SUPERSTITIONS
COMMON SUPERSTITIONS & THEIR ORIGINS
Although, many of our modern day superstitions appear irrational today, their origins lie in man’s earliest attempts to explain or ward off dangers in his environment and made at least rudimentary sense given the beliefs of the day.
Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder - In ancient times, salt was very expensive (the word salary is derived from salt) and had many useful purposes, including the preservation of food, so it was considered very bad luck to spill it. The practice of tossing a bit over your left shoulder after you’ve suffered this misfortune began as a way to keep the evil spirits (that were thought to have caused you to spill it in the first place) at bay.
Walking Under a Ladder – it is considered unlucky to walk under a ladder leaning against a wall because the space between the ladder and the wall forms a triangle which is reminiscent of Christianity’s Holy Trinity. Entering into a sacred space such as this is considered sacrilegious.
Knocking on Wood – A long time ago, people believed that gods and spirits lived in trees and that you could gain their favor and luck by touching these sacred vessels. Over time, knocking on wood or even just "touching wood" became a means to counteract the negative effects of being boastful.
Breaking a Mirror – Many cultures, have at one time or another, held the opinion that the mirror had the ability to capture one’s spirit, and that breaking a mirror could injure or damage a person’s soul. Couple that with the ancient Romans’ belief that life renewed itself every 7 years, and you’ve got the basis for receiving 7 years of bad luck for breaking a mirror.
Saying “God Bless You” When Someone Sneezes – Ancient people believed that sneezing could expel a person’s soul, and that while you were in this compromised position, evil spirits could enter your body. The Romans recognized that sneezing was often a precursor to illness or death and began saying a short prayer to ward off evil whenever someone sneezed. This concept also manifested itself in Europe during the Black Death. It was common knowledge that sneezing was a symptom of this plague, so when someone sneezed, it seemed prudent to say a prayer for them, since they may soon be leaving the world of the living. These prayers are the origin of our present day "God Bless You". Every country has its own version of this blessing. In Germany, you say "Gesundheit", which means good health.
From Bizarre Superstitions by Christopher Cooper:
Sneeze on Monday, you sneeze for danger;
Sneeze on Tuesday, kiss a stranger;
Sneeze on Wednesday, sneeze for a letter;
Sneeze on a Thursday, something better;
Sneeze on Friday, sneeze for sorrow;
Sneeze on Saturday, see your sweetheart tomorrow;
Sneeze on a Sunday, you safety seek;
For Satan will have you the rest of the week.
Black Cats – in the US it is considered bad luck if a black cat crosses your path. The idea that a black cat is unlucky probably stems from their association with witches. During the infamous Salem Witch Trials, black cats were thought to be witches in disguise or witch’s familiars. Conversely, in Britain, seeing a black cat is lucky but seeing a white cat is unlucky. In Scotland, finding a black cat is said to mean that riches are coming your way, but only if you find him on your porch. Sailors believe that cats of any color are lucky because they possess the power to hold death and disaster at bay. Probably because cats kill rodents, which we all know carry disease.
