Although superstitions do not occupy such an important place in the life of modern society, at least in their primary sense, they have played a huge role in the formation of both society itself and its culture. Old grandmother's tales, urban legends or just scary stories - they all still have their adherents.
1. Gum - the flesh of the dead
In some parts of Turkey, you may have to think twice before putting chewing gum in your mouth. There is a belief that if you chew it at night, it turns into the rotting flesh of a dead man.
2. Moaning cheese for newborns
You've certainly heard of Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese and Pepper Jack cheese, but do you know anything about moaning cheese? In medieval England, pregnant women made what was called moaning cheese. It was a huge circle of cheese that matured for nine months while the baby was growing in the womb. When it was “time to moan” (time of birth), the whole family celebrated and ate this cheese until only the top crust was left. A newborn was carried through this crust on the day of baptism. It was believed that then his life would be long and happy. What a cheesy superstition!
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3. Horseshoe for good luck
Some people believe that in order to attract happiness into the house and get rid of nightmares, you need to hang a horseshoe in the bedroom or above the front door with the ends up. This superstition is due to the fact that there are seven holes on the horseshoe, and this is a lucky number. The horseshoe is also made of iron, it is believed that this metal drives away evil spirits that come to us in nightmares.
4. Friday the 13th
This day gave birth to superstition since the 19th century. In fact, all these are just theories and assumptions, but their influence is quite strong. Many people on this day avoid serious matters (business dates, meetings, banquets, etc.) because of the belief that the day is cursed and brings only troubles.
5. Curse of Opal
If opal is your favorite stone, watch out for failure. They say this stone brings trouble to its owners. This superstition comes from Walter Scott's famous book Anna Geyerstein, written in 1829, where Lady Hermione is falsely accused of being a demon because she dies shortly after a drop of holy water hits her opal necklace, and the stone is instantly changes color. The book influenced the reputation of opal so much that after its publication, the price of this stone fell by as much as 50 percent.
6. Ringing bells
Have you ever wondered why bells are associated with weddings and all sorts of special occasions? It turns out that bells are sounded because of a widespread belief that bells ward off evil spirits. This belief appeared during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Bells were ringing to pray for the repose of the soul and to drive away the evil spirits standing at the foot of the bed.
7. Bird droppings - to wealth
Yes, yes, yes, everything is correct in the title. In Russia, they believe that if a bird pooped at you, your car or any of your things, this is a good sign for money. The more birds have done this on you, the richer you will be. So the next time a bird pounces on you, just consider it a lot of luck!
8. Old, new, borrowed and blue
This popular wedding tradition is said to have originated in the Victorian era and involves giving the bride four gifts. Something old symbolizes eternity, something new symbolizes hope and the future, the third thing is borrowed and symbolizes happiness, and the latter should be blue, it brings purity, love and devotion.
9. Black cats - bad luck
Almost everyone has heard that if a black cat crosses your path, it's bad luck. This superstition came to us from the Middle Ages due to the misunderstood belief that single women (usually elderly) who live with many cats are witches who can turn into cats themselves. Thus, the black cat running across your path could be a witch.
10. Light three cigarettes from one match - unfortunately
Both in the Crimean War and in the First World War, it was believed that lighting three cigarettes in a row from one match - unfortunately. It was said that by the time the third cigarette was lit, the sniper would just be able to aim well and kill the soldier. However, some speculate that the superstition was invented by match tycoon Ivar Kruger to support his business.
11. Ravens
There is a belief that the number of crows you see at one time can predict the future, as, for example, in the English counting ritual: one is grief, two is good luck, three is a life without ailments, four - you will be richer, five - always get sick, six - to die.
12. Birds that bring misfortune
A spinner is a bird that can turn its head almost 180 degrees. Among the inhabitants of the places where this bird is found, there is a belief that if it turns its head towards you, death is already somewhere close.
13. Mirrors take the soul
Most people use mirrors every day. According to belief, this means that they are all soulless. There is a superstition that looking in a mirror steals your soul. This explains why the evil queen uses a mirror to harm Snow White, why Narcissus was trapped by her own reflection, and why vampires have no reflection at all, they are dead, they have no soul. So think before you take another look in the bathroom mirror …
14. Crossing fingers for luck
Fingers crossed is a good luck gesture. This makes sense, since such a gesture was used during the times of Christian persecution, by which believers recognized each other. Today, crossing fingers is used as a sign of "lying to the rescue." This probably comes from the belief that the Christian cross can save you from going to hell for a lie.
15. Photography - a cage for the soul
When photography was invented in the early 19th century, people all over the world completely unreasonably believed that taking someone's picture was akin to taking away a person's soul. Thus, if the enemy found your photo, he not only was the master of your soul, but also had spiritual power over you. Thank God, this is only superstition, because it is simply scary to imagine how many people would have power over us today … Especially considering the popularity of social networks.
16. Unlucky number 13
Unlike Friday the 13th, this superstition simply states that the number 13 is unlucky. That is why many architects refused (and some still refuse) to design 13-step staircases or 13-storey buildings. The fear of the number 13 is so real in many people that psychologists talk about a whole phobia. Triskaidekaphobia.
17. Shooting stars
The superstition about making a wish for a shooting star is somewhat doubtful, but earlier Europeans believed that the gods sometimes looked down, and when they opened the heavens for this, the stars began to fall. The Greeks believed that shooting stars were the souls of people, and it was considered a great success to make a wish for them.
18. Umbrella indoors
By superstition, if you open an umbrella indoors, you are calling yourself bad luck ("pour the rain on yourself"). One of the explanations came to us from the days when umbrellas were used as protection from the sun. Opening an umbrella indoors was considered an insult to the sun god, and he could punish you with bad luck. Another theory claims that the umbrella protects from the troubles of life, thus, by opening it in the house, you offend the brownies (who also protect you from the troubles of life), they can be offended and leave.
19. New broom, new home, bad luck
There are many superstitions associated with brooms, but there is one extremely curious, special superstition. According to legend, you cannot sweep out garbage from a new house (apartment) with a new broom until you sweep something inside. If at first you don't notice something inward, then you will sweep out your luck.
20. Lucky Rabbit's Foot
To have such a talisman is a disaster for a rabbit and a huge success for the owner. According to superstition (which dates back to the 7th century BC), supernatural rabbit luck can be obtained by carrying the left hind leg of a rabbit killed or caught in a cemetery on a full moon. However, for a rabbit, this, apparently, is not a great success …
21. Knocking on wood
Knock on wood after a hopeful statement. It is believed that in this way you are luring fate, recognizing your luck. They say it came to us from ancient times, when people thought that good spirits lived in trees. After knocking on something wooden, the man called them for help.
22. Broken mirror
We have already said that mirrors are objects that mystically suck the soul out of us. But what happens if you break it? Of course, seven years of misery. Some superstitious sources claim that souls caught in a mirror adversely affect our destiny. You thought you were doing them a favor by freeing them. Nothing like this! They all remain inside the mirror.
23. Be healthy
For many, the phrase “be healthy” after someone sneezes is just a polite gesture. However, the origin of this formality comes from Pope Gregory the Great, who said this to people sneezing during the bubonic plague, and from the mistaken belief that the soul disappears from the body during sneezing and the heart stops for a moment. Therefore, the phrase "be healthy" was a way to greet a person who came back to life.
24. Four-leaf clover
Although making a wish for a four-leafed clover remains in ancient times, this plant is still a symbol of good luck. In some traditions, it was also used to find a husband or wife. How it works? You must first find a four-leaf clover, if you are lucky enough to find it, you should eat it (or put it in your boot, but it's more fun to eat). After that, the forces of luck are activated and the first person you meet after that will be your future husband or wife. (Stay away from everyone you don't want to see next to you during this time).
25. Itchy palms
This superstition has many options, but this idea originally belonged to someone very greedy. Some people believe that if your right palm itches you will lose money, and an itchy left palm means money will find you. If both palms itch … it is better to go to the doctor.