SUPERSTITIONS AND THEIR ORIGINS
INTRODUCTION
As researchers we believe it is important to have a basic understanding of superstitions as this will assist when researching and investigating the paranormal. As with the paranormal, people fear what they dont understand and from some of these fears, certain rituals and superstitions have been practiced through out time as a form of protection of the unknown. Most superstitions from the past have been proven by science as unnecessary, ineffective or just plan silly but are still practiced by normal intelligent people today. The following is a list of some of these superstitions and their origins.
HALLOWEEN
Halloween for many has been a holiday filled with mystery, magic and superstitions and dont forget the sweets for generations but what is the origin of halloween?
Halloween's orgin began as a Celtic end of summer festival during which people felt very close to their dead relatives and friends spirits. This festival began around 2000 years ago in the area that is now known as Ireland, United Kingdom and northern France celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the begining of the winter. This was also the time of the year that was associated with human death. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the worlds of the living and the dead came together. On the night of the 31st October they celebrated Samhain, when it was believe that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. Celts thought the presence of these spirits made it easlier for the priests to make predictions about the future. These predictions were a source of comfort for the local people to face the up coming winter. To commemorate the festival Druids built huge bonfires where the people gathered to burn animals and crops as a sacrifice the Celtics deities. During the festival the people wore costumes, typically animal heads and skins.
By AD43 the Romans had conquered nearly all the Celtic territory. Over the next four hundred years that the Romans ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The first was Feralla, a day in late October when the Roman traditionally celebrated the passing of the dead, the second was a day to honor Pomona the Roman Goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the joining of the celebration into Samhain could explain the tradition of "bobbing for apples" that is apart of the halloween tradition.
By 800AD Christianity had spred through Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 as "All Saints Day" to honor all the Saints and Martyrs. It was thought that the Pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a church sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also known as "All-Hallows or All Hallowmas" (from the Middle-English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints Day) and the night of Samhain became known as "All-hallows Eve" and eventually Halloween.
Later in 1000AD, the church would make November 2 "All Souls Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated in a simular way to Samhain, with a large bonfire, parades and dressing up in costumes as Saint, Angels and Devils. This festival was known as "Hallowmas".
Halloween's orgin began as a Celtic end of summer festival during which people felt very close to their dead relatives and friends spirits. This festival began around 2000 years ago in the area that is now known as Ireland, United Kingdom and northern France celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the begining of the winter. This was also the time of the year that was associated with human death. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the worlds of the living and the dead came together. On the night of the 31st October they celebrated Samhain, when it was believe that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. Celts thought the presence of these spirits made it easlier for the priests to make predictions about the future. These predictions were a source of comfort for the local people to face the up coming winter. To commemorate the festival Druids built huge bonfires where the people gathered to burn animals and crops as a sacrifice the Celtics deities. During the festival the people wore costumes, typically animal heads and skins.
By AD43 the Romans had conquered nearly all the Celtic territory. Over the next four hundred years that the Romans ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The first was Feralla, a day in late October when the Roman traditionally celebrated the passing of the dead, the second was a day to honor Pomona the Roman Goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the joining of the celebration into Samhain could explain the tradition of "bobbing for apples" that is apart of the halloween tradition.
By 800AD Christianity had spred through Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 as "All Saints Day" to honor all the Saints and Martyrs. It was thought that the Pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a church sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also known as "All-Hallows or All Hallowmas" (from the Middle-English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints Day) and the night of Samhain became known as "All-hallows Eve" and eventually Halloween.
Later in 1000AD, the church would make November 2 "All Souls Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated in a simular way to Samhain, with a large bonfire, parades and dressing up in costumes as Saint, Angels and Devils. This festival was known as "Hallowmas".
HALLOWEEN IN MODERN TIMES
in the 19th century North America had a huge influx of imigration many from Europe and Ireland. Millions of Irish imigrants escaped from the Irish potato famine of 1846 helped to popularize the Halloween celebration nationally. The Americans started to take up the halloween traditions, they began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money. This was to become what is known as "trick or treat". Some young women believed that on Halloween, they could devine the name or appearance of thier future husbands by doing tricks with yam, apple paring or mirrors.
In the late 19th century there was a move in North America to make Halloween into a holiday more about community and a neighborly get together than about the supernatural. Today in North America they spend an estimated $6.9 billion annually on halloween, making it the country's second largest commercial holiday.Halloween is now celebrated all around the world even in Adelaide South Australia. But now it appears to have lost its orgins and is celerbrated as an American festive occasion. I had a couple of kids come to my home on Halloween, I asked them if they knew the meaning of Halloween, they told me its all about getting lots of sweets and that they had seen it on television.
in the 19th century North America had a huge influx of imigration many from Europe and Ireland. Millions of Irish imigrants escaped from the Irish potato famine of 1846 helped to popularize the Halloween celebration nationally. The Americans started to take up the halloween traditions, they began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money. This was to become what is known as "trick or treat". Some young women believed that on Halloween, they could devine the name or appearance of thier future husbands by doing tricks with yam, apple paring or mirrors.
In the late 19th century there was a move in North America to make Halloween into a holiday more about community and a neighborly get together than about the supernatural. Today in North America they spend an estimated $6.9 billion annually on halloween, making it the country's second largest commercial holiday.Halloween is now celebrated all around the world even in Adelaide South Australia. But now it appears to have lost its orgins and is celerbrated as an American festive occasion. I had a couple of kids come to my home on Halloween, I asked them if they knew the meaning of Halloween, they told me its all about getting lots of sweets and that they had seen it on television.
ORIGIN OF PUMPKIN CARVING
Pumpkin carving has been a part of the modern Halloween celebration for generations but very few people know why or when the tradition began. Actually people have been making "Jack o Lanterns at Halloween for centeries. The practice began as a Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack". According to the myth, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name he didn't want to pay for the drink, so he convinced the devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to pay for the drinks. once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it in his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back to his original form. Jack evenually freed the Devil under the condition that he not bother him for one year and that should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year Jack tricked the Devil again by getting him to climb into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While the Devil was in the tree, jack carved a sign of the cross into the trees trunk so that the Devil could not get down until he promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years. Soon after Jack died, God wouldn't allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil still upset about the trick that Jack played on him would not allow Jack into hell. The Devil sent Jack of into the dark night with only a burning coal of light to light his way. Jack put the burning coal into a carved out turnip and has been roaming the earth ever since. The Irish began to refer to the ghostly figure as "Jack of Lantern" and then simply as Jack O'Lantern.
The Irish and Scottish began to make their own versions of Jack O' Lanterns using Potatos and turnips and placing them in windows and doorways to frighten away Stringy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England large beets were used. Imigrants from these countries the Jack O' Lantern brought the tradition to North America. They soon found that the punpkins, a fruit native to the America made the perfect Jack "O Lantern.
Pumpkin carving has been a part of the modern Halloween celebration for generations but very few people know why or when the tradition began. Actually people have been making "Jack o Lanterns at Halloween for centeries. The practice began as a Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack". According to the myth, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name he didn't want to pay for the drink, so he convinced the devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to pay for the drinks. once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it in his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back to his original form. Jack evenually freed the Devil under the condition that he not bother him for one year and that should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year Jack tricked the Devil again by getting him to climb into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While the Devil was in the tree, jack carved a sign of the cross into the trees trunk so that the Devil could not get down until he promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years. Soon after Jack died, God wouldn't allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil still upset about the trick that Jack played on him would not allow Jack into hell. The Devil sent Jack of into the dark night with only a burning coal of light to light his way. Jack put the burning coal into a carved out turnip and has been roaming the earth ever since. The Irish began to refer to the ghostly figure as "Jack of Lantern" and then simply as Jack O'Lantern.
The Irish and Scottish began to make their own versions of Jack O' Lanterns using Potatos and turnips and placing them in windows and doorways to frighten away Stringy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England large beets were used. Imigrants from these countries the Jack O' Lantern brought the tradition to North America. They soon found that the punpkins, a fruit native to the America made the perfect Jack "O Lantern.
BREAKING A MIRROR
For most people breaking a mirror brings seven years bad luck but what is the origins of this superstition?
It is believed that the original origins go back to the early Egyptians and Greeks. They believed before the invention of mirrors, if a man gazed at his reflection in a pool, ponds or lakes, If the image was distorted, it was a mark of impending disaster. The unbreakable metal mirrors made from polished metals were valued items because of thier magical powers. During this time the Greeks came up with a pseudo science known as catoptromacy. That is when a person's future is fortold just by having been seen in by the person who has the experience. If the mirror slipped away or was damaged, the seer would explain that the persons fate will be horrible in the future and that the Gods did not wish to show it in the mirror.
After glass mirrors were introduced, it was the Ancient Romans who intoduced the broken mirror as a sign of bad luck. They put an idea forward that a person's health changes in cycles of seven years. Therefore, if a person ever broke a mirror, that person would recieve seven years bad health and misfortune.
There is a theory that you can do penance to counteract the bad luck of a broken mirror. The rituals that are involved, include grinding the broken mirror to dust, to remove all possibility of any refection remaining. Some believe burying the broken mirror by the light of a full moon under a tree will also work. African slaves in the USA would place the broken pieces of mirror in the river that flowed south.
It is believed that the original origins go back to the early Egyptians and Greeks. They believed before the invention of mirrors, if a man gazed at his reflection in a pool, ponds or lakes, If the image was distorted, it was a mark of impending disaster. The unbreakable metal mirrors made from polished metals were valued items because of thier magical powers. During this time the Greeks came up with a pseudo science known as catoptromacy. That is when a person's future is fortold just by having been seen in by the person who has the experience. If the mirror slipped away or was damaged, the seer would explain that the persons fate will be horrible in the future and that the Gods did not wish to show it in the mirror.
After glass mirrors were introduced, it was the Ancient Romans who intoduced the broken mirror as a sign of bad luck. They put an idea forward that a person's health changes in cycles of seven years. Therefore, if a person ever broke a mirror, that person would recieve seven years bad health and misfortune.
There is a theory that you can do penance to counteract the bad luck of a broken mirror. The rituals that are involved, include grinding the broken mirror to dust, to remove all possibility of any refection remaining. Some believe burying the broken mirror by the light of a full moon under a tree will also work. African slaves in the USA would place the broken pieces of mirror in the river that flowed south.
FRIDAY 13th
The number 13 has had a long history for being unlucky, even in the 21st century it is still considered unlucky. There is no written evidence for Friday 13 before the 19th century. The earliest known documented reference in English occures in an 1869 biography of Gioachino Rossini:
[Rossini] was surrounded to the last by admiring and affectionate friends; and if it be true that, like so many other Italians, he regarded Friday as an unlucky day, and thirteen as a unlucky number, it is remarkable that Friday, the 13th of November, he died.
One theory states that it is a modern amalgamation of two older superstitions that thirteen is an unlucky number and that Friday is an unlucky day.
In numerology, the number twelve is considered the number of completeness, as reflected in the twelve
months of the year, twelve signs of the zodiac, twelve hours of the clock, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve
Apostles of Jesus, twelve Gods of Olypmus, etc. Where as the number thirteen was considered irregular,
transgressing this completeness. There is also a superstition, thought by some to derive from the last
supper or a Norse myth, that having thirteen people seated at a table will result in the death of one of the
diners.
Friday has been considered unlucky since the 14th century. The Canterbury Tales and many other professions have regarded Friday as unlucky day to undertake journeys or begin new projects. Black Friday has been associated with stock market crashes and other disasters since the 1800s. It has also been considered an unlucky day according to Christian scripture and tradition, Jesus was crucified on a Friday.
Other theories include that Judus, the betrayer of Jesus was the 13th member present at the last super. In Ancient Rome a witch's coven comprised 12 with the 13th being the devil. In ancient Babylon's code of Hammurabi omits the number 13 in its law, so the superstition at leat dates back to 1700BC.
It appears the number association with Friday didn't take hold until the early 20th century. In 1907 a Boston stockbroker Thomas Lawson published a book called "Friday the Thirteenth, which told of an evil business man's attempt to crash the stock market on the unluckiest day of the month. The book sold nearly 28,000 copies in the first week and in 1916 was made into a feature lenght (silent) film.
The Apollo 13 space craft malfunctioned after being launched on April 11th at 13.13CST, forcing it to return to earth without landing on the moon.
After 13 years of being the richest man in the world, Microsoft Corporation chairman Bill gates lost his title according to Forbes magazine's 2008 list of world's billionares.
Even in the 21st century number 13 is considered unlucky, here are a few examples how superstitious we still are:
* In Scotland there is no gate 13, instead there is a gate 12B.
* In a Lufthansa jet with row numbers 12 to 14.
* Some airline jets skip row 13, going straight from 12 to 14.
* Some tall buildings have resorted to skipping the 13th floor, either by numbering it 14 or 12a.
* Some streets do not have a house number 13.
* In some motor sports, as an example formula 1, there is no number 13 car.
* Microsoft plans to skip Office 13 for being "anunlucky number" going directly to Office 14.
*The creators of the online game "Kingdom of Loathing avoid the number 13 in all thier programing
Here are a few Friday 13th Myths:
* If you cut your hair on Friday 13 someone in your family will die.
* A child born on Friday 13 will be unlucky for life.
* If a funeral procession passes you on Friday 13th, you will be next to die.
On the flipside the Chinese and the Egyptians consider the number 13 lucky. Sikhs believe 13 is a special number based on the legend about Guru Nanak Dev and also because 13 is tera in Punjabi which means "yours" as 'I am yours O lord".
Ancient Egyptians associated the number 13 with eternal afterlife. For them 13 symbolized death. But a glorious and desirable death.
[Rossini] was surrounded to the last by admiring and affectionate friends; and if it be true that, like so many other Italians, he regarded Friday as an unlucky day, and thirteen as a unlucky number, it is remarkable that Friday, the 13th of November, he died.
One theory states that it is a modern amalgamation of two older superstitions that thirteen is an unlucky number and that Friday is an unlucky day.
In numerology, the number twelve is considered the number of completeness, as reflected in the twelve
months of the year, twelve signs of the zodiac, twelve hours of the clock, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve
Apostles of Jesus, twelve Gods of Olypmus, etc. Where as the number thirteen was considered irregular,
transgressing this completeness. There is also a superstition, thought by some to derive from the last
supper or a Norse myth, that having thirteen people seated at a table will result in the death of one of the
diners.
Friday has been considered unlucky since the 14th century. The Canterbury Tales and many other professions have regarded Friday as unlucky day to undertake journeys or begin new projects. Black Friday has been associated with stock market crashes and other disasters since the 1800s. It has also been considered an unlucky day according to Christian scripture and tradition, Jesus was crucified on a Friday.
Other theories include that Judus, the betrayer of Jesus was the 13th member present at the last super. In Ancient Rome a witch's coven comprised 12 with the 13th being the devil. In ancient Babylon's code of Hammurabi omits the number 13 in its law, so the superstition at leat dates back to 1700BC.
It appears the number association with Friday didn't take hold until the early 20th century. In 1907 a Boston stockbroker Thomas Lawson published a book called "Friday the Thirteenth, which told of an evil business man's attempt to crash the stock market on the unluckiest day of the month. The book sold nearly 28,000 copies in the first week and in 1916 was made into a feature lenght (silent) film.
The Apollo 13 space craft malfunctioned after being launched on April 11th at 13.13CST, forcing it to return to earth without landing on the moon.
After 13 years of being the richest man in the world, Microsoft Corporation chairman Bill gates lost his title according to Forbes magazine's 2008 list of world's billionares.
Even in the 21st century number 13 is considered unlucky, here are a few examples how superstitious we still are:
* In Scotland there is no gate 13, instead there is a gate 12B.
* In a Lufthansa jet with row numbers 12 to 14.
* Some airline jets skip row 13, going straight from 12 to 14.
* Some tall buildings have resorted to skipping the 13th floor, either by numbering it 14 or 12a.
* Some streets do not have a house number 13.
* In some motor sports, as an example formula 1, there is no number 13 car.
* Microsoft plans to skip Office 13 for being "anunlucky number" going directly to Office 14.
*The creators of the online game "Kingdom of Loathing avoid the number 13 in all thier programing
Here are a few Friday 13th Myths:
* If you cut your hair on Friday 13 someone in your family will die.
* A child born on Friday 13 will be unlucky for life.
* If a funeral procession passes you on Friday 13th, you will be next to die.
On the flipside the Chinese and the Egyptians consider the number 13 lucky. Sikhs believe 13 is a special number based on the legend about Guru Nanak Dev and also because 13 is tera in Punjabi which means "yours" as 'I am yours O lord".
Ancient Egyptians associated the number 13 with eternal afterlife. For them 13 symbolized death. But a glorious and desirable death.
WALKING UNDER A LADDER
There are a couple of theories about why walking under a ladder is bad luck besides the obvious safety reasons. It is believed by some Christians that walking under a ladder is a kin to blaspheming, this comes from the early days of Christianity. Many Christians are believers in the Trinity - that God is made up of three parts, the Holy Father, the Holy Son, and Holy Ghost (or Holly Spirit). This means that the number three was somewhat sacred, and the triangle was by association also sacred with its three sides. A ladder leaning up against a building was seen as a triangle, the ladder making one side, the building being the second side and the ground connecting the two makes the third side. To walk through the triangle (walking under the ladder) was seen as breaking the Trinity. The bible talks about the sin of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, or someone who breaks the Trinity as being in league with the devil. In the early days of Christianity this was easy way to trialed as a witch or be hanged.
There is another origin of walking under a ladder to with a ladder leaning against a wall and a gallows. Anything associated with a gallows was considered bad luck so walking under a ladder. It is believed by some if you walk under a ladder the best way to avoid bad luck is to spit three times through the rungs of the ladder or spit on your shoe. But make sure you dont look at your shoe until the spit has dried up. If this fails cross your fingers until you find a dog, or back out the way you came and make a wish.
Take away the superstitions walking under the ladder has more practical applications. If a person walks under a ladder might endanger the person. Some ladders are unsafe or old. If a ladder leads up to a roof might suggest someone is working above and it is fraught with danger, people can have been injured by objects dropping from overhead.
There is another origin of walking under a ladder to with a ladder leaning against a wall and a gallows. Anything associated with a gallows was considered bad luck so walking under a ladder. It is believed by some if you walk under a ladder the best way to avoid bad luck is to spit three times through the rungs of the ladder or spit on your shoe. But make sure you dont look at your shoe until the spit has dried up. If this fails cross your fingers until you find a dog, or back out the way you came and make a wish.
Take away the superstitions walking under the ladder has more practical applications. If a person walks under a ladder might endanger the person. Some ladders are unsafe or old. If a ladder leads up to a roof might suggest someone is working above and it is fraught with danger, people can have been injured by objects dropping from overhead.
BLACK CATS
The fear of black cats and superstitions associated with them has a relatively resent origin, going back to the Middle Ages. It was a very different story in Ancient Egypt were the cat was domesticated around 3000BC. All cats including black ones, were held in high esteem amongst the Ancient Egyptians and were protected by law from injury and death. If a cat was to die the pets death was mourned by the entire family, and both rich and poor embalmed the bodies of their cats. They were wrapped in fine linen, placed in a mummy case made from precious materials. In resent times entire cat cemeteries have been found by archaeologists.
Fear of cats, especially black cats, first arose in the Middle Ages, particularly in England. The cats characteristics was to be its undoing, its independences, intellegence and stealth with its over population of major cities contributed to its full from grace. Ally cats (homeless) were often fed by the poor, especially lonely old women. When the witch hunts of began in Europe many of these homeless women were accused of being witchs, thier cats (especially the black cats) were also deemed guilty of witchery by association. During this time many societies attempted to drive the cats into extinction. The witch hunts mounted into parannoia, many innocent women and their cats were burned at the stake. It got so bad that if a baby born with eyes to bright, a personality to precocios was killed for the fear that it might be host to a spirit that would in time become a witch by day and a black cat by night. The notion of witchs transforming themselves into black cats in order to prowl the streets at night unobserved became a central belief in North American during the Salem witch hunts. In France thousands of cats were killed and buried every month until King Louis XIII in the 1630s halted the practice.
GENERAL CAT SUPERSTITIONS
* A cat is often kept as a lucky mascot in the theatre and bad luck stikes anyone who dares to kick it.
* In Normady, seeing a tortoiseshell cat fortold death by accident.
* A black cat crossing one's path by moonlight means death by epidemic.
* Its bad luck to cross a stream carrying a cat. [France]
* If a cat washes behind its ears, rain is coming. [English]
* Sailers believe that if a ship's cat mew's and appears to be cross or angry, they will face a hard voyage -
but if the cat is bright or happy there will be "following wind".
* Throwing a cat over board resulted in immediate storm.
* It is considered good luck to have a cat aboard a ship.
* Supernatural powers are associated with cats. So believe they have the power of hypnotism.
* A cat with three different hues in its coat can protact one against fire and fever.
* A cat sneezing is a good omen for anyone who hears it. [Italy]
* A cat sleeping with all four paws tucked up means old weather ahead. [ English]
* It is bad luck to mistreat a cat.
* Never kick a cat or you will get rheumatism.
* Never drown a cat or the devilo will get you.
* Its bad luck to have a cat turn its back on you.
* Its good luck to own a black cat.
* Its good luck to have a black cat greet you at the door.
* Its good luck to meet three cats in succession.
* Its good luck touching a black cat.
* It s bad luck walking under a ladder after a black cat has walked underneath it.
* Its bad luck scaring or driving a black cat from your property.
* Its good luck to have a black cat enter your home.
* Any cat which has been bought will never be a good a mouse catcher.
* When a cat washes its face in the parlour, expect company.
* If you wash your cat it will rain. [Indonesia]
Fear of cats, especially black cats, first arose in the Middle Ages, particularly in England. The cats characteristics was to be its undoing, its independences, intellegence and stealth with its over population of major cities contributed to its full from grace. Ally cats (homeless) were often fed by the poor, especially lonely old women. When the witch hunts of began in Europe many of these homeless women were accused of being witchs, thier cats (especially the black cats) were also deemed guilty of witchery by association. During this time many societies attempted to drive the cats into extinction. The witch hunts mounted into parannoia, many innocent women and their cats were burned at the stake. It got so bad that if a baby born with eyes to bright, a personality to precocios was killed for the fear that it might be host to a spirit that would in time become a witch by day and a black cat by night. The notion of witchs transforming themselves into black cats in order to prowl the streets at night unobserved became a central belief in North American during the Salem witch hunts. In France thousands of cats were killed and buried every month until King Louis XIII in the 1630s halted the practice.
GENERAL CAT SUPERSTITIONS
* A cat is often kept as a lucky mascot in the theatre and bad luck stikes anyone who dares to kick it.
* In Normady, seeing a tortoiseshell cat fortold death by accident.
* A black cat crossing one's path by moonlight means death by epidemic.
* Its bad luck to cross a stream carrying a cat. [France]
* If a cat washes behind its ears, rain is coming. [English]
* Sailers believe that if a ship's cat mew's and appears to be cross or angry, they will face a hard voyage -
but if the cat is bright or happy there will be "following wind".
* Throwing a cat over board resulted in immediate storm.
* It is considered good luck to have a cat aboard a ship.
* Supernatural powers are associated with cats. So believe they have the power of hypnotism.
* A cat with three different hues in its coat can protact one against fire and fever.
* A cat sneezing is a good omen for anyone who hears it. [Italy]
* A cat sleeping with all four paws tucked up means old weather ahead. [ English]
* It is bad luck to mistreat a cat.
* Never kick a cat or you will get rheumatism.
* Never drown a cat or the devilo will get you.
* Its bad luck to have a cat turn its back on you.
* Its good luck to own a black cat.
* Its good luck to have a black cat greet you at the door.
* Its good luck to meet three cats in succession.
* Its good luck touching a black cat.
* It s bad luck walking under a ladder after a black cat has walked underneath it.
* Its bad luck scaring or driving a black cat from your property.
* Its good luck to have a black cat enter your home.
* Any cat which has been bought will never be a good a mouse catcher.
* When a cat washes its face in the parlour, expect company.
* If you wash your cat it will rain. [Indonesia]
SPILLING SALT
It is considered bad luck to spill salt but the superstition is mainly associated with the activty of throwing salt over the left shoulder to prevent the bad luck from setting on the salt spiller. The person who is the spiller is required to toss some of the spilt salt over the left shoulder immediately for the benefit to hold.
The exact origins are hazy but it is a very old superstition obscured in history. It may be that the origin of spilling salt may lie in the fact that spilling salt was bad form before it was considered bad luck. In ancient times salt was a very important and expensive commodity. Wasting salt was therefore frowned upon. It has been suggested by some the spilling of salt, being bad luck came about as a way to stop careless and the clumsy from wasting a precious spice.
The thowing of salt over the left should is believed by some to come from old Christian beliefs that the devil hangs about over the left side of the body, looking for an opportunity to invade. Spilling salt was seen an invitation for the Devil to do his handy work and the tossing of salt over the left shoulder puts it square in the Devils face, just when he was about to attack.
There is another Christian believe that some ascribe to the superstition that spilling salt is bad luck. Simular to the Holy Grail Myth and superstitions about the number 13, the idea that spilling salt can make bring you bad luck is linked to the Last Supper. The famous painting by Da Vinci shows the betrayer (Judus) having just knocked over a salt vessel, spilling the salt on the table.
The exact origins are hazy but it is a very old superstition obscured in history. It may be that the origin of spilling salt may lie in the fact that spilling salt was bad form before it was considered bad luck. In ancient times salt was a very important and expensive commodity. Wasting salt was therefore frowned upon. It has been suggested by some the spilling of salt, being bad luck came about as a way to stop careless and the clumsy from wasting a precious spice.
The thowing of salt over the left should is believed by some to come from old Christian beliefs that the devil hangs about over the left side of the body, looking for an opportunity to invade. Spilling salt was seen an invitation for the Devil to do his handy work and the tossing of salt over the left shoulder puts it square in the Devils face, just when he was about to attack.
There is another Christian believe that some ascribe to the superstition that spilling salt is bad luck. Simular to the Holy Grail Myth and superstitions about the number 13, the idea that spilling salt can make bring you bad luck is linked to the Last Supper. The famous painting by Da Vinci shows the betrayer (Judus) having just knocked over a salt vessel, spilling the salt on the table.
LUCKY HORSE SHOE
Many places throughout the world horseshoes are nailed above the doorway or carried about as a lucky charm. There are a couple of reasons why a horseshoe may be lucky, they are roughly the shape of a cresent, which has been used as a protective symbol for centuries. Horseshoes were once very common and were easy for anyone to obtain. There are a number of folktales that could help explain to the origin of the lucky horseshoe.
St. Dunstan, a blacksmith by trade encounted the devil at his door. The devil wanted to be 'shoed'. Dunstan recognized that it was the devil, tied him up and went to work, inflicting great pain on his customer. The Devil screamed for mercy, and Dunstan released him, but only after the Devil promised never to enter a home protected by a horseshoe.
Witches rode broomsticks because they were very afraid of horses. Therefore a horseshoe is good protection against witches.
Horseshoes are made from iron, a good luck metal, and the crest-shaped like the moon which is a sign of prosperity.
Here are a few more reasons why the horseshoe represents good furtune.
* There are usually seven nail holes in a horseshoe, seven is traditionally a lucky number.
* Horseshoes are normally made from iron and iron repels fairyfolk, keeping your house free from
mischievous demons, imps, pixies and elves.
* A witch cannot walk under a horseshoe.
* If the Devil gets close to a horseshoe, he will be sucked in.
* A horseshoe in the bedroom will help keep nightmares away.
* A horseshoe can prevent hiccups.
Folklore tells us there are certain rules to be followed before a horseshoe can be lucky:
* The horseshoe must have been worn by a horse first.
* The horseshoe must be found not purchased.
* In England and Ireland the horseshoe must be facing up, or the luck will runout.
* In other countries the horseshoe must be facing down so the luck will pour out on you.
St. Dunstan, a blacksmith by trade encounted the devil at his door. The devil wanted to be 'shoed'. Dunstan recognized that it was the devil, tied him up and went to work, inflicting great pain on his customer. The Devil screamed for mercy, and Dunstan released him, but only after the Devil promised never to enter a home protected by a horseshoe.
Witches rode broomsticks because they were very afraid of horses. Therefore a horseshoe is good protection against witches.
Horseshoes are made from iron, a good luck metal, and the crest-shaped like the moon which is a sign of prosperity.
Here are a few more reasons why the horseshoe represents good furtune.
* There are usually seven nail holes in a horseshoe, seven is traditionally a lucky number.
* Horseshoes are normally made from iron and iron repels fairyfolk, keeping your house free from
mischievous demons, imps, pixies and elves.
* A witch cannot walk under a horseshoe.
* If the Devil gets close to a horseshoe, he will be sucked in.
* A horseshoe in the bedroom will help keep nightmares away.
* A horseshoe can prevent hiccups.
Folklore tells us there are certain rules to be followed before a horseshoe can be lucky:
* The horseshoe must have been worn by a horse first.
* The horseshoe must be found not purchased.
* In England and Ireland the horseshoe must be facing up, or the luck will runout.
* In other countries the horseshoe must be facing down so the luck will pour out on you.
WISHBONE
The wishbone is the forked bone found in a birds formed from the fusion of two clavicles. The bones help to withstand the rigors of flight.
It is believed that the origins of the wishbone superstition goes back to ancient times possibly as early as 322BC, during the time of the Etruscan civilization. Very little is known about them but they believed that hens had oracle powers and used them to predict the future. Grains of corn would be scattered into sections with letters. A hen pecking at the corn would spell out answers to important questions, such as the first letter of a future husband name. Later the hen would be killed and hung out to dry. A person could captitalize on the good luck by picking up the wishbone, stoke it and make a wish.
The beliefs and practices then had a lasting influence on the Roman culture which then made its way to England, which would eventualy make its way to North America via the early pilgrim settlers. The wishbone practice survived and became synonymous with turkey and the Thanksgiving dinner.
For more than two centuries wishes were made on the unbroken wishbone (clavicles). It was not until later that the expresssion "lucky break" was applied to a person winning the large half in the wishbone tug-of-war. The person with larger piece of bone would have their wish granted.
It is believed that the origins of the wishbone superstition goes back to ancient times possibly as early as 322BC, during the time of the Etruscan civilization. Very little is known about them but they believed that hens had oracle powers and used them to predict the future. Grains of corn would be scattered into sections with letters. A hen pecking at the corn would spell out answers to important questions, such as the first letter of a future husband name. Later the hen would be killed and hung out to dry. A person could captitalize on the good luck by picking up the wishbone, stoke it and make a wish.
The beliefs and practices then had a lasting influence on the Roman culture which then made its way to England, which would eventualy make its way to North America via the early pilgrim settlers. The wishbone practice survived and became synonymous with turkey and the Thanksgiving dinner.
For more than two centuries wishes were made on the unbroken wishbone (clavicles). It was not until later that the expresssion "lucky break" was applied to a person winning the large half in the wishbone tug-of-war. The person with larger piece of bone would have their wish granted.
BIRTHDAY SUPERSTITIONS
What are the origins of the birthday customs that we all take for granted? It appears the various birthday customs have a very long history. The origins lie in the realm of magic and religion. The custom of offering congratulations, presenting gifts and celebrating with lighted candles in ancient times were meant to protect the birthday celebrant from demons and to ensure their security for the coming year. Christianity rejected the birthday celebration as a pagon practice up to the 4th centuryAD.
The Greeks believed that everyone had a protective spirit or demon who attached itself at birth and watched over them for life. This spirit had a mystic relationship with God on whose birthday the individual was born.
The custom of lighted candles on cakes started with the Greeks which included round honey cakes like the moon and lit with tapers and placed on the temple ultars of Artemis.
In folklore birthday candles are connected to special magic for granting wishes. Lighted candles and sacrificial fires have had a special mystic significance ever since man lit the first alters. The birthday candles are thus an honor and tribute to the birthday child and to bring good fortune.
There was a custom that began in Germany in the middle ages, when a cake was placed on the dinner table early in the morning of someones birthday. It was surrounded by a circle of candles that burned throughout the day to ward off evil spirits. The candles was also a reminder that life is transitory and represented the candles that one day would be lit for one's funeral. The person celebrating his/her birthday makes a silent wish while blowing out the candles on the cake. It was then said the person blew out the candles with one breath it signifies that the wish was to be answered and the person would enjoy good luck in the coming year. Blowing out the candles was also considered mastery over one's fate.
The Greeks believed that everyone had a protective spirit or demon who attached itself at birth and watched over them for life. This spirit had a mystic relationship with God on whose birthday the individual was born.
The custom of lighted candles on cakes started with the Greeks which included round honey cakes like the moon and lit with tapers and placed on the temple ultars of Artemis.
In folklore birthday candles are connected to special magic for granting wishes. Lighted candles and sacrificial fires have had a special mystic significance ever since man lit the first alters. The birthday candles are thus an honor and tribute to the birthday child and to bring good fortune.
There was a custom that began in Germany in the middle ages, when a cake was placed on the dinner table early in the morning of someones birthday. It was surrounded by a circle of candles that burned throughout the day to ward off evil spirits. The candles was also a reminder that life is transitory and represented the candles that one day would be lit for one's funeral. The person celebrating his/her birthday makes a silent wish while blowing out the candles on the cake. It was then said the person blew out the candles with one breath it signifies that the wish was to be answered and the person would enjoy good luck in the coming year. Blowing out the candles was also considered mastery over one's fate.
LUCKY RABBITS FOOT
A rabbit's foot is considered lucky in many countries, especially in North America where over 10 million rabbit's feet are bought every year. The rabbit's foot is mainly worn on a neck chain or put on a key ring.
It is thought the rabbit foot superstition to be of Afro-American origins intoduced by African slaves who were brought into America. It is believed that the origins go back to 600 BC in Africa. It is also believed that the superstition may also be linked to the Br'er Rabbit legend ( A slave who used his wit to overcome his situation and take revenge on the white slave owners)
Some believe because rabbit's live underground they were linked to darkness, witches and the devil but the rabbit had protective powers against evil forces. The left hind foot of the rabbit was lucky and it had to be rubbed to be lucky. It was considered lucky because when rabbits run, their hind legs goes ahead of their front. Although no one really knows why the left hind foot was taken.
Some historian find it odd that rabbits are killed when it is the hare is supposed to have the supernatural powers. Historically the hare was fear and revered and sacred to the Celts who associated it the moon as did the Chinese, Mexican's, Egyptians and the American Indian's. The hare also stood for peace, prosperity and good luck. Also hares were considered a divinatory animal because it was born with its eyes open.
An interesting folktale tells up that if a cross-eyed person kills a rabbit on a full moon and if the rabbit's left hind foot is removed and carries in the left pocket, it is considered very lucky. Another story tells us if you have a dream about a rabbit's foot.t means that your life will change for the better and you will have more happiness and prosperity. It is also thought that rabbits foot will help avoid craps and rheumatism.
It is thought the rabbit foot superstition to be of Afro-American origins intoduced by African slaves who were brought into America. It is believed that the origins go back to 600 BC in Africa. It is also believed that the superstition may also be linked to the Br'er Rabbit legend ( A slave who used his wit to overcome his situation and take revenge on the white slave owners)
Some believe because rabbit's live underground they were linked to darkness, witches and the devil but the rabbit had protective powers against evil forces. The left hind foot of the rabbit was lucky and it had to be rubbed to be lucky. It was considered lucky because when rabbits run, their hind legs goes ahead of their front. Although no one really knows why the left hind foot was taken.
Some historian find it odd that rabbits are killed when it is the hare is supposed to have the supernatural powers. Historically the hare was fear and revered and sacred to the Celts who associated it the moon as did the Chinese, Mexican's, Egyptians and the American Indian's. The hare also stood for peace, prosperity and good luck. Also hares were considered a divinatory animal because it was born with its eyes open.
An interesting folktale tells up that if a cross-eyed person kills a rabbit on a full moon and if the rabbit's left hind foot is removed and carries in the left pocket, it is considered very lucky. Another story tells us if you have a dream about a rabbit's foot.t means that your life will change for the better and you will have more happiness and prosperity. It is also thought that rabbits foot will help avoid craps and rheumatism.
CEMETERY SUPERSTITIONS
Here are few cemetery superstition from around the world, as they say one persons superstition is anothers belief.
One old superstition held that if you buried a first born infant with the babies face downwards, the family would never have another child.
If a person was suspected as a witch, they to would also be buried face down, in hope that the community would avoid further problems with the supernatural.
In Hungry a village had problems, suffering from a cholera epidemic. It was thought that it was the work of a witch who had recently died. As the epidemic raged on after her death, the villagers exhumed her body to make sure she was properly buried and to make sure she was buried face down. However the epedemic still continued so they dug up the witch once again. This time the witches cloth were turned inside out. The body was reburied. There was still no luck so again the body was unburied. This time the villagers meant business this time and decided to cut out the witchs heart. The heart was cut up into four pieces and one quarter was sent to each corner of the village and buried.
In Northern Ireland, there is an all male cemetery and woman are not even allowed to visit. It is said, that the dead would rise from thier graves to eject the intruder.
In the Breton region of France (Brittany) where a large part of the population are Catholic there is a cemetery where over 7,000 saints are said to be buried. Visitors are not allowed to enter this Holy place without removing thier shoes first. Those who fail obay this tradition could find themselves a horrible fate of the stranger. It was believed that a stranger who disguarded the warnings, well backwards until his entrails came out.
There are superstitions from other countries that believe that the last person buried had to act as a watch, guarding over the graveyard until relieved of his post by a newcomer.
In some parts of Ireland, the gravedigger would leave a pipe and tobacco for the spectral guardian's comfort during the long watch.
It has been long believed by some that those who are newly dead suffer from a great thirst. The duty was quenching the thirst of the dead was sometimes given to the watchman. It was also said that the person who was given the task to bring water to the dead in the cemteries provided a well to supply the water and provided the wooden bowls.
An old Irish custom had the priest bless and sprinkle a handful of earth on the corpse before the burial, because it was believed that of any part of the ceremony was not done, trouble from the other occupants (dead) in the cemetery would be expected.
It is believed by many that the actual soil from the burial-place is sacred, imbued in a special way with the remains of the dead. There are a wide variety of superstitions are associated with the soil and many believe it could be used in magic and witch-craft.
One old superstition held that if you buried a first born infant with the babies face downwards, the family would never have another child.
If a person was suspected as a witch, they to would also be buried face down, in hope that the community would avoid further problems with the supernatural.
In Hungry a village had problems, suffering from a cholera epidemic. It was thought that it was the work of a witch who had recently died. As the epidemic raged on after her death, the villagers exhumed her body to make sure she was properly buried and to make sure she was buried face down. However the epedemic still continued so they dug up the witch once again. This time the witches cloth were turned inside out. The body was reburied. There was still no luck so again the body was unburied. This time the villagers meant business this time and decided to cut out the witchs heart. The heart was cut up into four pieces and one quarter was sent to each corner of the village and buried.
In Northern Ireland, there is an all male cemetery and woman are not even allowed to visit. It is said, that the dead would rise from thier graves to eject the intruder.
In the Breton region of France (Brittany) where a large part of the population are Catholic there is a cemetery where over 7,000 saints are said to be buried. Visitors are not allowed to enter this Holy place without removing thier shoes first. Those who fail obay this tradition could find themselves a horrible fate of the stranger. It was believed that a stranger who disguarded the warnings, well backwards until his entrails came out.
There are superstitions from other countries that believe that the last person buried had to act as a watch, guarding over the graveyard until relieved of his post by a newcomer.
In some parts of Ireland, the gravedigger would leave a pipe and tobacco for the spectral guardian's comfort during the long watch.
It has been long believed by some that those who are newly dead suffer from a great thirst. The duty was quenching the thirst of the dead was sometimes given to the watchman. It was also said that the person who was given the task to bring water to the dead in the cemteries provided a well to supply the water and provided the wooden bowls.
An old Irish custom had the priest bless and sprinkle a handful of earth on the corpse before the burial, because it was believed that of any part of the ceremony was not done, trouble from the other occupants (dead) in the cemetery would be expected.
It is believed by many that the actual soil from the burial-place is sacred, imbued in a special way with the remains of the dead. There are a wide variety of superstitions are associated with the soil and many believe it could be used in magic and witch-craft.
BIRD SUPERSTITIONS
RAVENS & CROWS:
Both ravens and crows are considered birds of evil for centuries. Both birds are of similar size and both are black. Most people are unable to tell the two birds apart and mythology and folklore appear to confuse the two birds.
Their black colour is associated with the powers of darkness in many cultures. This is the main reason crows and ravens are linked to death.
Here are a few reasons why these two birds are associated to the darkside.
* Both ravens and crows eat dead animals, including humans left out in the open. Both ravens and crows
have been seen on the battle field feeding on the dead.
* They tend to go for the eyes first, then moving on to other soft tissue. Crows dont have the strength to
break through unbroken skin.
* Both crow and raven can learn to imitate human speech.
* Crows gather can gather in large roosts, sometimes in their thousands. There rustling noicy presence,
blanketing groups of trees is a very unnerving sight to some.
* Neither bird is considered a beautiful songster, both birds produce a varitiy of rather harsh and to some a
disturbing noise.
ALBATROSS
The Albatross is well known through "Samuel Taylors Coleridge" poem "The Anicent Mariner" (1798). The poem reflects the believes associated with the albertross, as it is believed that the albertross carries the souls of dead mariners. It is believed that if a sailer kills an Albatross bad luck would fall upon him for the rest of his natural lifeIt was also believed that if an albatross circles the boat this would indicate stormy weather was imminent.
BLACK BIRD
It is believed by some if a blackbird makes a nest on your roof, this was a sign of good luck. Many believed if a blackbird nests anywhere hear the house it is a positive sign. The sighting of two black birds together is considered good luck as a black bird is normally territorial.
DOVE
The dove is seen a sacred bird since ancient times. It is believed that the dove is one bird in which the devil cannot transform. The dove is the messenger of "Venus" (Goddess of love).
The dove is one bird into which a witch cannot transform
.
For Indians the dove traditionaly believed contain the soul of a lover, and to kill a dove would bring misfortune.
Miners see the dove in a different light, thety see a dove as a bad omen and it is reputedly to dangerous to go underground after see the dead bird near a pitshaft.
To have a dove tapping on a window or flying near a room of a sick person is also believed to be an omen of death, as is to see one circling a house.
Today the dove is an international symbol of peace and the Christian symbol of the "Holy Spirit".
DUCK
It is believed that if a duck hisses or quacks more than normal it is said that rain is on its way. If a duck lays any dun-colour egg it should be destroyed, along with the egges., according to old English belief that indicates that misfortune will follow. At any time hanging a duck upside down is asserted to assure that negitive energies and spirits can fall from it.
KINGFISHER
The kingfisher is seen as a lucky bird, it is said in Europe that to carry feathers of a kingfisher will protect the carrier from negative energies and act as good luck charm and bring good health.
According to some Christians in biblical times the grey kingfisher was the first bird along with the raven and dove to leave Noah's Ark in search of dry land and caught the red rays of the sun on its breast and the azure of the sky on its back, this is how it get its amazing colours.
Another name for the kingfisher is the "Halcyon" that stems from the Ancient Greek times and figurativiely means "concieving on the sea". They believe that the kingfishers nested (nests made of fish bones) and had thier eggs of sea, hence the name.
There is a Greek legend that tells us "Halcyone" was the daughter of the God of the winds and married "Ceyx" who was the son of the Day Star. He drown at sea but the couple were pitied by the Gods and so turned into birds. The expression "Halcyone Days" stems from this, reflecting days filled with pleasant and fond memories. Also to stem from Greek legend is for fourteen days each year Halcyone sits on her nest whilst her father restrains the powerful winds of the sea.
Superstition tells us that if a kingfisher is sitting on the eggs indicates that there will be no storms at sea and to have a dead kingfisher hung on a ship will allow you to know the direction of the wind. To hear the call of a kingfisher coming from the right is a positive omen of imminent success in business. The oppiste is true for the left.
OWL
The owl has a bad reputation dispite being known for being wise, hence the saying, "being as wise as an owl". This could stem from its nocternal and solitary existance and that the night has long been associated with dark forces and negative energies.
To see a owl by day is considered unlucky be some and to have a owl fly around the house at night has been signals death is present which is thought to date back to the Roman times when the historian "Pliny" in AD77 was quoted as saying the owl was the most execrable and accursed" and always brought bad news.
It is believed by some if a owl brushes its wing against a window pain or has been seen perching on a roof of a house for a considerable lenght of time then it means that illness or death is present within.
To look into an owls nest is reputed to leave the observer with a sad and morose soul.
According to an old Welsh tradition if someone hears a owl hooting amoungst a densely built up area then the female in the locality is to have lost her viginity.
In France it is traditionaly believed that if a owl hoots, when pregnant it will be a girl.
In Germany if a owl is heard as a child is being born then the life will be an unhappy one.
ROBIN
Legend has it that the robin got its red breast from trying to remove the bloody thorns from Christ;s head at the crucifixion, with small drops of blood falling on the bird and injuring itself in the process.
It is also believed that the robin recieved its red feathers as it was taking water down to the sinners in hell.
It is beleive my some that it is unlucky to kill a robin, the hand that kills the robin will contiune to shake therafter. The Irsh believe that a large lump will appear on the right hand if a person kills one. In Yorkshire if someone kills a robin and they own cows the milk will become blood coloured. It is also believed that what ever a individal does to a robin, they will incure the same tragedy.
Breaking a robins egg will result in something valuable of yours been broken.
A robin flying through an open window or tapping on the window is a sign of death being present.
To see a robin sheltering on a branch means rain is on its way and to hear chirping on an open branch indicates that fine weather is imminent.
SPARROW
The sparrow has a mixed reputation depending what area in the world you live. According to some the sparrow hops around because it is the pusnishment for crying "he alive, he alive" when Christ was on the cross, therefore signalling to the Romans to prolong his torture. The hop is to symbolize the fact that the legs of the sparrow are bound together as punishment for the lack of sympathy shown by their song.
To kill a sparrow or to have one fly in a house is considered unlucky.
For some it is believed the sparrow is to symbolize the Gods of the household environment and family, and therefore to be nurtured.
Both ravens and crows are considered birds of evil for centuries. Both birds are of similar size and both are black. Most people are unable to tell the two birds apart and mythology and folklore appear to confuse the two birds.
Their black colour is associated with the powers of darkness in many cultures. This is the main reason crows and ravens are linked to death.
Here are a few reasons why these two birds are associated to the darkside.
* Both ravens and crows eat dead animals, including humans left out in the open. Both ravens and crows
have been seen on the battle field feeding on the dead.
* They tend to go for the eyes first, then moving on to other soft tissue. Crows dont have the strength to
break through unbroken skin.
* Both crow and raven can learn to imitate human speech.
* Crows gather can gather in large roosts, sometimes in their thousands. There rustling noicy presence,
blanketing groups of trees is a very unnerving sight to some.
* Neither bird is considered a beautiful songster, both birds produce a varitiy of rather harsh and to some a
disturbing noise.
ALBATROSS
The Albatross is well known through "Samuel Taylors Coleridge" poem "The Anicent Mariner" (1798). The poem reflects the believes associated with the albertross, as it is believed that the albertross carries the souls of dead mariners. It is believed that if a sailer kills an Albatross bad luck would fall upon him for the rest of his natural lifeIt was also believed that if an albatross circles the boat this would indicate stormy weather was imminent.
BLACK BIRD
It is believed by some if a blackbird makes a nest on your roof, this was a sign of good luck. Many believed if a blackbird nests anywhere hear the house it is a positive sign. The sighting of two black birds together is considered good luck as a black bird is normally territorial.
DOVE
The dove is seen a sacred bird since ancient times. It is believed that the dove is one bird in which the devil cannot transform. The dove is the messenger of "Venus" (Goddess of love).
The dove is one bird into which a witch cannot transform
.
For Indians the dove traditionaly believed contain the soul of a lover, and to kill a dove would bring misfortune.
Miners see the dove in a different light, thety see a dove as a bad omen and it is reputedly to dangerous to go underground after see the dead bird near a pitshaft.
To have a dove tapping on a window or flying near a room of a sick person is also believed to be an omen of death, as is to see one circling a house.
Today the dove is an international symbol of peace and the Christian symbol of the "Holy Spirit".
DUCK
It is believed that if a duck hisses or quacks more than normal it is said that rain is on its way. If a duck lays any dun-colour egg it should be destroyed, along with the egges., according to old English belief that indicates that misfortune will follow. At any time hanging a duck upside down is asserted to assure that negitive energies and spirits can fall from it.
KINGFISHER
The kingfisher is seen as a lucky bird, it is said in Europe that to carry feathers of a kingfisher will protect the carrier from negative energies and act as good luck charm and bring good health.
According to some Christians in biblical times the grey kingfisher was the first bird along with the raven and dove to leave Noah's Ark in search of dry land and caught the red rays of the sun on its breast and the azure of the sky on its back, this is how it get its amazing colours.
Another name for the kingfisher is the "Halcyon" that stems from the Ancient Greek times and figurativiely means "concieving on the sea". They believe that the kingfishers nested (nests made of fish bones) and had thier eggs of sea, hence the name.
There is a Greek legend that tells us "Halcyone" was the daughter of the God of the winds and married "Ceyx" who was the son of the Day Star. He drown at sea but the couple were pitied by the Gods and so turned into birds. The expression "Halcyone Days" stems from this, reflecting days filled with pleasant and fond memories. Also to stem from Greek legend is for fourteen days each year Halcyone sits on her nest whilst her father restrains the powerful winds of the sea.
Superstition tells us that if a kingfisher is sitting on the eggs indicates that there will be no storms at sea and to have a dead kingfisher hung on a ship will allow you to know the direction of the wind. To hear the call of a kingfisher coming from the right is a positive omen of imminent success in business. The oppiste is true for the left.
OWL
The owl has a bad reputation dispite being known for being wise, hence the saying, "being as wise as an owl". This could stem from its nocternal and solitary existance and that the night has long been associated with dark forces and negative energies.
To see a owl by day is considered unlucky be some and to have a owl fly around the house at night has been signals death is present which is thought to date back to the Roman times when the historian "Pliny" in AD77 was quoted as saying the owl was the most execrable and accursed" and always brought bad news.
It is believed by some if a owl brushes its wing against a window pain or has been seen perching on a roof of a house for a considerable lenght of time then it means that illness or death is present within.
To look into an owls nest is reputed to leave the observer with a sad and morose soul.
According to an old Welsh tradition if someone hears a owl hooting amoungst a densely built up area then the female in the locality is to have lost her viginity.
In France it is traditionaly believed that if a owl hoots, when pregnant it will be a girl.
In Germany if a owl is heard as a child is being born then the life will be an unhappy one.
ROBIN
Legend has it that the robin got its red breast from trying to remove the bloody thorns from Christ;s head at the crucifixion, with small drops of blood falling on the bird and injuring itself in the process.
It is also believed that the robin recieved its red feathers as it was taking water down to the sinners in hell.
It is beleive my some that it is unlucky to kill a robin, the hand that kills the robin will contiune to shake therafter. The Irsh believe that a large lump will appear on the right hand if a person kills one. In Yorkshire if someone kills a robin and they own cows the milk will become blood coloured. It is also believed that what ever a individal does to a robin, they will incure the same tragedy.
Breaking a robins egg will result in something valuable of yours been broken.
A robin flying through an open window or tapping on the window is a sign of death being present.
To see a robin sheltering on a branch means rain is on its way and to hear chirping on an open branch indicates that fine weather is imminent.
SPARROW
The sparrow has a mixed reputation depending what area in the world you live. According to some the sparrow hops around because it is the pusnishment for crying "he alive, he alive" when Christ was on the cross, therefore signalling to the Romans to prolong his torture. The hop is to symbolize the fact that the legs of the sparrow are bound together as punishment for the lack of sympathy shown by their song.
To kill a sparrow or to have one fly in a house is considered unlucky.
For some it is believed the sparrow is to symbolize the Gods of the household environment and family, and therefore to be nurtured.
THEATRE SUPERSTITIONS
To recieve a bouquet of flowers at the stage door "before" the play begins is an omen of failure. But it is lucky to recieve flowers after a performance.
Actors usually dislike three candles on stage or in the dressing room. This superstition is very old superstition stating that if three and only three candles are lit in a room, the one closest to the shortest will be the first to either marry ... or die. Or on the more practical side costumes and fresh paint are quick to catch fire.
Some actors say it is a very bad omen to kick a black cat. However it is lucky to have one in the theatre. But if one runs across the stage during a performance, some misfortune will follow.
Blue is considered a unlucky colour for an actor to wear the world over but mixing it with silver will reduce some of the misfortune. This superstition comes from the early days of theatre as blue was very expensive, a difficult dye to create. It was though any theatre company spending so much money would not turn over a profit of course if they were wearing silver which indicated a rich investor, wealthy enought to afford silver adorments. Certain shades of yellow is also considerd unlucky particularly in a tie, a vest or hat. Green and yellow, during a era of the morality plays considered a symbol of the devil. A devil in disguise might be identified by wearing a green or yellow tie, vest or hat.
The looping of a drop curtain is the forerunner of evil and nearly evey actor and manager believes it is bad luck to look at an audience from the wrong side of the curtain.
Real flowers must never by used on a stage. The problem with real flowers is they need to be replaced. Real fresh flowers are expensive and most theatre companies dont have money to spare. There is a closing night tradition in the theatre for the cast to give the director or the leading lady a bouquet of flowers that has been stolen from a cemetery.
There is a superstition that if an empty theatre is left completely dark, a ghost will take up residence. A similar superstition tells us that ghost of past preformances return to the stage to live out there glory moments. To prevent this from happening a single light is left burning at the centre stage after the audience, actors and musicians have gone.
It is thought by some actors, knitting on the side of the stage or on the stage by an actor is regarded bad luck.
It is unluck to use real mirrors on stage, also should not look into a mirror over the shoulder of another, so the two reflections are seen together. Doing this will bring certain mis-fortune. It is also considered unlucky to wear real jewlery on or back stage.
Actors usually dont like peacock feathers on the stage or any part of the theatre. It is believed the reason for this superstition is that the eye-open "eyes" on the feathers have becaome associated with the evil eye, a portent of misfortune, including death.
Before making a first entrance, an actor should be pinched for luck. This may come from a old tale that a pinch brings good luck to prove that you are not dreaming or dead.
To ensure a successful career for a new theatre, you must stand on the stage and throw a piece of coal into the gallery.
Whistling is prohibited in the theatre, this includes all parts of the building particularly the dressing rooms. Where it is heard someone will soon be out of work. The superstition tells us that whistling backstage might result in a sailer cutting the rope and dropping somehting on somebody. Originally sailers had the job of operating the theatres flying system, they communicated to each other by blowing a whistle.
The mentioning of "Macbeth" in a theatre is said to invoke the curse of the Scottish play. The only way to break the curse is for the offender to spin on the spot and then spit. The spin turns back time and the spit expels the corrupting poison. This particular play is always called the Scottish play.
The term "good luck" is never used backstage, the term "break a leg" is used.
Actors usually dislike three candles on stage or in the dressing room. This superstition is very old superstition stating that if three and only three candles are lit in a room, the one closest to the shortest will be the first to either marry ... or die. Or on the more practical side costumes and fresh paint are quick to catch fire.
Some actors say it is a very bad omen to kick a black cat. However it is lucky to have one in the theatre. But if one runs across the stage during a performance, some misfortune will follow.
Blue is considered a unlucky colour for an actor to wear the world over but mixing it with silver will reduce some of the misfortune. This superstition comes from the early days of theatre as blue was very expensive, a difficult dye to create. It was though any theatre company spending so much money would not turn over a profit of course if they were wearing silver which indicated a rich investor, wealthy enought to afford silver adorments. Certain shades of yellow is also considerd unlucky particularly in a tie, a vest or hat. Green and yellow, during a era of the morality plays considered a symbol of the devil. A devil in disguise might be identified by wearing a green or yellow tie, vest or hat.
The looping of a drop curtain is the forerunner of evil and nearly evey actor and manager believes it is bad luck to look at an audience from the wrong side of the curtain.
Real flowers must never by used on a stage. The problem with real flowers is they need to be replaced. Real fresh flowers are expensive and most theatre companies dont have money to spare. There is a closing night tradition in the theatre for the cast to give the director or the leading lady a bouquet of flowers that has been stolen from a cemetery.
There is a superstition that if an empty theatre is left completely dark, a ghost will take up residence. A similar superstition tells us that ghost of past preformances return to the stage to live out there glory moments. To prevent this from happening a single light is left burning at the centre stage after the audience, actors and musicians have gone.
It is thought by some actors, knitting on the side of the stage or on the stage by an actor is regarded bad luck.
It is unluck to use real mirrors on stage, also should not look into a mirror over the shoulder of another, so the two reflections are seen together. Doing this will bring certain mis-fortune. It is also considered unlucky to wear real jewlery on or back stage.
Actors usually dont like peacock feathers on the stage or any part of the theatre. It is believed the reason for this superstition is that the eye-open "eyes" on the feathers have becaome associated with the evil eye, a portent of misfortune, including death.
Before making a first entrance, an actor should be pinched for luck. This may come from a old tale that a pinch brings good luck to prove that you are not dreaming or dead.
To ensure a successful career for a new theatre, you must stand on the stage and throw a piece of coal into the gallery.
Whistling is prohibited in the theatre, this includes all parts of the building particularly the dressing rooms. Where it is heard someone will soon be out of work. The superstition tells us that whistling backstage might result in a sailer cutting the rope and dropping somehting on somebody. Originally sailers had the job of operating the theatres flying system, they communicated to each other by blowing a whistle.
The mentioning of "Macbeth" in a theatre is said to invoke the curse of the Scottish play. The only way to break the curse is for the offender to spin on the spot and then spit. The spin turns back time and the spit expels the corrupting poison. This particular play is always called the Scottish play.
The term "good luck" is never used backstage, the term "break a leg" is used.
REFERENCES:
I hate Hamlet: www.tspine.org
Ravan and crows-Halloween Symbols: birds.suite101.com
Bird Folklore & Superstitions: www.shawcreakbirdsupply.com
Theatre Superstitions: www.angelfire.com
Cat Superstitions: www.kinrossfolds.com
Spilling salt: www.timelessmyths.co.uk
Orgins of good luck charms horseshoes: www.trivia-library.com
Halloween: www.halloween-website.com
History of Jack O' Lantern: www.history.com
Halloween come to America: www.history.com
Ancient history of Halloween: www.history.com
Origins of the broken window superstition: www.socyberty.com/folklore
Friday 13: www.crystalinks.com/friday13th
Time CNN..Friday 13th: www.time.com
Walking under a ladder: www.timelessmyths.co.uk
History of the wishbone: www.realtor.com/blogs
Lucky foot? unlucky rabbit: www.buzz.com
I hate Hamlet: www.tspine.org
Ravan and crows-Halloween Symbols: birds.suite101.com
Bird Folklore & Superstitions: www.shawcreakbirdsupply.com
Theatre Superstitions: www.angelfire.com
Cat Superstitions: www.kinrossfolds.com
Spilling salt: www.timelessmyths.co.uk
Orgins of good luck charms horseshoes: www.trivia-library.com
Halloween: www.halloween-website.com
History of Jack O' Lantern: www.history.com
Halloween come to America: www.history.com
Ancient history of Halloween: www.history.com
Origins of the broken window superstition: www.socyberty.com/folklore
Friday 13: www.crystalinks.com/friday13th
Time CNN..Friday 13th: www.time.com
Walking under a ladder: www.timelessmyths.co.uk
History of the wishbone: www.realtor.com/blogs
Lucky foot? unlucky rabbit: www.buzz.com