SUPERSTITIONS

GLOSSARY

Amulet- A charm or talisman worn to protect its owner against evil.

Beliefs- The act of mentally or physically placing trust in someone or something.

Bubonic Plague (also known as the Black Death, or the Black Plague) - A deadly plague that spread through Europe in the 14th Century, killing a majority of the population.

Charms- A ornament or amulet meant to provide good luck to the wearer.

Demons- Evil spirits.

Druids – Ancient Celtic people of Western Europe, Britain and Ireland.

Evil Eye- The belief that someone can curse you simply by looking at you (giving you the “evil eye”).  This usually happens when someone is envious of you.

Folklore- The customs and traditions of a particular group of people.

Gesundheit – German for “good health”, said in the place of “Bless You” when someone sneezes. 

Holy Trinity– The Christian doctrine that names God as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Loki – Evil Norse God, said to be partly responsible for establishing the 13th as an unlucky day.  His uninvited appearance at a party of the Gods resulted in the death of Balder, the God of goodness.

Magic- The art of using mystical power to influence the outcome of events.

Occult- Knowledge of and dealings with the supernatural.

Omen- A sign or warning of an upcoming event.

Science- The study or knowledge of the world around you.

Spirits- Supernatural beings.

Supernatural- Otherwordly.  Dealing with the occult.

Talisman- See amulet and charm.

Triskaidekaphobia – Fear of the number 13.

Witch’s Familiar – A witch’s accomplice, which appears in the form of an animal, often a cat.