrendered at Scapa Flow.
Accordingly, it is believed from American history that during the Civil War, stripes of red, white, and blue appeared in the night sky before major battles.
The terrible trauma of war inflicted on a nation creates a need for reassurance, as well as a wide range of illusions that have gripped an alarmed population. Nothing else can explain the incredible flourishing of astrology and similar forms of pseudoscientific prediction that accompanied the Second World War.
This boom forced the British government to make contact with astrologers, who often predicted swift Allied victories. There was no doubt - as popular opinion indicated - that millions of people began to desperately believe in predictions.
More localized misconceptions were caused by complications in the war, of which one should mention the widespread tale among allied soldiers that aircraft malfunctions and crashes were caused by evil creatures - the gremlins. These and similar creatures were the latest in a long line of "little people" known from European legends, who seemed to be doing their best to ruin people's lives.
The pilots in the Allied forces had a variety of magical means to ward off gremlin activity; an empty beer bottle was famous among them - the gremlins simply could not resist it and climbed inside, but they could not get out.
In some coastal areas of Britain during World War I, people believed that the souls of slain sailors also participated in the battle. Legend has it that old fires flashed on the British coast, visible only to enemy ships. They sent ships to the rocks, just as pirates lured ships to the rocks two centuries ago to plunder them.
The most famous misconceptions stemmed from misunderstandings or the acceptance of fiction as fact. The English writer Arthur Meschen, then an unknown and now recognized master of fiction, wrote a short story in which the weakened souls of British soldiers in Mons, Belgium, were revived by the appearance of angelic warriors in the sky, calling them to battle.
This is a common motif in folklore: Divine help often comes in moments of great danger and is accepted by Christians, including St. Thomas Aquinas, from the early centuries. But the story caused delight in the country, and the fictional side of the story was forgotten. People really believed that the angels at Mons were visible; soldiers and officers immediately declared that they had witnessed this event and added their fantasies to the story of Meschen; hundreds of articles analyzed the meaning of the manifestation in the key to the possible victory of Britain. (It should be added that Meshen's role in the drama was forgotten and he remained unknown as before.)
In an atmosphere of wartime anxiety, fairly well-known superstitions can add additional dimensions to the minds of people. During World War II, the wives of soldiers believed that it was wrong to refer to the absence of their husbands in conversations. In defense factories, workers scratched the names of enemy leaders on bombs and shells. (Names are always featured in magic charms.)
People whose relatives were on the frontline went to great lengths to avoid the well-known signs of death, such as keeping dogs in the house to keep them from howling around the house. Families put up extra plates on special occasions for husbands or sons who fought at the front. The authorities warned people not to talk in public about their loved ones who served at the front, but superstitious people made it a taboo for fear of somehow putting their soldiers at risk.
In Britain, the unlucky number 13 had a brief moment of glory. Bus drivers with route number 13 in London kept them busy during the terrible blitz in 1940, and many people believed that this number kept them safe from bombs. As soon as the US entered the war, the superstition became so intense that the War Council became alarmed. The council called the superstition unpatriotic and campaigned to explain to the public that refusing to light three cigarettes from one match was a waste of valuable materials.
But, of course, in wartime, the real package of superstitions fell on the armed forces themselves. People who went into battle listened to every advice that could assure them of bright hopes. Superstition included not only the acceptance of religion, but also various forms of philosophical fatalism.
A common belief in World War II was the belief that you would not be killed in battle until your number came out. It was a predestination, so there was no need to worry. A similar mockery of excitement came from the widespread observation that only one enemy bullet or shell bore the name of a particular soldier; somehow this idea protected the soldiers from panic with every bullet.
However, anxiety increased at certain signs of trouble or defeat in battle. Failure was envisaged if the soldier stumbled when he went into battle. The soldiers believed that they would not return from battle if they removed the beds before going into battle. (An unmade bed indicated that the owner would be back soon. Likewise, it was fortunate to shave before a fight: that is, you would return for the evening fun.)
Many birds were considered bad harbingers; the ancient Romans feared the appearance of vultures over their legions as they marched into battle. In many parts of the world now birds of prey - especially hawks - flying to the left of the army indicate defeat. British soldiers fear the whistling birds, known as the "seven whistlers," as do sailors.
And, of course, the worst sign is the loss of the flag, banner, regimental standards and the like in battle. This superstition is associated with a primitive belief in totem magic: a totem, usually an animal, was considered the seat of the spirit of the tribe. The harm done to him passed on to the entire tribe. The loss of the standards not only wounded the honor of the regiment, but also magically undermined its unity and its very existence.
Naturally, defensive magic was used in World War II. A group of American psychologists in a detailed study of the US troops noted the use of magical practices: ordinary amulets were worn in battle, including rabbit legs, crosses and Bibles; various taboos were used, for example, against lighting three cigarettes from one match or other trial of fate; fixed manners of action in preparation for battle; items of clothing and equipment that are associated with past exits from dangerous situations.
During the war, the Danish psychologist Mirlu wrote: “We all go to war with amulets and talismans, convinced that their presence will save us from harm. We use magic formulas that drive away fear. " He noted the formulas and incantations that he personally used in the war: he repeated over and over: "It's a philosophical absurdity to end your life in this damn moment."
Writer John Steinbeck, who served as a war correspondent, reported to the New York Herald Tribune that he “noticed amulets on the soldiers. They wore smooth pebbles, strange pieces of metal, lucky coins, rings and other jewelry associated with family and friends. Sometimes even photographs of wives and parents became magical, associated with the happy outcomes of battles. One soldier wore a small pig carved from wood with the inscription: "The pig is not for us."
Folklore traditionally associates certain items with the protection of soldiers in battle - pieces of coal, amethysts, and even an afterbirth bought for good luck. But many soldiers use their own amulets and find ways to bring good luck into them. In World War I, for example, the gunners decided that trouble happened when someone brought Ryder Haggard's novel with them. Therefore, since then, they have burned any book by this author.
But superstition isn't just found among soldiers. Officers, generals, and leaders of countries are also subject to them. Hitler was devoted to such beliefs: he and some of his generals paid close attention to astrological predictions during the war. And Hitler blindly believed in the power of the lucky seven. Sunday, the seventh day of the week, became an auspicious day in his eyes - he set most of the attacks on Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Greece and Russia on Sunday.
In the Allied forces, General Eisenhower himself wore a special gold coin for luck. And George Kennedy, who served in the 5th US Air Force, carried with him a pair of dice that he acquired in Paris.
They were blessed by the priest on the condition that they would not participate in gambling. This was before the successful attacks against the Japanese. Kennedy rolled the dice as a token, and sometimes they gave the lucky eleven points.
Perhaps the clearest indication of this magic was the services that distributed amulets and live animals to some troops. (The connection to the totems is also visible here.) Of course, sometimes talismans did their duty if, for example, they were dogs trained for rescue missions.
But many talismans were just favorites - keepers of group luck. There were goats belonging to the Royal Welsh Regiment; Shepherd dogs from the Irish guards. There was even a lion in a squadron of Canadian pilots, a donkey in the 8th US Air Force, a rabbit, a canary, a goose in the Desert Air Force, and a Himalayan bear in a squadron of RAF.
