Superstitions

Are you superstitious? Probably, the answer is: NO! … But do you walk under ladders or open an umbrella indoors?

Let’s see some traditional superstitions.

Numbers

From Dvorscak(A hotel did not have a floor numbered 13)

Chinese think that whereas 4 and 14 are unlucky numbers (4 sounds like “die” and 14 sounds like “must die”), 8 and 18 are lucky numbers because they sound like the word “rich”.
13 is considered an unlucky number in many cultures. According to Christian traditions, there were 13 people at the Last Supper and Judas, the traitor was the 13th to sit at the table.
There is a phobia connected to number 13, called triskaidekaphobia. Because of this fear, many buildings don’t have an official 13th floor and many people don’t like having a party with 13 guests.
It is said that if you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil’s luck. (Charles Manson, Jack the Riper)

Why is Friday 13th unlucky?

Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden on a Friday. Jesus Christ died on a Friday. In pagan Rome, Friday was an execution day and later, in Britain, they killed criminals on a Friday.
In Greece, as well as in Spanish-speaking countries, Tuesday is an unlucky day instead of Friday. (The Fall of Constantinople took place on a Tuesday)
In Argentina, we have a proverb that says “En martes, no te cases ni te embarques” which means that on Tuesday, neither get married nor start a journey.

Weddings

There are many superstitions and traditions associated with weddings.

The bride should have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue in order to have a happy marriage.

The colour of the dress is also important. White dresses were made popular by Queen Victoria, who broke the tradition of royals marrying in silver. White symbolizes purity and virginity.

Married in White, you have chosen right,

Married in Grey, you will go far away,

Married in Black, you will wish yourself back,

Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,

Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,

Married in Blue, you will always be true,

Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,

Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,

Married in Brown, you will live in the town,

Married in Pink, you spirit will sink.

The bride must enter her house by the main door and must not fall. That is why the groom carries the bride over the threshold.

Good luck superstitions

1) The person who finds a four-leaf clover is believed to be lucky

2) Wishbones: When two people pull apart a breastbone of a chicken or turkey, the one who is left with the longer end will have his wish come true.

3) A horseshoe, hung above the doorway, will bring good luck to a home.

4) If your palm itches, you will receive money.

5) Some people touch wood when they want something good to continue. Others cross their fingers when they want to have good luck.

6) Good luck charms, like the rabbit’s foot, bring good luck.

Bad luck superstitions
1) Walking under a ladder.

2) Getting out of bed left foot first.

3) Opening an umbrella indoors.

4) Breaking a mirror brings 7 years of bad luck. To break the spell of misfortune you must wait 7 hours before picking up the broken pieces and bury them outside in the moonlight.

5) If you spill salt, you will be unlucky unless you throw a pinch over your shoulder.

Animals

A frog or a cricket can bring good luck to a home.

Bats are associated with evil in some countries, because the represent the devil, a ghost or Dracula. In China, a bat means long life and happiness.

Black cats are unlucky in some countries. It is said that Napoleon saw a black cat before the battle of Waterloo. He lost the battle and the British won. So the black cat is unlucky on the continent whereas in Britain, it is lucky.

A ladybug is a sign of good fortune.

I’m not superstitious… but on second thoughts…I’d better touch wood and keep my fingers crossed.

Try the following quizzes on superstitions:

http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz98497b48f80.html

http://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/General/Myths-Vampires--The-Undead-90883.html