Although superstitions are passed down from generation to
generation, I started a new one. I told my family that bay leaves
are lucky. As soon as I said that, my sons stopped complaining about
finding one in their soup.
Knocking on wood is meant to be good luck because benevolent spirits
were thought to live in trees and thus knocking on anything made of
wood is meant to protect you from misfortune. Crossing your fingers
is meant to be good luck because you make the sign of the cross and
thus prevent evil spirits from harming you. However, I have no idea
why a robin flying into your house is meant to be lucky - unless
it's an excuse for poor housekeeping.
In ancient Egypt the goddess Bast was in the form of a female, black
cat. When the Christian priests wanted to remove all traces of other
religions, they asked their followers to destroy black cats.
Unfortunately, those who had black cats were thought to be witches
and were destroyed too. I think that proves black cats are unlucky.
Before gallows were invented, criminals were hung from the top rung
of a ladder and their spirits were believed to linger underneath.
That's why it's meant to be unlucky to walk under a ladder. I
disagree. I think it's unlucky to climb a ladder and more than
222,000 people agree with me. That's how many people a year go to
emergency rooms because of ladder accidents - and that's not
counting the women who hit their heads on glass ceilings when trying
to climb ladders.
A mandala is a design made with rice powder. In India the woman of
the house is meant to put a mandala on the front doorstep every
morning to ward off evil spirits. Today making mandalas is a dying
art. It's not because the women don't have enough time for the
ritual. It's because today's Indian women have moved into cities and
don't have doorsteps.
No matter which part of the world you tour, you will find the
natives nurturing certain beliefs and superstitions and India is no
exception in this case. Though the Indian society is fast
progressing, there are many people who are still superstitious and
have a strong faith in the local beliefs. While some of them are
quite hilarious, few others are really interesting, as many aspects
of life are linked to them. Few beliefs even find their way into the
Indian religious texts and scriptures.
The standard viewpoint is that most of the Indian beliefs and values
have sprung with an objective to protect from evil spirits, but some
were based on scientific reasoning. With the passage of time, the
reasoning part behind the origin of these cultural beliefs and
superstitions got eroded. That is exactly why most of these beliefs
appear unsubstantiated and false. However, in reality, there are
many such beliefs in the Indians culture which are absolutely absurd
and have no logic behind them.
Superstitions are deemed as pertinent in India because these,
generally, hint at future occurrences and can be either good or bad.
Thus, anything from the call of a bird to the falling of utensils is
considered an omen in India. Many of the traditional superstitions
in India are connected with animals, birds and reptiles. For
instance, seeing an elephant when one is leaving for a journey is
considered lucky. This is because an elephant represents Lord
Ganesha, the Indian God who is the harbinger of good luck and
removes obstacles.
Similarly, other auspicious signs could be cawing of a black crow in
one's house, as it forecasts the arrival of guests. Seeing a peacock
on a journey is also considered lucky, but hearing its shrill sound
is bad. Indians feel happy if a sparrow builds a nest in a new house
because it signals good fortune. A very old belief is that if you
kill a cat, you have to offer one in gold to a priest. This belief
or superstition was concocted by the priests to protect the cats,
which are useful in killing the rats in people's houses.
Leaving one's home after wedding or for some other important task is
a significant occasion. Thus, Indians often consult astrological
charts to fix an auspicious time for this. Again, it is considered
lucky to see cereals, paddy, cotton, hay or a newly wed before
embarking on a journey. In India, you may also come across or hear
about people who help in interpreting other's dreams. Even the daily
life of Indians is governed by beliefs and superstitions. For
example, Monday is not an auspicious day for shaving and Thursday is
a bad day for washing one's hair.
Do not ever leave home without consulting an astrologer. Rahu and
Ketu, two ominous planets, are waiting to ruin things for you. Wait
for the shubh mahurat, based on the Hindu calendar. This also holds
true for weddings, naming ceremonies, housewarming rites and
everything in life!
Consult a horoscope before getting your children married. Go ahead
only if the virtues and gunas match perfectly.
Seeing an elephant during a journey is auspicious as Ganesha, the
God who removes obstacles will ensure success.
A dog howling at night chills the blood – a portent of approaching
death.
When leaving home, it is auspicious to see a bride, a Brahmin or an
religious idol. However, sighting a widow or a barren woman is not
lucky!
A new bride is judged by the fortunes or misfortunes that occur in
her new family for a year after marriage. She enters her new home
putting her right foot first.
Menstruating women are regarded unclean and are isolated. They
cannot enter the kitchen till they are ‘clean’ again.
Pregnant women are not allowed to travel alone at night or enter an
uninhabited home because ghosts might possess them. They should read
religious books and watch inspiring movies so that the child grows
up to be a good person.
Hiccups indicate someone is thinking of you. But an itchy eye refers
to someone maligning you, or your envy of someone.
A barber shop remains closed on Tuesday as hair is not cut on that
day.
Nails should not be cut at night for fear of evil spirits.
Twitching of the eye is highly inauspicious.
An eclipse occurs when Rahu and Ketu swallow the sun, and people
avoid eating anything, and go and take a dip in rivers after it is
over.
When there is a birth or death in the family, the members are
unclean, and do not go to the temple till the stipulated period is
over.
WHEN YOU ARE GOING OUT - THESE ARE
CONSIDERED BAD:
1. Some one asks you 'where are you going?'
2. Some body sneeze odd no; of times
3. a widow, a single Brahman or a man carrying oil or milk or a cat
crossing your path.
4. Going below the ladder.
5. Hitting your head or feet on the thresh hold.
THESE ARE GOOD:
1. Eating curds with jaggery
2. Sighting a married lady with flowers on the head & kumkum on fore
head.
3. Sighting an elephant or braying of a donkey. Sound made by
lizards
THESE ARE NOT GOOD
1. Milk over-flowing except on sankranthi day
2. Spilling of oil, turmeric, kumkum
3. Hair-cutting on Tuesdays or in evenings
4. Lizard falling on head
5. Keeping money inside the bag meant for carrying your purchase.
6. Doing things during Rahu-kala or traveling during in-auspicious
time
7. Getting married on New moon day, or during certain months
8. Not lending or borrowing after sun set ( lighting the lamp in the
evening )
9. Exchanging things across the threshold.
10. Giving or taking with the left hand.
11. Not crossing the broken pumpkins or coconuts on the road.
12. Cries of dogs & hooting of owls.
OTHERS
1. Cawing of crow- itching of right palm-arrival of guests
Itching of left palm--money gain
2. Right eye twitching --good for men
Left eye twitching good for women.
GLOBAL SUPERSTITIONS - PERTAINING TO
ANIMALS & BIRDS
Albatross
In the days of sail, an albatross flying round a ship in mid-ocean
was an omen of wind and bad weather to come. It was very unlucky to
kill it because it was thought to embody the restless soul of some
dead mariner. Echoes of these time-honored traditions were heard in
July 1959 when the cargo liner, Calpean Star, docked at Liverpool
with engine trouble, after a voyage from the Antarctic that had been
dogged by many misfortunes. The crew blamed these on the presence on
board of an albatross destined for a zoo. Fifty of the crew staged a
sit-down strike because they were unwilling to continue their
unlucky voyage. The captain is reported in the Daily Telegraph of
July 7, 1959 that it had required some courage on his part to bring
the albatross on board in the first place. And most of his crew
still believed that the bird would bring bad weather or misfortune,
or that it was connected with the souls of the dead.
Ants
Stepping on ants brings rain.'
Ants signify bad weather when they are very agitated.
Ants building a nest near the door to your house is a clear sign of
financial security in the future.
Bats
A bat means long life and happiness, a good omen, to the Chinese and
Poles. If a bat lands on your head, you should hope the Cricket sees
rain coming because the bat won't get off until it hears thunder.
When you see a bat, you might actually be seeing the Devil, a witch,
a ghost, or Dracula.
Bats have always had a connection with witches, and can have good or
bad connotation, depending on the tradition. According to one, if a
bat flies three times around a house, it is a death omen.
Conversely, when bats come out early and fly about playfully, it is
a sign of good weather to come.
Bees
If a bee enters your home, it's a sign that you will soon have a
visitor. If you kill the bee, you will have bad luck, or the visitor
will be unpleasant.
Bees have often been regarded as wise and even holy insects, having
foreknowledge as well as knowledge of many secret matters. In
antiquity they were sometimes divine messengers, and their constant
humming was believed to be a hymn of praise. Because of their status
it is still considered unlucky in some places to kill a bee. If a
bee flies into the house it is a sign of great good luck, or of the
arrival of a stranger; however, the luck will only hold if the bee
is allowed to either stay or to fly out of the house of its own
accord. A bee landing on someone's hand is believed to foretell
money to come, while if the bee settles on someone's head it means
that person will rise to greatness. They were once considered to
deliberately sting those who swore in front of them, and also to
attack an adulterer or unchaste person; it was once held to be a
sure sign that a girl was a virgin if she could walk through a swarm
of bees without being stung.
There is believed to be a very strong link between bees and their
keepers; bees cannot prosper in an atmosphere of anger or hatred,
and will either pine away and die, or fly away. There is still a
common belief that bees should be told about deaths that occur in
the beekeeper's family; in past times this was extended to include
every birth, marriage or other notable event in the life of the
family. It was especially important to inform the bees of the death
of their owner; traditionally this was done by the eldest son or
widow of the owner, who would strike each hive three times with the
door key and say 'The master is dead!'. If the procedure was not
followed, the bees would die or fly away. In many districts the
hives were put into mourning by having black crepe draped around
them, and at the funeral feast sugar or small amounts of the food
eaten by the mourners were brought out for the bees.
An old country tradition states that bees should not be purchased
for money, as bought bees will never prosper. It is acceptable to
barter goods of the same value in exchange for bees, and in some
districts gold was an acceptable form of payment. A borrowed swarm
or one given freely is more likely to do well; a stock of bees was
often started from a borrowed swarm on the understanding that it
would be returned if the giver was ever in need of it.
Bee-stings were once thought to prevent rheumatism, and in some
places a bee-sting was also thought to cure it.
Birds
A bird that flies into a house, foretells an important message.
The white bird foretells death.
A bird call from the north means tragedy; from the south is good for
crops; from the west is good luck; from the east, good love.
If you have bird droppings land on your head it is
good luck."
A bird call from the north means tragedy; from the south is good for
crops; from the west is good luck; from the east, good love.
If a bird poops on your car, it is good luck.
If you have bird droppings land on your head it is good luck.
Blackbird
If two males are seen sitting together this is a very good omen.
Should a blackbird nest anywhere in your house then you can look
forward to a year of good fortune.
Butterfly
If the first butterfly you see in the year is white, you will have
good luck all year.
Calf
If the first calf born during the winter is white, the winter will
be a bad one.
Cat
If a black cat
crosses your path, Satan was taking notice of you.
Butter your cat's feet when you move to keep it from running away
from the new house.
If a cat crosses or jumps over the coffin, the dead person's spirit
will return as a ghost.
A black cat is lucky or unlucky, depending on where you live.
Cats were sacred to the goddess, Isis in Egyptian mythology.
Bast or Pasht, the daughter of Isis, was represented with the face
of a cat. Anyone who killed a cat was put to death.
Archaeologists in Egypt found cat cemeteries from which a shipment
of embalmed cats was taken to England. In Egypt it was believed that
a black cat crossing one's path brought good luck.
In East Anglia, England, they used to mummify cats and place them in
the walls of their homes to ward off evil spirits.
If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune, but if it
walks away, it takes the good luck with it.
Keep cats away from babies because they "suck the breath" of the
child.
A cat onboard a ship is considered to bring luck.
Cattle
Cattle were highly regarded by the Celts, being the most important
animal for their sustenance and welfare and also a basis for wealth
and prestige. They were also believed to have close ties with their
human owners and to be aware of human activities and festivals. In
some areas it is thought that cattle should be informed of any
deaths in their owners' household, or the cows, sensing that
something was wrong, would sicken and probably die. During mediaeval
times the superstition arose that cattle would kneel at the stroke
of midnight on Christmas Eve; in some parts of Europe they were also
believed to gain the ability to speak on this night, although it was
considered dangerous for any human to hear their speech as
misfortune would befall anyone who overheard them.
There are many English, Irish and Welsh tales of fairy cows who gave
never-ending milk until their generosity was abused by some greedy
human, causing a loss of the cow or her powers. A Lancashire tale
tells of a dun cow that appeared during a famine to save the people
with her unending milk supply, until one person tried to get more
than her fair share by milking the cow through a sieve, leading to
the cow's death from exhaustion and sorrow at the trick. Fairy
cattle could be dun or red but were more usually white with red
ears.
It was once considered unlucky if an offer were made to purchase
cattle which were not for sale, leading to their illness and perhaps
death. In some districts it was also considered unlucky to strike
cattle with human hands; a stick should be used to drive them from
place to place, and should be thrown away once the destination was
reached. Cattle who stand close together in low ground, and feed
hard together, are said to be foretelling rain, but if they stand on
high ground the weather will be fair.
Cattle diseases were often attributed to the machinations of
fairies, elves or witches, and many charms were used to fend off
these magical attacks. Horseshoes or holed stones hung above the
door of the byre, or crosses made of rowan wood fixed over
cattle-stalls, were believed to ward off evil influences. In the
sixteenth century wax from a Paschal Candle would be moulded into a
special candle, and wax from it dripped between the ears and horns
of the beasts; the remaining wax was then set over the main door, or
on the threshold, so that all the cattle had to pass the spot.
Written charms were also obtained from local wise-women or
cunning-men to ward off evil, and concealed in the roof or under the
floorboards.
It was traditional to drive cattle over the embers of the Beltane
and Midsummer fires, as a magickal protection against cattle plague
and other dieases. As recently as the nineteenth century, some
farmers would sacrifice one healthy calf or cow (sometimes burying
it under the threshold of the byre with feet pointing upwards) as a
symbolic sacrifice that the herd might be spared from cattle plague.
Cows
If a plow kills a daddy long legs the cows will go dry
If you see nine cows in a shed with a gray bull next to the door,
and all of them lie on the same side, you are in luck, because you
will be granted one wish.
Cricket
A cricket is a lucky house spirit that takes it's luck away when it
leaves.
A cricket can tell of oncoming rain, death, and x-lovers.
It's bad luck to kill a cricket.
Crow
One's bad,
Two's luck,
Three's health,
Four's wealth,
Five's sickness,
Six is death.
Daddy Long Legs
If a plow kills a daddy long legs the cows will go dry.
"When I was a kid on a farm in Ohio, somewhere we were told when we
picked up a Daddy Long Legs to ask it "Where are the cows?" and it
would point (with it's feelers) in the direction of the cows. I
remember thinking this usually worked!"
If you kill a daddy long legs, there'll be rain soon.
Dogs
Greeks thought dogs could foresee evil.
"Usually superstitions about dogs are somewhat ominous. But here's
one my grandmother believed--if you have your new-born baby licked
by a dog, your baby will be a quick healer. We all believe this
because I was not licked, and I'm a slow healer and my brother, who
was licked, is a quick healer--go figure."
Howling dogs mean the wind god has summoned death, and the spirits
of the dead will be taken.
A dog eating grass - rain
A howling dog at night means bad luck or somebody close to you will
be very sick or worse.
When a dog is staring intently, at nothing, for no apparent reason,
look between the dog's ears and you'll see a ghost.
Dogs have always been credited with the power of sensing
supernatural influences, and seeing ghosts, spirits, faeries or
deities which are invisible to human eyes. In Wales only dogs could
see the death-bringing hounds of Annwn; in ancient Greece the dogs
were aware when Hecate was at a crossroads foretelling a death. Dogs
are believed to be aware of the presence of ghosts, and their
barking, whimpering or howling is often the first warning of
supernatural occurrences.
There are many instances of black dog ghosts which are said to haunt
lanes, bridges, crossroads, footpaths and gates, particularly in
Suffolk, Norfolk and the Isle of Man. Some black dogs are said to be
unquiet ghosts of wicked souls, but others are friendly guides and
protectors to travelers; the Barguest of northern England could also
appear as a pig or a goat, but was most commonly a huge black dog
with large eyes and feet which left no prints. Packs of ghostly
hounds have also been recorded all over Britain, often heard howling
as they pass by on stormy nights rather than actually seen; these
hounds generally foretell death, or at least disaster, if they are
seen and the proper action is to drop face-down onto the ground to
avoid spotting them.
When a dog howls in an otherwise silent night, it is said to be an
omen of death, or at least of misfortune. A howling dog outside the
house of a sick person was once thought to be an omen that they
would die, especially if the dog was driven away and returned to
howl again. A dog which gives a single howl, or three howls, and
then falls silent is said to be marking a death that has just
occurred nearby.
Dogs were feared as possible carriers of rabies; sometimes even a
healthy dog was killed if it had bitten someone, because of the
belief that if the dog later developed rabies, even many years
afterwards, the bitten person would also be afflicted. Remedies for
the bite of a mad dog often included the patient being forced to eat
a part of the dog in question, such as its hairs or a piece of its
cooked liver. Dogs were also used to cure other illnesses; one old
charm which was often used for children’s' illnesses was to take
some of the patient's hairs and feed them to a dog in between slices
of bread and butter; the ailment was believed to transfer to the
animal, healing the patient.
In Scotland, a strange dog coming to the house means a new
friendship; in England, to meet a spotted or black and white dog on
your way to a business appointment is lucky. Three white dogs seen
together are considered lucky in some areas; black dogs are
generally considered unlucky, especially if they cross a traveler’s
path or follow someone and refuse to be driven away. Fishermen
traditionally regard dogs as unlucky and will not take one out in a
boat, or mention the word 'dog' whilst at sea.
Donkeys
Christian tradition stated that donkeys originally had unmarked
hides, and that it was only after Christ's entry into Jerusalem on
the back of a donkey that they received the dark cross on their
backs. The hairs from the cross were widely believed to cure a
number of ailments, and were often worn in a charm around the neck
to guard against whooping-cough, toothache, fits, and to ease
teething pains in babies. Sometimes the hairs were eaten in a
sandwich instead. Riding a donkey was also believed effacious,
especially if the rider faced the donkey's tail end, and was
sometimes used as a preventative for toothache, measles and other
children's complaints. One cure for whooping-cough and ague stated
that the patient should be passed under a donkey and over its back
either three or nine times; the trick of feeding an animal some of
the patient's hair to transfer the illness was also used with
donkeys. The donkey was also used to help cure the complaints of
other animals; letting a black donkey run with mares in a field was
thought to stop the mares miscarrying.
An old saying claims that no-one ever sees a dead donkey; however,
there is also a tradition that to see a dead donkey means great good
fortune, and even as recently as this century it was considered a
good-luck charm to leap over the carcass of a dead donkey three
times.
Elephants
In Siam, white elephants were rare and not made to work for their
upkeep, so a White Elephant is an item that is a non profit expense.
Considering the value of space in our homes, items kept as
memorabilia could be considered White Elephants.
Fish
Throw back the first fish you catch then you'll be lucky the whole
day fishing.
It's bad luck to get married when the fish aren't biting, according
to the custom of some fisher folk.
A fish should always be eaten from the head toward the tail.
Dream of fish: someone you know is pregnant.
If you count the number of fish you caught, you will catch no more
that day.
It's bad luck to say the word "pig" while fishing at sea.
Frogs
Frogs, like toads, were once thought to have peculiar properties,
and were frequently used in healing charms, and in others of a
slightly less innocent nature.
A well known country cure for thrush was to hold a live frog with
its head in the patient's mouth. As it breathed, so it drew the
disease away and into itself. Warts could also be cured by rubbing a
frog across them.
The dried body of a frog worn in a silk bag around the neck averted
epilepsy and other fits. Frogs were also used in love-magic. In one
tale, a girl, whose lover was untrue stuck pins all over a living
frog and then buried it. The young man suffered extreme pains and
eventually returned to her. She dug up the frog and removed the
pins, after which the pains ceased. The man, perhaps rather
unwisely, married her.
A frog brings good luck to the house it enters.
Hens
A hen which crows is considered to be unlucky, as is a hen with
tail-feathers like those of a rooster; previously these birds would
be killed on most farms. Hens which roost in the morning are said to
be foretelling a death, usually that of the farmer or someone in his
household. A hen which enters the house is an omen that a visitor
will arrive, and this is also the case if a rooster crows near the
door or comes inside.
Hornets
If the hornets build their nests high in trees during the summer, it
will be a bad winter. If they build their nests low in bushes, it
will be an easy winter.
Horses
A white horse could warn of danger, and lived longer than a dark
horse, so was considered a living amulet against early death.
Spotted horses are magical.
Grey horses and horses with four white socks are unlucky.
Horses have been sacred animals in Indo-European cultures from very
early times, and it is easy to see why; their great importance in
farming, travel and warfare would make them extraordinarily
important. The Celtic goddess Epona presided over horses, and the
Norse Odin was said to ride through the heavens on an eight-footed
white horse. Horses were used as valuable sacrifices by many ancient
peoples, including the Romans, and their bones were concealed in the
walls of houses, or horse skulls placed on the gables of houses, as
a protection.
Inhaling a horses breath - cure for whooping cough
In some places it is lucky to meet a white horse; in others,
unlucky; either way, tradition states that upon meeting a white
horse one should spit and make a wish, or cross one's fingers until
a dog is seen. In many places it is lucky to lead a horse through
the house; this belief may stem from the association of horses with
fertility and crops, which has lasted in form of hobby-horses which
were originally part of Beltane (May Day) revels.
It was once thought that whooping-cough could be cured by going to
the stables and inhaling the breath of a horse; being breathed upon
by a piebald horse, or riding upon its back, was another supposed
cure. Horse-hairs, chopped very finely and fed to a child in bread
and butter, were thought to be a certain cure for worms, and the
horse-spurs (callouses which appear on the sides of a horse's leg)
were believed in the eighteenth century to be a cure for cancer if
dried, ground and drunk frequently with new milk.
Horseshoes
A circular ring made from an iron horseshoe nail gives the same
protection against evil as the horseshoe itself. The horseshoe or
crescent moon shape was seen as a sign of good fortune and
fertility. One legend says that the Devil called on St. Dunstan, who
was skilled in shoeing horses. St. Dunstan recognized him and
fastened him to a wall. He then set to work with such roughness that
the Devil roared for mercy. St Dunstan turned the Devil loose after
making him promise never to enter a home on which a horseshoe was
fixed. Witches fear horses, so they are also turned away by a door
with a horseshoe mounted on it. The horseshoe must be hung with the
points up to keep the luck from spilling out.
Horseshoes are considered lucky for their healing powers (cures
hiccups) and for their protective influence (specifically against
witches). It resembles the crescent moon and is thought to protect
against the evil eye. Similar-shaped charms were used among the
Chaldeans and the Egyptians. Related to animal worship, it
approaches the form of a serpent biting its own tail-a universal
symbol of eternity. There is a time-honored belief in the magical
power of iron. Blacksmiths were often identified as sorcerers and
the efficacy of fire as a bane to demons supported this idea.
A horseshoe, hung above the doorway, will bring good luck to a home.
In most of Europe protective horseshoes are placed in a downward
facing position, but in some parts of Ireland and Britain people
believe that the shoes must be turned upward or "the luck will run
out."
A horseshoe hung in the bedroom will keep nightmares away.
Jaybirds
Jaybirds go down to the devil's house on Fridays to tell all the bad
things that have happened during the week. Jaybirds who remain on
Friday are checking up on what people are doing.
Ladybug
The bright scarlet ladybug is a luck-bringer, probably because it is
traditionally associated by its color with fire. It is a sign of
good fortune if one lands on a person's hand or dress. It must,
however, be allowed to fly away of its own accord, and must not be
brushed off. It is permissible to speed it onwards by a gentle puff,
and by the recitation of the rhyme which runs,
Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home.
Your house is on fire and your children are gone.
The deeper the ladybird's color, the better luck it brings. The
number of spots on its back are also important. The more spots...the
better the luck!
If a young girl catches a ladybug and then releases it, the
direction in which it flies away will be the direction from which
her future husband will come.
Moth
A big black moth in the house means a deceased one is just visiting
reincarnated through that moth.
Mouse
If somebody throws away a dead mouse, the wind will soon start to
blow from that direction.
Owls
Owls have carried a mixed bag of superstitions since time
immemorial. The ancient Greeks revered owls and believed them sacred
to Athena. Affiliated with the goddess of wisdom and learning, the
owl was considered wise and kind.
But somewhere in time, the owl's reputation plummeted and hearing
the hoot of an owl is now associated with bad luck. To counter evil
owl power put irons in your fire. Or throw salt, hot peppers or
vinegar into the fire, the owl will get a sore tongue, hoot no more,
and no one close to you will be in trouble. When you hear an owl,
take off your clothes, turn them inside out and put them back on.
You might not want to do this if you are in public.
Peacocks
A peacock feather has an evil eye at the end. Argus, the Greek
legend, says a hundred eyed monster was turned into a peacock with
all it's eyes in it's tail.
Pigs
One superstition to get rid of warts involves rubbing a peeled apple
and giving it to a pig.
Rabbits
Before Christianity in the British Isles, the hare, like the cat,
was thought to be a witch in disguise. This witch could only be
killed with a silver bullet.
Since rabbits and hares are born with eyes open, which is an
erroneous notion, they supposedly had special powers over the evil
eye.
It is believed to be unlucky to meet either a hare or a rabbit, one
variant stating that a rabbit which crosses one's path in front is a
good omen and one which crosses behind is a bad one. In some English
counties it is considered unwise to shoot a black rabbit, as it may
be an ancestral spirit returning in rabbit-form; in Suffolk it was
believed that white rabbits were witches, which is was also unlucky
to shoot. Rabbits and hares were never mentioned at sea, as they
were considered ill-omened words, and to meet one on the way to see
was a very bad omen.
An old custom is to say 'Rabbits' or 'White Rabbits' either once or
three times on the first day of the month, as a good luck charm; it
must be the first word said that morning, otherwise the charm is not
potent.
Rabbit's Foot
Because of the rabbit's ability to reproduce, the rabbit's foot also
became a symbol of fertility. Rabbit's feet are also symbols of new
life because of their prolificacy; they also were linked with
darkness, witches and the devil because they live underground. By
owning a rabbit's foot as a talisman, you would have vital
connections with many powerful forces.
A left rabbit hind foot, carried in the left pocket after having
been removed from a rabbit that was killed during a full moon by a
cross-eyed person is truly lucky. The foot is considered a powerful
charm against evil because the rabbit's strong hind legs touch the
ground before its front legs. Ancient people thought this so
remarkable that they ascribed magical powers to it.
A rabbit's foot is a well-known lucky charm in most English-speaking
countries, said to ensure success in many fields. Actors may keep a
rabbit's foot in their make-up cases for good luck, and will meet
with misfortune if the foot is lost. In Wales an old belief is that
a new-born child rubbed all over with a rabbit's foot will be lucky
for life.
Ravens
To kill a raven is to harm the spirit of King Arthur who visits the
world in the form of a raven.
Robins
A wish made on the first robin of spring will be granted.
"My grandmother used to say that a robin entering the house was a
sign of a death in the family. It happened to her (the bird
appearing actually on the day of a relatives death) and to my mother
(appearing the day before a relatives death). It happened to me the
other day - but the day after a relative’s death."
Roosters
Roosters have long been connected with the sun, as they crow to
herald its arrival at dawn, and are considered watchful protectors
of humankind. When a cock crows at midnight a spirit is passing; in
England it is a death omen if one crows three times between sunset
and midnight. Crowing at other times is often a warning against
misfortune. If a cock crows while perched on a gate, or at
nightfall, the next day will be rainy. A white rooster is considered
very lucky, and should not be killed as it protects the farm on
which it lives; black cocks, however, were more ill-omened, being
often associated with sacrifice.
Seagulls
Three seagulls flying together, directly overhead, are a warning of
death soon to come.
Sheep
To meet a flock of sheep on a journey is an omen of good luck. An
old Manx belief states that sheep cannot be counted accurately
unless the person counting them has washed his or her eyes under
running water first. Peaceful sheep, lying in the field, are said to
herald fine weather, but rain is foretold if they are restless and
baa for no apparent reason.
The knuckle-bone from a piece of mutton was once thought to be a
preventative charm against rheumatism if carried about in the
pocket; similarly, a certain T-shaped bone from a sheep's head was
believed to protect its carrier from bad luck and evil. A strip of
sheepskin on a horse's collar was once used as a prevention against
the evil eye, and a rather gruesome method of breaking a curse was
to stick a sheep's heart full of pins and roast it at midnight in a
room where all doors, windows and openings had been firmly closed.
Parts of sheep were often used in folk cures; a sheep's lung was
once applied to the feet of a pneumonia sufferer, and was thought to
draw the disease downward into itself. People could be wrapped in
the skin of a freshly-killed sheep in an attempt to cure an adder
bite; children with whooping-cough were thought to be cured by
letting a sheep breathe on them. Sufferers from consumption were
once advised to walk around a sheepfold many times a day, beginning
early in the morning.
If sheep gnash their teeth during round-up in the autumn, the winter
will be hard. If sheep gnash their teeth somewhere else, it presages
very bad weather.
Sparrows
Sparrows carry the souls of the dead; it's unlucky to kill one.
Spiders
Superstitious people probably don't kill spiders because it has been
unlucky since a spider spun a web over baby Jesus to hide him from
Herod.
When the spiders build their webs high, it's going to rain soon.
A spider with syrup cures fever.
Seeing a spider run down a web in the afternoon means you'll take a
trip.
You'll meet a new friend if you run into a web.
A spider is a repellent against plague when worn around the neck in
a walnut shell.
Sow Bugs
According to one Texas superstition, a bag filled with 13 sow bugs
tied around a child's neck will cure the child from the thrash, or
sores in the mouth.
Storks
Storks deliver babies.
Storks were sacred to Venus in Roman mythology.
If a stork builds a nest on your roof, you have received a blessing
and a promise of never ending love from Venus. Aristotle made
killing a stork a crime, and Romans passed a stork law, saying that
children must care for their elderly parents.
Swans
A swan's feather, sewed into the husband's pillow, will ensure
fidelity.
Toad
If you eat a live toad first thing in the morning nothing worse will
happen to you all day.
Whippoorwill
An insect-eating nocturnal North American bird (Caprimulgus
vociferus) of the goatsucker family, having spotted brown feathers
that blend with its woodland habitat.
A whippoorwill calling near the house is a sign that someone in the
house will die soon.
Wolf
During the middle ages, wolves were ascribed magical powers and wolf
parts became an important part of many early pharmacies. Powered
wolf liver was used to ease birth pains. A wolf's right paw, tied
around ones throat, was believed to ease the swelling caused by
throat infections.
It was widely believed that a horse that stepped in a wolf print
would be crippled
The gaze of a wolf was once thought to cause blindness
Others believed that the breath of the wolf could cook meat.
Naturalists of the day believed wolves sharpened their teeth before
hunting
Dead wolves were buried at a village entrance to keep out other
wolves (a bizarre belief echoed today by farmers who continue to
shoot predators and hang them on fence posts to repel other
predators.)
Travelers were warned about perils of walking through lonely
stretches of woods, and stone shelters were built to protect them
from attacks. Our modern word "loophole" is derived from the
European term "loup hole," or wolf hole, a spy hole in shelters
through which travelers could watch for wolves.
GLOBAL SUPERSTITIONS - PERTAINING TO HUMANS & BODY
The Hair
The 'crowning glory’ is one of the most indestructible parts of the
body. As such, a sudden loss of hair is unlucky, forecasting a
decline in health, loss of property or failure in business, or the
death of a closely related child. Red hair is associated with
fiery-tempered people (e.g. Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I); black
and dark brown hair indicates strength; fair hair implies timidity.
On a man, if the hair grows low on the forehead and back above the
temples he will have a long life; if a woman's hair grows in a low
point on her forehead ('widow's peak') she will outlive her husband.
If a woman suddenly develops curls on her forehead her man has not
long to live.
Lank hair = a cunning nature; Curly hair = good natured, full of
fun; Long hair = strength (e.g. Samson) and luck.
It is said to be unlucky to have your hair cut when the moon is in
the wane as this will cause it to fall out and lose its lustre.
Cutting your own hair will tempt fate. To determine your future: set
fire to some strands of your hair - cut them off first!. If they
burn brightly, you are in for a long life. If they splutter and
smolder, it is said to be a death omen. Never pull out grey hairs,
for one will be replaced by ten. It has often been believed that a
sudden fright can turn hair white.
The Eyes
Are the 'windows to the soul' and the colour leads to differing
beliefs.
Dark blue eyes = delicate and refined souls; Light blue or grey eyes
= strong and healthy ones; Green eyes = hardy souls; Hazel eyes =
vigorous, deep-thinking folk.
Itching eyes: if the right eye tickles, it's lucky, and vice versa.
Theocritus has it, 'My right eye itches now and I shall see my
love.'
'Trust not the man whose eyebrows meet,
For in his heart you'll find deceit.'
The Ears
Feature prominently in superstition, i.e. 'My ears are burning,
someone is talking about me.' Small ears denote a delicate character
and thick ears a person of a sensual/coarse nature.
Thin, angular ears = a bad temper; Long or prominent ears = a person
with musical inclinations. The larger the ear lobes, the greater the
intellect.
The Nose
Indicates the character of the man.
Prominent noses = intelligence and determination; Thin noses =
jealousy and uncertainty; Receding noses = bad temper and obstinacy;
Tip-tilted noses = bright and lively characters.
There is said to be a connection between the size of a person's nose
and their sexual organs. A tickling nose (Britain) = a fight or an
important communication or (America) a kiss.
The Lips
Itch or tingle when someone is about to kiss you. If you bite your
tongue while you are eating then you have recently told a lie.
A large gap between the teeth = lucky in life; Large teeth =
physical strength; Small, regular teeth = careful and methodical in
your habits.
It is not good for a child to be born with any teeth showing. Never
eat anything when a funeral bell is tolling or toothache will
follow.
The Hand
It’s a symbol of power and an instrument of healing, justice and
blessing. The right hand is lucky and the left unlucky because the
Devil is supposed to have sat on the left-hand side of God before
being cast out of heaven.
From the time of Edward the Confessor, kings of England are said to
have had the power to 'heal by touch'. Conversely, the hand of an
executed criminal, cut from his body while still on the gallows, was
said to have healing powers as well as providing its owners with the
ability to commit crime and robbery without fear of detection by
stupefying all those who saw it.
Large, thick hands = strength of character; Small, slender hands =
weak and timid character; Long hands = ingenious nature; Short ones
= careless and foolish nature; Hard hands = rudeness; Soft hands =
wit; Hairy hands = a person who likes luxury. A damp hand = an
amorous disposition; while 'a cold hand means a warm heart'.
If the palm of your right hand itches you will receive money; if the
left palm, you will lose some ('left, lose; right, receive'). Two
people should never wash their hands together in the same water -
this will lead to a quarrel between them.
Crossed fingers (imitating the sign of the cross) wards off bad
luck.
Long fingers = artistic; Short, thick fingers = intemperate and
silly; a crooked little finger = omen of wealth; the first finger
(the 'poison finger') should never be used to administer medicines;
the third finger (the 'wedding' finger) is said to be linked
directly to the heart.
It is unlucky to cut fingernails on a Friday or Sunday.
Specks on the nails:
yellow = death; black = ill-luck; white = good fortune to come.
If a woman cuts the nails of her right hand with her left hand she
will have the upper hand in marriage.
The Feet
Also have their own superstitions: an itching foot = a journey to
somewhere new; Flat feet = bad temper; do not enter a building left
foot first, to avoid bad luck.
Moles and Dimples
Left hand side of the body = unlucky; those on the right = lucky';
on the face (especially chin or neck) = wealth; on the chest and
stomach = strength; a mole on the nose = great lechery; a mole on a
woman's thigh = unfaithful, and a great spendthrift; a girl with a
mole on her breast will be irresistible. A hairy chest =
masculinity.
'Dimple on the chin - Devil within'
A wart is said to be the mark of the Devil and is unlucky.
Sneezing
Or 'a little death' (in places where it is believed the soul
momentarily leaves the body with the sneeze). We still use the
expression 'Bless you' (short for 'God Bless You'). This stems from
the times when a sneeze could mean the plague, viz. 'Coughs and
sneezes spread diseases'.
Sneeze 'once for a wish, twice for a kiss, three for a letter, four
for something better'. In Scotland, a newborn child is said to
remain under 'the fairy spells' until it has sneezed for the first
time. It was also believed that an idiot could not sneeze, so that a
child's first sneeze was important. If you sneeze when talking you
are telling the truth (America); three sneezes before breakfast
means you will receive a present during the day (Germany); any
sneeze is an indication that someone, somewhere, is saying nice
things about you (Japan). It is very lucky to sneeze at exactly the
same time as someone else you are with.
Coughing meant the unexpected entry of a devil into a person who had
been telling lies or carrying out misdemeanours of some kind.
Hiccups are caused by someone who dislikes you complaining to
someone else. The only way to stop them is to guess the name of the
person maligning you.
Yawning can lead to evil spirits entering the body unless you cover
your mouth with your hand; it is a sign that Death is calling to
you, and you must snap your second finger and thumb (American
Indian).
A Shiver means that someone is walking over your (eventual) grave.
Laugh before breakfast and it will end in tears before supper; to
laugh excessively shows that the person is possessed and that his
days are numbered.
GLOBAL SUPERSTITIONS - PERTAINING TO
CLOTHES
Body Jewellery
Prevents evil spirits from entering the body by one of the five
orifices. Wearing earrings and painting the lips were talismans to
keep devils away.
Emeralds = unlucky because they were used in the East for the eyes
of religious figures and consequently became the target of robbers.
Opals = unlucky; although 13th century alchemist Albertus Magnus
maintained that an opal wrapped in bay leaves made its wearer
invisible.
Pearls = once believed to be unlucky; in medieval times they were
thought to be 'solidified tears'.
Diamonds = the best of all good luck bringers, possessing the power
to drive off witches and prevent the wearer from ever going insane.
Gloves
It is unlucky to drop your glove and pick it up yourself; if someone
else does it, good fortune will follow for both of you.
Clothing
Inside Out
It is lucky to put on an item of clothing inside out, although you
must not change it until the time you would normally take it off,
for the luck to hold. William of Normandy inadvertently put on his
shirt of mail back to front just before the Battle of Hastings; when
his courtiers pointed out his mistake and said it was a bad omen,
quick-thinking William assured them it was not and was in fact a
sign that he was about to be changed from a duke into a king.
Clothing
Button Up
It has always been unlucky to hook or button up any item of clothing
wrongly (start all over again); just as you should never put your
left arm, leg or foot into anything first.
Under-Garments
If a girl's bra or pants should suddenly slip down this is a sign
that someone who loves her is thinking of her; and, if two or more
holes should appear in any of these items then tradition says the
owner can expect a gift very shortly. Any girl wearing suspenders
who finds that her stocking slips from the clasp three times can
take it she is in for an unlucky day, but if stockings on the
washing line curl round each other it is an omen that the owner may
expect great happiness before long. Garters have always been
regarded as lucky, and many a girl has slept with one under her
pillow on Midsummer Eve in the hope of dreaming of her future
husband (a suspender belt can also do the trick, apparently). Any
young girl anxious for a husband should get a garter worn recently
by a married woman and put it on her own leg; a girl who puts
valerian in her underwear will prove irresistible to men (Wales). It
used to be very lucky for brides to be married wearing no underwear
under her wedding gown. Well into the nineteenth century a new
husband became liable for any debts previously incurred by his bride
but, if the girl went to the altar weaning no more than her dress,
any creditors would take pity on such an obviously poor young soul
and not wish to compound the problems in her new life by pressing
their bills. Such ceremonies were known as 'smock' weddings'.
Clothes are part of the 'body magic'; many fans try to touch their
idols or grab a portion of their clothes; and items once worn by
superstars fetch a high price at auction.
It is unlucky to wear the clothes of a dead person; for, as the body
of the deceased decays, so will the clothes - 'The clothes of the
dead always wear full of holes'.
Handkerchief
Tying a knot in a handkerchief to remember something signifies a
very ancient belief that that the knot was a charm against evil. Any
demon nearby will be so intrigued by the shape that all thoughts of
interfering with you will go from his head.
Hat
Putting your hat on back to front will result in a bad day; a
woman who puts on a man's hat is giving a sign that she wants to be
kissed (America).
Shoe
Considered lucky, hence the custom of tying an old boot to the back of
the car of a couple who have just got married; shoes on the table is
symbolic of hanging; shoes left crossed on the floor or put on the
wrong feet brings bad luck; and walking anywhere with one shoe on
could lead to the death of one of your parents. A shoelace which
comes undone as you set off on a venture is unlucky; if you tie
someone else's shoe laces up you should make a wish as it is lucky.
New Clothes
Always slip a small coin into the right-hand pocket of
a new suit or dress, to avoid being hard up when you wear that item
of clothing. It is lucky to wear a new item of clothing on festivals, as everything old and dirty should be renewed at
a festival.
SUPERSTITIONS - PERTAINING TO HOME
Houses have either a warm and friendly atmosphere or one that is
cold and depressing. It has nothing to do with how long the house
has stood (new or old); nor whether it's well-heated or not. The
atmosphere stems from the 'spirit of the house' whose personality
governs whether the house is lucky or unlucky.
Door
As main point of entry of the house, the door is particularly
important and the positioning over the porch of statues and good
luck symbols (e.g. horseshoe, with points upwards to stop the luck
from running out) keep out bad elements, spiritual or human. It is
unlucky to enter the house for the first time by the back door, as
this entrance is not protected against evil spirits. Encourage
visitors to leave by the same door they came in to avoid taking the
owner's luck with them. The opening of a door of its own accord
indicates that a visitor is on the way, whilst a slamming door may
damage the 'spirit of the house' and should be avoided.
Leave a door open when a child is being born or someone is dying, so
that the entry or exit may take place without hindrance. The Romans
would leave a servant on duty to stop someone entering left foot
first (the forerunner of the modern footman).
Cooking
When any food is mixed it should be stirred clockwise, as
all functions of importance should be performed in an east to west
direction (old belief in sun-worship). Leave a tray or a cooking
utensil in the oven when not in use (old Jewish), for the time may
come when the owner has nothing to place in it. Never waste leftover
morsels of pastry or dough from making bread or cakes, or the whole
baking will be ruined. Loaves marked with a cross protects them from
evil; when baking bread, remember -
'She that pricks bread with fork or knife;
will never be a happy maid or wife.'
A loaf that splits open while it is in the oven warns of a death to
come in the family; a loaf with a hollow centre presages a death; it
is unlucky to turn a loaf upside down after cutting the first slice
for this will cause the head of the household to fall ill; if a loaf
crumbles in your hand as you are cutting it there is going to be a
quarrel before very long. Drop a slice of buttered bread butter side
up and a visitor will arrive.
Eggs
When you have finished your boiled egg, crush the shell or
push the spoon through the bottom to avoid bad luck. This stems from
the belief that witches collect up the empty shells and use them to
go to sea and work spells against hapless mariners. Also, do not
bring eggs into the house after dark as it is bad luck. The giving
of Easter eggs and the use of eggs in all sorts of other
festivities, both Christian and those held by other religions can be
traced back to antiquity, when the Egyptians and Romans, among
others, saw its shape as an emblem of the Universe. Painting eggs
red at Easter is seen as good luck, as it is the colour of blood and
life.
Salt
The Ancient Greeks believed that salt was sacred and a
repository of life itself because of its preservative qualities, and
consequently used it in their sacrificial cakes and preparations.
They also believed it to be a symbol of friendship, and if any was
spilled it was an omen of the end of a friendship. Among some
peoples it was the custom to pay workers in amounts of salt, hence
our modern word salary, from salarium. Later beliefs had it that
evil spirits dwelt on the left-hand side of the body and so began
the custom of throwing spilt salt over your left shoulder (and into
their eyes). Salt is often given to newborn babies for luck. Country
folk often carry a little bag of salt on their person to bring them
luck in their dealings (Britain, Europe). If spilt salt is carefully
picked and thrown into the fire, this will dry up the tears
otherwise shed (America).
Tea
To stir the teapot anti-clockwise will stir up a quarrel. If
two women pour from the same pot one of them will have a baby within
a year. There is a lot of belief in 'reading the tea-leaves' to
predict the future.
Knife
Crossing two knives is bad luck. If you are given a present
of a knife, give a coin in return to avoid 'cutting' the friendship.
Let the superstitious wife
Near the child's heart lay a knife.
Point be up, and haft be down,
While she gossips in the town.
This amongst other mystic charms
Keeps the sleeping child from harms.'
Spoon
If two are found in a tea cup there will be a wedding in the
family; if you drop one and it lands with the bowl upwards you are
in for a pleasant surprise.
Apron
accidentally put one on inside out = lucky ; if it falls off
suddenly for no apparent reason = unlucky (Europe). If a man's wipes
his hands on a woman's apron he will soon fall in love with her.
This stems from the fact that a woman's perspiration is to be found
on her apron.
By contrast, members of the opposite sex should never dry themselves
on the same towel as this will invariably lead to a quarrel between
them.
Washing Up
If you break a plate or cup you can expect another
breakage before the end of the day unless you deliberately smash
some other small item to avoid the bad luck.
"Wash and wipe together
Live in peace together"
An English country superstition says that it is bad luck to throw
any water out of the house after nightfall because it has long been
regarded as a deterrent to the denizens of the night and by throwing
it out you are weakening your protection during the hours of
darkness.
"They that wash on Monday, have the whole week to dry.
They that wash on Tuesday, are not so much awry.
They that wash on Wednesday, will get their clothes so clean.
They that wash on Thursday, are not so much to mean.
They that wash on Friday, wash for their need.
But they that wash on Saturdays are dirty folks indeed."
Dining Table
When rising from the table take care not to upset your
chair, for this is a sign that you have lied at some time during
your conversation. Anyone who lies down on a table will die within a
year; any engaged girl who sits on a table while talking to her
fiancé risks losing him; it is unlucky to change your position at
the table after a place has been allocated to you; to place your
chair back against the wall or fold your napkin after a meal at a
fiend's home will prevent you ever visiting there again (America).
Fireplace
A fire that roars up the chimney = an omen of an argument
or a storm; sparks clinging to the back of the chimney are a sign of
important news in the offing; a sudden fall of soot presages bad
weather or a disaster of some kind. Coal (a symbol of fire) is lucky
and small pieces were often carried in the pocket. Its use in the
tradition of 'first footing' on New Year's Eve is well known.
Mirrors and Looking Glasses
To break one will result in seven years
bad luck. Early man, on seeing his image reflected in water,
believed it represented his soul and should anything disturb this
image then his own life was in danger. Mirrors have always been
closely associated with magic. Mirrors are covered over with cloth
in the room where someone has died for fear that anyone who sees
himself in the glass will similarly die.
Staircase
It is unlucky to pass anyone on the stairs (cross your
fingers if you do so). Stairways symbolized the means of ascending
to the abode of the gods and it was dangerous to trespass; also,
early stairways were very narrow and two people passing each other
left themselves open to attack from behind. Stumbling on the
staircase is said to be a good omen and may indicate a wedding in
the household before long.
Upstairs
Do not sing in bath as this will lead to sorrow before
evening; any young girl who persistently splashes herself or her
clothes when washing will end up with a husband who is a drunk. Get
out of bed the right side. The left-hand side is associated with the
Devil; but, if you can't avoid it, put your right sock and shoe on
first. You will always get the best night's sleep if your bed is
positioned in a north-south direction with your head to the south -
this will ensure a long life. To be rich, point your head to the
east; to travel widely, the west. It is unlucky to put a hat on the
bed (America).
Housework
China ornaments of animals should never be placed so that
they face a door for they will allow the luck to run out of the
house. It is unlucky to sweep any dust or waste material directly
out of the house, as this will carry the good luck with it. Sweep
such waste into the centre of the room, collect it up in a pan and
then carry the lot out of doors to avoid any repercussions. A new
broom should always be used the first time to sweep something into
the house, to symbolize luck. Never buy any new brush in May; as the
Romans decreed May to be the month of death:
'If you buy a broom or brush in May
You'll sweep the head of the household away.'
And it was said that to gather broom, which they believed was a
magical plant of phallic significance, might well endanger the life
of the man who performed the act. The phallic significance is also
evident in an English country belief that a young girl who walks
over a broomstick will become pregnant before she marries.
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