A superstition often refers to a single belief or set of notions typically based in fear and ignorance. Popular superstitions are often tied to actions that are believed to portend good or bad fortune. These notions aren’t usually considered to be religious and are sometimes believed by agnostics and atheists. Many have been passed down through cultural traditions. You may be surprised by their origins.
Broken Mirrors
In many cultures, a broken mirror is considered to be an omen. The superstition says that breaking a mirror brings the breaker seven years of misfortune. This belief originated with ancient Romans who believed that a mirror contained parts of a person’s soul. Breaking a mirror was like breaking one’s soul, but since the soul regenerates every seven years, that was the duration of bad luck. On a related note, ancient Chinese viewed mirrors as talismans against evil spirits and when a mirror was broken so was its protective power.
Indoor Umbrella Use
Today, some people consider opening an umbrella indoors to be an invitation for bad luck. This particular superstition stemmed from ancient Egypt. Thousands of years ago, umbrellas were constructed from papyrus and peacock feathers in honor of the sky goddess, Nut. Consequently, an umbrella’s shade was sacred and only reserved for Egyptian nobility. Stepping inside the shade was viewed as sacrilegious and offensive to the gods, inviting misfortune to the offender.
Knock on Wood
You may hear someone hope for a positive outcome and proceed to knock on a wooden surface or object while saying, “knock on wood.” In the United Kingdom, people say “touch wood” instead. One possible origin for this particular superstition is with the Celts, who believed that trees housed spirits and deities. According to Celtic tradition, knocking on these trees was a way to call on these supernatural beings for protection or offer gratitude for good fortune.
Wishing on a Star
Making a wish after seeing a shooting star or a particularly bright one is a superstition that transcends cultures and generations. It is featured in books, movies, TV shows, and even popular music. Wishing on a star is supposed to bring good luck. Greek astronomer Ptolemy believed that the gods would open up the skies to view humanity from their divine sphere. Shooting stars or meteors were evidence that the skies had opened up and that at that moment, the gods were watching and listening, making it the perfect time to make a wish.
Something Old, Something New
The wedding tradition of giving a bride “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” to wear on the wedding day has superstitious roots. The phrase comes from an Old English rhyme that also references a “sixpence in the shoe.” This Victorian-era tradition says that there is an evil spirit known as the “Evil Eye” that threatens newlyweds with the curse of infertility. Giving a bride these various items was to not only wish good fortune on the marriage but also protect the couple from infertility.
The Number 13
The number thirteen is often considered to be so unlucky that we’ve come up with the word “triskaidekaphobia” to describe fear or avoidance of the number. Many modern buildings lack a thirteenth floor or rooms numbers that contain thirteen due to this superstition. One possible source of this fear comes from Norse mythology. Per folklore, twelve Norse gods had a dinner party in Valhalla. Loki, a deity known for playing tricks, showed up uninvited as the thirteenth guest and arranged for one of the gods to be mortally wounded, causing widespread misfortune.
Superstitious beliefs are held by many people of varying religious traditions or lack thereof. The power of belief is evident in how some of these popular superstitions have survived generations despite a lack of evidence or knowledge of the science behind natural phenomena. Perhaps the old adage about death and taxes should be amended to include popular superstitions.