# data[].attributes.body
Christians in the early anchient egypt times used the black cat as a symbol of evil. they said that if a black cat were to cross your path it would create a wall between you and heaven. this was done to try and eliminate anyones belief in other religions and to keep people focused on christianity. (Buzzle.com)

# data[].attributes.body
shares Information about the more uncommon superstitions that people believe in from all around the world that may or may not eventually become relevent in our lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By Pippa Raga

Sep. 25 2018, Updated 5:32 p.m. ET

Friday the 13th

People all over the world debate even leaving their houses when the calendar shows it's Friday the 13th. To understand why people feel so strongly about this date, we first have to look at why people are so anti the number 13.

In fact, some people are so averse to the two digits, the word paraskavedekatriaphobia was invented to describe their fear. An ancient Norse myth is usually credited with making us all hate the number. Here's the gist: There was this big feast in Valhalla (a majestic hall where you could gorge yourself eternally) planned for 12 gods, and a 13th guy, Loki - who was known for being evil and even manipulating this other god into killing his brother - decided to crash the party.

So, legend has it, we've all hated the number 13 ever since this uninvited guest tried to sit with our friends in Valhalla. But then our hatred was cemented once the Last Supper came around, and the 13th guest, Judas, betrayed Jesus and caused his crucifixion.

And let us remind you, this happened on a Friday. Fridays continued to gain a bad wrap in the years to come: Chaucer wrote "And on a Friday fell all this mischance" in his 1387 classic The Canterbury Tales. Plus, America had this long-standing tradition of holding executions on Fridays, so it stands to reason that the curse on the number 13, combined with the terrible associations of Friday, has made for a stellar superstition that has gone strong over hundreds of years.

A Broken Mirror Will Bring 7 Years of Bad Luck

We're a vain species, so it's not surprising that we've attached greater meanings to our reflections ever since we were able to recognize ourselves in water. An ancient myth had people believing that mirrors could foresee the future ("Mirror, mirror on the wall," etc.), and were consequently devices of God.

So, breaking a mirror would terminate this godly connection, and misfortune was said to befall the person whose reflection the mirror last held.

In fact, this belief is held by so many cultures, even practitioners of feng shui believe a broken or imperfect mirror can distort good energy.

But the Romans added the number 7 to the mix. They believed that it took seven years for life to renew itself, and they also believed that if a person was sick and looked in a mirror, the mirror would break. So according to them, this sick person would remain unlucky for seven years, after which their life would be renewed and the curse would be lifted... if they could make it past that sick, unlucky stretch for that long, in the first place.

White Lighters Are Bad Luck

Perhaps this is more of an urban myth than a straight superstition, but I'll shy away from white lighters at the store, and even turn them down when someone offers to lend me one. And though I adamantly follow through with it, I'm not exactly why.

According to Atlas Obscura, the bad luck around white lighters is tied to another popular legend: the 27 Club.

Many young artists and musicians, notably Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, and Jim Morrison, all coincidentally died at the age of 27. And according to the superstition, they all had - you guessed it - white lighters on them when they passed.

Although Snopes discredited this theory, saying that disposable lighters weren't even invented at the time of Henrix's, Joplin's, or Morrison's death, the superstition remains alive and well, though I might now personally reconsider.

Knock on Wood

People around me have been knocking on wood ever since I was a child, it seems. To the point where I remember being surprised when someone mentioned it was a superstition, as I thought it was just something people did.

According to TED, there's a reason it's such a prevalent practice, and that's because it dates back to the folklore of the ancient Indo-European civilization. In those times, or possibly even times that came before, people believed that trees housed various spirits, and that touching the tree would invoke a protective blessing from those spirits.

Afterward, Christians made sure this practice would take off by associating imagery of the cross and telling their followers that knocking on wood would bring about Christ's blessing.

Black Cats Bring Bad Luck

We all know that black cats are supposed beacons of bad luck, but many aren't entirely certain why. Black cats have actually held on to their lousy reputation for years, and it's all thanks to the Middle Ages.

Back then, Germanic people believed black cats, much like black ravens, were a sign that death was near. This led them to think that a black cat crossing someone's path would bring that person bad luck, a legend that quickly spread across Europe. Soon, these superstitious die-hards were planning mass killings of cats all across the continent.

Others thought that black cats existed to help witches fulfill their evil plans, and we all know how crazy everyone was about persecuting witches back in those days. As soon as that myth spread to witch-hating Puritans in America, black cats became doomed to fight an uphill battle to redeem themselves.

It's worth noting that even today, black cats are adopted 50 percent less than their non-black buddies, and there are whole organizations devoted to righting their wrongly tarnished name.

Spilling Salt Is Bad Luck

Salt used to be a highly valued possession, even a currency in ancient societies. Don't believe me? The word "salary" even comes from sal, the Latin word for sodium chloride.

And Romans were paid in salt - giving rise to the expression "Not worthy of one's salt" - so spilling something that was, essentially, money, was considered careless and in terrible form.

As you might have noticed by now, these ancient practices tend to take on lives of their own over time, which is why spilling salt is currently associated with bad luck, an invitation to the devil, or even the end of a friendship.

The latter has an interesting history, as it takes us back to the Last Supper. In da Vinci's famous rendition of this last meal, there's some spilled salt next to Judas' elbow. Since Judas ended up betraying Jesus right after that meal, spilled salt gained the reputation of ending friendships.

But thankfully, this superstition can easily be undone. Since the devil is said to live behind one's left shoulder, you can toss some stray salt over that shoulder and render the devil powerless by blinding him. Phew.

Here's hoping you never break a mirror again! And if you accidentally grab a white lighter, now you know you'll be fine.

Article continues below advertisement

Article continues below advertisement

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Common Superstitions - Finally Explained

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By Pippa Raga Sep. 25 2018, Updated 5:32 p.m. ET People all over the world debate even leaving their houses when the calendar shows it's Friday the 13th. To understand why people feel so strongly about this date, we first have to look at why people are so anti the number 13.

# data[].attributes.body
Some of the more common superstitions that have become apart of our every day lives, and others that are said to bring good or bad luck to those under its influence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Superstitions. Are they beliefs that strengthen? Or are they faiths that blindfold? Do superstitions beef up a timid mind or do they weaken a brave heart? While most of them arise out of fear, some are meant to drive fear away. Superstitious beliefs are an outcome of ignorance and lack of rational thinking, but then they are beliefs after all. Beliefs become notions, then become opinions, and eventually begin to prevail in society.

Many of them stay for years, deep-rooted in the minds of common people while some are wiped off over time. Many superstitions become the basis of certain social customs and go on to become traditions. Such is the power of superstitions that they turn from being false beliefs to becoming strong notions, and the masses start following them. So what if they lack a rational standing? So what if they lack a logical base? Superstitions are beliefs. And beliefs don't need a reason. Or do they?
Good Luck Superstitions Holiday Superstitions Engagement and Wedding Superstitions
Bad Luck Superstitions Itching, Twitching, and Sneezing
The Origin of Superstitions

The origin of superstitions can be traced to beliefs people held in the olden times. Fear about the unseen, less knowledge about the forces of nature and a lack of general awareness was the reason for the spread of certain beliefs in society. These beliefs might have lacked logic, but there was nothing that could convince people otherwise. There was nothing to prove how baseless the beliefs were. They were passed from one generation to another until there were some who put their foot down to disapprove them. Some superstitious beliefs became social norms. With passing time, some superstitions were rendered false, while others 'succeeded' in establishing themselves as truths!

The easiest and most obvious classification of superstitions puts them under two categories, namely good luck superstitions and bad luck superstitions. With most superstitions, there is some kind of symbolism involved; for instance a black cat, a dead bird, an open umbrella, the number 13 and spilled salt symbolize bad luck, while a falling star, a horseshoe, a rabbit's foot and the number 7 are popularly associated with good luck. Just the presence or absence of these things is believed to be lucky or unlucky. Is getting lucky or unlucky so easy?! Here we take a look at some of the most popular good and bad luck superstitions and their origins.

Good Luck Superstitions and their Origins

Lucky Horseshoes: A horseshoe is one of the widely known good luck charms. It is considered lucky for its distinctive shape and function. The shape of a horseshoe, a typical U, similar to that of a crescent moon, is believed to bring good luck. Secondly, a horseshoe protects the horse, and is hence believed to protect humans too. Since making horseshoes is related to blacksmithy, which is considered to be a noble profession, horseshoes are also associated with nobility, and hence believed to bring good luck.

The origin of this superstition is interesting. There's this story of St. Dunstan, who once saw a devil and recognized it, and warned it never to enter a house which has a horseshoe hung outside. Superstition has that witches fear horses and hence horseshoes are believed to keep the witches away. Horseshoes have been used as protection from the evil in many European and Middle Eastern households. Thinking of hanging a horseshoe at your door?

What does Knocking on Wood mean?: There's an age-old superstition behind knocking on wood. Where did it originate? According to Romans, good spirits lived in the trees. They believed that touching anything made out of wood could be used as the means to call these spirits and seek protection from bad luck. Touching wood or knocking on it would also mean acknowledging the good spirits and paying them respect. Some Christian scholars believe that the origin of the knocking on wood superstition is associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a wooden cross.

: A rabbit's foot is another widely known good luck symbols and one of the oldest ones in use. Carrying a rabbit's foot (the left hind) is believed to bring good luck.

The origin of this superstition can be traced to totemism, a theory stating that every human has evolved from an animal. Rabbits, among other animals, have always been associated with fertility and prosperity. They are known for their swift and distinctly styled walking; wherein their hind feet hit the ground before their front feet do. Originally African-American, the tradition of carrying a rabbit's foot has spread to other parts of the world. Do you think, killing rabbits for their feet can bring us any good luck?

What does Finding a Penny indicate?: You are definitely lucky if you find money. Finding a penny and picking it up is believed to bring a day of good luck. Finding a penny with heads up is considered luckier. It is believed that this penny should not be spent. Keeping it safe can bring you fortune. Any metal was considered God's gift to mankind. Finding any metal coin would therefore be considered lucky. What can a penny buy you today? Is finding one lucky then?

Lucky Little Ladybugs: Ladybugs are considered to be symbols of good luck. According to an old tale, there was a time when there was massive insect infestation in the fields of European farmers. The insects were destroying all the crops. The farmers sought Virgin Mary's help in protecting their crop. Virgin Mary called upon ladybugs to help the farmers. The little ladybugs ate the insects away, and the crops were saved. Probably, this is how the ladybug superstition originated. It was from then that farmers started associating lady beetles with good luck. Do you think that little ladybugs are lucky for you?

Bad Luck Superstitions and their Origins

Black Cats bring Bad Luck(?): The origin of this superstition can be traced to ancient Egypt. Back then, their goddess Bast was a female black cat. Christians, at that time, wanting to eradicate all other religions from society, convinced people that black cats were demons. Thus, a black cat crossing someone's path began to be considered as evil, a barrier in one's way to heaven.

Interestingly though, in England, black cats are believed to bring good luck. Some believe that cats can see spirits and can hence guard you against evil spirits. In Yorkshire, black cats are believed to guide fishermen safely home. Are black cats really evil?

What happens when you Walk under a Ladder: A ladder standing against a wall makes a triangle with the wall and the ground, a depiction of the Holy Trinity. So walking through this triangle would mean violating the Holy Trinity which was believed to invite God's anger. According to Tia Dawson, hangman used to hang people from gallows using a ladder. So walking under a ladder would supposedly cause hangman's eyes to turn on you, and death could be near. The origin of this walking under a ladder superstition stems from these beliefs.

Breaking a Mirror: It is said that breaking a mirror can bring you seven years of bad luck. Do you think there's any truth in this proposition? The origin of this superstition stems from the belief that your reflection in the mirror represents your soul or your 'self'. Breaking of the mirror would cause this 'self' to break, indicating that bad luck is near. Interestingly, there's also a remedy to ward this ill luck away. Some believe that if the broken pieces are buried underground, bad luck can be kept at bay.

Why 7 years? It was believed that if you were guilty of breaking someone's mirror, you would have to be a servant in that house for seven years. It was in the times when mirrors were very expensive and rare, and breaking one meant spending a lot to replace it.

The Unlucky 13
▸ Ancient Egyptians associated the number 13 with death, which later led to the fear of this number.

▸ The widely known story behind 13 being unlucky is that of Last Supper. Judas, the betrayer of Jesus was the 13th guest at the meal. And how did the Friday the 13th superstition originate? Actually, it's just that the 13th day of a month falls on a Friday. There should be nothing scary about it. But with the many beliefs associated with 13th coming on Friday, this date has become a reason to fear.

Where did this superstition originate from?
▸ The Last Supper again. The dinner had 13 guests, Judas was the 13th, and Jesus was crucified on a Friday. This made Friday the 13th an unlucky day.

▸ Probably, the oldest association of ill luck with Friday is the story which says that Adam and Eve were forced to leave the garden of Eden on a Friday. Also, Eve is believed to have seduced Adam on a Friday, compelling him to eat the forbidden apple, and we all know what followed.

▸ Biblical accounts state that Noah's flood began on a Friday.

▸ Also, the Tower of Babel in Babylon, built in memory of the victory of humanity after the flood, was destroyed on a Friday.

▸ King Philip IV of France carried out mass arrests, subjected hundreds to torture and hardships, many even succumbed to death. The day the arrests were made, happened to be a Friday and the 13th day of October.

▸ In Friday the 13th trivia, you will find several such accounts of mishaps, accidents and unfortunate incidents that took place on Friday the 13th. Are they mere coincidences? Or do Friday and 13 together spell misfortune?

Spilling Salt: Something I had heard about spilling salt was that if you spill it, God makes you pick it up with your eye lashes. The superstition might have originated from the idea of discouraging wastage of salt by developing a fear about spilling it. Salt used to be expensive then. So, considering the spilling of salt as a sin was a sure way to make people more careful about its usage.

The roots of this superstition can be traced to the Last Supper. Some believe that Judas, the betrayer of Jesus had spilt salt during the supper. If spilling salt is believed to bring bad luck, throwing some over your shoulders to ward the bad luck away is advised as a remedy.

Birds and Bad Luck
▸ Killing a sparrow brings bad luck, as these birds are believed to carry souls of the dead. It is believed that hearing an owl's cry is an indication that death or ill-luck will follow.
▸ A bird flying into the house is believed to bring bad luck.
▸ It is considered unlucky to have a white pigeon perching on a chimney.
▸ Peacock feathers are considered as symbols of the 'evil eye'.
▸ A robin flying in through a window is believed to presage death.
▸ Old superstitions considered crows as the messengers of bad news.
▸ Also, many birds are believed to symbolize certain virtues; for instance doves symbolize peace, robins are a symbol of good luck, and owls a symbol of wisdom.

These beliefs are superstitious, but some of them save the birds from being killed. Because certain birds are associated with certain virtues, people fear harming or killing them.

Opening an Umbrella Indoors: Putting up an umbrella indoors, especially one which has not been opened outdoors, is believed to bring bad luck. In the olden times, opening an umbrella in the shade was considered as an insult of Sun God. Opening an umbrella indoors would also mean disrespecting the spirits in the house, as the umbrella opened for protection would imply that the shelter provided by the household was insufficient.

The superstition about opening an umbrella indoors originated from this idea. Superstition has that dropping an umbrella on the floor might indicate a murder in the house.

Itching, Twitching, Sneezing...

Itchy Palms
▸ There are superstitions about many of such common human reflexes and behavior. Itchy palm superstitions for that matter; are so many and some even contradicting each other. Superstition says that you are going to lose money if your right palm itches, and that you can expect money in case of an itchy left palm.

▸ Some believe it is the other way round; that is, left palm itching means that you will become poor, and an itchy right palm means that you will become rich.

▸ They also suggest that scratching an itchy palm can mean losing money that you were going to get.

▸ It is believed that rubbing the itching palm on wood or brass can help. This perhaps has to do with the touching wood superstition.

▸ And it was also believed, that the flow of energy in the palm caused the itching, and the energy moving out was associated with losing money while the inflow of energy was associated with gaining wealth.

▸ Not scratching an itchy palm probably came from the fact that some skin problem could be causing the itch and scratching could be harmful.

Twitching Eyes
▸ Eye twitching is something we all are familiar with. In India, left eye twitching is considered bad omen while the twitching of your right eye is considered as a good sign.

▸ In the Chinese tradition, this superstition is the other way round.

▸ Africans believe in the twitching of one's lower eyelid as being a sign of impending sorrow.

▸ The medical reasons behind left or right eye twitching are stress, lack of sleep, or eye problems. It's the twitching of muscles around the eyes. Linking it to bringing good or bad news is not right.

Sneezing
▸ Saying "god bless you" when someone sneezes is one widely followed superstition.

▸ You know how it originated? It was believed that the soul escapes the body for a short while when a person sneezes. 'God bless' is said to bless this soul that returned!

▸ Your heart skips a beat when you sneeze. Its catching the beat again can qualify as being your 'soul's return'.

Superstitions about Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas

Halloween Superstitions
▸ You know where the Jack-o-lantern originated from? It was from an old Irish custom to hollow turnips to protect candles from winds and keep them lit.

▸ The idea of having one night or day when ghosts of the dead visit earth finds its roots in Christianity. It is this belief that the deceased in the family would visit, that led people to light candles and keep treats for the dead. The lit candles were believed to help the spirits find their way back to heaven.

▸ Lighting candles or ringing a bell on the Halloween is meant to keep the ghosts and evil spirits away. Having some light around increases visibility in the dark. The lighting candles superstition might have originated from this. Sounds are often used as a protection against the dangers in the dark. The superstition of ringing bells has probably originated from this idea.

▸ Do you know about the Halloween witches? They are believed to gather on Halloween, for a party hosted by the devil and it's believed that they cast spells on people. The early settlers who came to America brought this belief with them. Is it to scare the witches and ghosts away that you wear scary masks and costumes on Halloween? Wearing clothes inside out and walking backwards on meeting witches is believed to scare them away.

Thanksgiving Superstitions

▸ One of the most widely known of the Thanksgiving superstitions is that of breaking the Turkey wishbone. Two people pull the Turkey's clavicle from opposite ends; the one who gets the bigger piece has his wish come true. Pilgrims who migrated from England introduced Americans to this custom.

▸ The tradition can be traced further back to the Etruscans of 900-800 BC who had the custom of stroking a fowl or hen's collarbone and making a wish.

▸ Romans are said to have adopted a major part of their culture from the Etruscans. And the pilgrims of England probably adopted the custom from Romans.

Christmas Superstitions
▸ Being born on Christmas as also dying on Christmas is considered fortunate.

▸ A plant flowering on Christmas, and snowing on Christmas are believed to be good omens.

▸ The Yule log is considered lucky. Go through Christmas symbols and their meanings to find more about the symbolism associated with Christmas.

▸ It is believed that Santa comes only after you are fast asleep. Where did this superstition originate from? Probably from the fact that Santa doesn't really exist! It's the parents/elders in the house who come in disguise of Santa and have to usher the kids to sleep so that the surprise is kept. Or is Santa real and prefers to come only after everyone's asleep?

Engagement and Wedding Superstitions and their Origins

Wedding Jewelry
▸ The engagement ring is worn in the ring finger. Do we know why? It was believed that the left ring finger is directly connected to the heart, making it the most suited finger for an engagement ring or a wedding band.

▸ The Irish brought in the Claddagh ring, which consisted of three symbols, a crown that stands for loyalty, a heart that symbolizes love, and a pair of hands representing friendship.

▸ What's the significance of diamonds in engagement and wedding rings? Back then, the Egyptians and Romans believed that diamonds possess supernatural powers.

▸ The use of pearls in wedding jewelry has a superstition behind it. The Greeks believed that a bride wearing pearls would have a happy marriage.

The Wedding Gown and the Veil
▸ The history of the white wedding gown is quite interesting. It was after Queen Victoria chose to wear a white gown for her wedding, that it became popular with commoners. White was also believed to be the symbol of virginity and purity.

▸ The veil is believed to serve two purposes. One, it guards the bride against evil spirits. Two, it keeps the bride hidden from the groom until marriage, thus eliminating chances of his disapproval of the bride.

▸ This sounds strange, but in the olden days, it wasn't custom for the bride and the groom to meet before the wedding. It was the time when families decided the marriage and feared that the groom may disapprove of the bride on seeing her, and thus arose the tradition of the bride covering her face with a veil.

When looking at superstitions and their origins, one should understand the difference between customs, traditions, and superstitions. Some customs root from superstitious beliefs, but not all of them do. Some do have a reason, which is misinterpreted at times, dues to which we begin to perceive them as superstitions. Some superstitious beliefs are accepted the world over while others are restricted to only some regions or cultures. There is a stark contrast in the superstitions across different cultures. In some cases, beliefs of the easterners contradict with those of the westerners. Superstitions prevail longer in communities lacking general awareness and education, as they lack the ability to reason and approve or disapprove of what superstitions make them believe.

But come to think of it, even 'the educated and the aware' cannot necessarily get over superstitions. We all are superstitious in our own small ways. We have these little notions of a particular color, number, object, or person being lucky for us. We believe these little things can do us good. None of us, I feel, is completely non-superstitious. How much ever we argue and reason against superstitious beliefs or boast of being 'rational', these superstitions remain to be what they strangely are... our little support systems.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Every superstition has an interesting story to tell, a story of when and how it originated, how it spread and turned into a tradition. Did you just say, all superstitions are fake? Well, that's what you say. But superstitions... they say something different...something you must listen to...So read on to know all that you need to, about superstitions and their origins.

# data[].attributes.body
A reliable source that shows many common superstitions and where they came from.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to Psychic Library's Superstition Room, a place to learn about many superstitions and their origins. Superstitions date back to early man's attempt to explain Nature and his own existence. There was a deep belief that animals, nature and objects held a connection to spirits and the spirit world. In order to have a feeling of appeasing these forces, different behaviors or customs arose that would dictate a favorable fate and good fortune. Many superstitions have come from mythology, where omens were common.

Superstitions live on because they have been passed on from generation to generation. Even today, where direct evidence and facts outweigh superstitious beliefs, there are probably very few people who can categorically deny that they do not at least secretly harbor a slight belief in one or two superstitions.

THE NUMBER 13

There is a term for a fear of the number 13 - triskaidekaphobia, of Greek origin. The term for a fear of Friday the 13 th is paraskevidekatriaphobia.

Across many cultures, the belief that the number 13 is evil and brings bad luck is so strong that many hotels, office and apartment buildings do not have or recognize a 13 th floor, airports usually do not have a 13 th gate and many people stay home on Friday the 13 th.

The Chinese and ancient Egyptians believed the number 13 brings good fortune. The Egyptians believed in 12 stages in life toward spiritual enlightenment. The 13 th stage was the eternal afterlife. In this sense, death was not a place of fear, but a place of high regard for the afterlife.

One theory about why this negative belief about the number 13 exists is that Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was the 13 th person to be seated at the Last Supper.

In 1881, a group of New Yorkers set out to debunk this and all other superstitions and formed a group called the Thirteen Club. Its first meeting took place on Friday the 13 th at 8:13 pm and 13 people sat down to dinner in room number 13. To get into the room each guest walked under a ladder and sat down around piles of spilled salt. Needless to say, all of the guests survived. For the next 40 years, Thirteen Clubs cropped up all over the U.S., but then faded from popularity.

THE NUMBER 7

Numerous references to the number 7 are found throughout history - in religions, cultures and ancient civilizations. The number seven is most often associated with good luck. It is believed that the importance of the number seven began in ancient times. During that time, before the invention of the telescope, only seven planets were visible in the skies - the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. This may explain why many ancient cultures adopted seven gods or deities.

The ancient Greeks thought the number seven to be extremely lucky. Pythagoreans considered the number seven to be a perfect number. There were seven ancient Roman and Egyptian Gods. Hinduism recognizes seven major chakras (energy centers in the human body). The Arabs built seven holy temples. In Japanese tradition, there are seven lucky gods that bring good fortune. There is also a belief that seven ancient Buddhas existed.

References to the number seven appear many times in the Bible (Old Testament). For example, God created the world in six days and the seventh day was the Sabbath or day of rest; King Solomon's temple took seven years to build; every seven years is considered a holy year in the Hebrew Torah; Israelites during the battle of Jericho were told that marching around the walls of the city seven times would ensure their victory and its walls would come tumbling down; the Kaballah seven-knot, red-string bracelet to protect from the evil eye and negative thoughts; and in Jewish tradition, the deceased are mourned for seven days, which is known as sitting shiva (shiva literally means seven). As far as the Christian Bible (New Testament), examples of the number seven are abundant: seven seals in Revelations; seven sacraments; seven stars; seven deadly sins; seven last plagues; and seven heavenly virtues.

Even to gamblers the number seven is lucky. Three sevens make a blackjack, a big payout on a slot machine and a winner in the game of craps. The opposite sides on dice add up to seven. On July 7, 2007, the casinos were full up, as hopefuls tried to beat the odds on this lucky date of 07/07/07.

The number seven has been, and still is, universal. Here are more some examples: seven wonders of the world, seven seas, seven continents, seven hills of Rome, seven notes in a musical scale, the seventh inning stretch at a baseball game, seven colors in a rainbow, seven spots on a ladybug (always a good-luck symbol), seven days of the week, the seven-year itch and Snow White's seven dwarfs. Also, it is believed that the seventh child of a seventh child will be psychically gifted.

For the most part, the number seven is associated with good luck. However, in the Chinese culture it symbolizes death. Also, breaking a mirror is thought to bring seven years of bad luck. This superstition may have stemmed from the Romans who believed that people underwent a physical and spiritual regeneration every seven years and that the mirror was a reflection of the soul. Thus, when a mirror is broken, the person's soul would have to wait seven more years for regeneration. However, given the examples listed here, it is almost a sure thing that the number seven is a lucky, protective and positive symbol for most people.

SPILLING SALT

Historically, it has been believed that spilling salt will bring a person bad luck. More so than bringing bad luck, it is an invitation to let the devil in. Origins of this superstition may date back to ancient times, as salt was used in early rituals and practices. In many cultures it was believed to be a powerful magical substance.

At one time salt was a very expensive trading commodity, and spilling it was considered wasteful and frowned upon. This could have brought fear to the person who spilled it. Also, there is a connection that spilled salt is unlucky because Judas is portrayed as the one spilling the salt in DaVinci's painting of the "Last Supper."

There is yet another Christian belief ascribed to this superstition. It is believed that good spirits exist on the right-hand side and that the devil is seated at the left-hand side of God. So, when we spill salt, it is important to throw the salt with our right hand over our left shoulder to keep the devil, evil and bad luck off of our backs and behind us.

BLACK CAT CROSSING YOUR PATH

If a black cat crosses your path, bad luck will come to you, and it can also be an omen of death. In another version, it is believed that if a black cat walks toward you, it will bring you good luck and if it walks away from you, it takes good luck away.

In ancient Egypt, all cats, including black ones, were highly regarded and well protected from death and injury. It is customary in England and Ireland that black cats bring good luck.

During the Middle Ages, black cats were seen as evil demons and companions to witches and that they should be destroyed. Because they were seen as demons, it was believed that a black cat crossing your path would block your connection to God and the entrance to heaven. The paranoia surrounding this superstition caused the destruction of a lot of black cats, as well as the killing or severe punishment of anyone who took care of them.

BROKEN MIRROR

The superstition of bad luck surrounding breaking a mirror has existed long before metal or glass mirrors were actually invented. Before these types of mirrors were produced, reflections of one's self were seen in rivers, ponds, pools or bowls. If the reflection looked distorted, it was believed that disaster would strike. In fact, an ancient Greek divination, called catoptromancy, used shallow bowls filled with water to tell a person's future based on the reflection revealed. One's reflection represented an individual's soul. Distorting a mirror, glass or water-filled bowl damaged the reflection, and thus, the soul.

The ancient Greeks, Hebrews and Egyptians produced mirrors made out of silver, gold, brass or bronze, which were unbreakable. These early mirrors were considered extremely valuable and possessed mystical attributes.

Almost universally, this superstition includes that the bad luck would last for seven years. The origin of this belief stems from an early interpretation in Roman times that each person's body undergoes a physical regeneration every seven years. A broken mirror signified a break in the person's health and well-being, going back to the theory of the mirror being the reflection of the soul.

In 15 th century Venice, Italy, when glass mirrors backed by silver coating were first produced, they were prohibitively expensive. Servants of the wealthy, who most often would be in the position of cleaning or moving a mirror, could never afford its replacement, if broken. The punishment or threat of breaking a mirror became that of having to serve for seven years as an indentured servant to the mirror's owner.

During the mid-1600s, when England and France were finally able to manufacture mirrors inexpensively, the superstition about bad luck and broken mirrors was already solidified in the culture.

It is noted that one way to avoid the bad luck associated with breaking a mirror is to take the broken pieces and bury them underground and under the moonlight.

OPEN UMBRELLA

It is still believed by some that opening an umbrella indoors will bring bad luck. The origins of this superstition are not totally agreed upon, but some say it can be traced back to the early Egyptians. Back then, umbrellas protected people (mostly nobility or religious leaders) from the heat of the sun, not from the rain and were thought to ward of spirits who might do them harm. To open one inside or even in the shade would offend the God of the Sun.

It was also believed that the Egyptian goddess Nut (Nuit) enveloped the sky like a huge umbrella. The beautiful man-made umbrellas were fashioned with peacock feathers and papyrus and represented the goddess. Because of their religious significance, they were usually held only over the noble classes. The shadow that surrounded the person underneath the umbrella was considered sacred, and if someone other than the nobility stepped on this space, it was considered sacrilegious. Oddly enough, the Babylonians considered it an honor for anyone to step into the shadow of a king's umbrella shade.

Others believe that the bad luck associated with opening an umbrella indoors came to be in 18 th century London, the time when waterproof umbrellas with metal spokes were popularized. These umbrellas were awkward to open and were extremely large in size, which could cause injury to people or break objects if opened inside a house or in a small space. This could cause anger or arguments among family or friends, which was considered bad luck, or at least something to be avoided.

Another variation on the superstition is that if rain is predicted on a given day, take an umbrella with you and it will not rain. And if you leave the umbrella behind, it will definitely rain.

It has also been noted that bad luck does not occur if the umbrella has first been opened outdoors and then brought inside to dry. And that bad luck is associated with an umbrella if it is the color black, was given as a gift, has never been used outside in the rain, is opened on a ship, or is dropped on the floor.

WALKING UNDER A LADDER

The superstition associated with walking under a ladder is that it will bring you bad luck. One origin of this superstition dates back to medieval times, in which the ladder symbolized the gallows - a place where persons were hanged. So when someone walked under a ladder, it was believed that he would surely face his own death by hanging. And because people were hung at the top rungs of the ladder, it was thought that their spirits resided within the triangle that was formed by the leaning ladder, in other words, it formed a haunted area. Ladders were typically leaned up against the gallows and used to assist the person in charge of removing the dead bodies. By walking under the ladder during that time, it was assumed that a dead body could fall on you, causing injury or death.

Another origin of this superstition dates back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians believed strongly in the power of the pyramids. Even a ladder leaning against a wall symbolized a pyramid because of its triangular shape. If someone walked under it, they believed that the power of the sacred pyramid was broken.

Yet another early belief about ladders was that when leaned triangularly against a wall, it signified the Holy Trinity - the Father (God), the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Ghost (the spirit of Jesus). The action of walking under the ladder was considered blasphemy and a desecration of God. Additionally, it would invite the devil in.

There are ways to undo the seemingly disastrous consequences. By walking back through the ladder, you can undo the harm and secure a second chance of better luck. Also, crossing your fingers until you see a dog can fix the situation.

The best belief is common sense. Jarring a ladder in any way might cause you to get hit by a falling object, or cause someone already on it to fall off. It is best to walk around it to ensure a better day. If you choose to walk under one, use the crossing fingers method stated above.

STEP ON A CRACK

Misfortune and bad luck are thought to be the result of stepping on cracks in the pavement. It is usually associated with the saying: "Step on a crack and break your mother's back."

However, this superstition originated back in the late 19 th and early 20 th century, unfortunately when racism was prevalent in society. The original unkind verse is believed to be either "Step on a crack and your mother's baby will be black" or "Step on a crack and your mother will turn black." Due to the fact that inter-racial marriages were frowned upon by some, it was also common then to say that stepping on the pavement lines meant you would marry a black person and have a black baby.

In the mid-20 th century, it was common to tell children that if they stepped on any cracks in the pavement they would be eaten for lunch by bears waiting for them around the corner.

Another belief surrounding this superstition is that the number of cracks stepped on indicates the number of bones your mother would break. Also, it foretold the amount of china dishes that you would break.

There is also a belief that the cracks in the ground or pavement lead directly to the underworld. Thus by stepping on them, the evil demons that dwell there would be released and bring bad luck.

KNOCK ON WOOD

To knock on wood or to touch wood is done to ward off unlucky consequences, get rid of evil spirits, to undo something that is said that could possibly tempt fate or to bring good luck. One can also knock on wood three times after talking about something lucky or serendipitous, in order to ward off the evil spirits who might purposely ruin it.

It is believed by some that the superstition dates back to ancient pagan times and the belief that spirits or deities lived in trees, and knocking on the tree or touching it would acknowledge them and call upon them for protection from misfortune. It was also seen as a thank-you gesture to the spirits or gods for bringing good luck and blessings.

Irish folklore states that the act of touching wood sends a thank you to leprechauns for some good luck. The Greeks worshiped the Oak tree because it was sacred to Zeus and the Celts believed in spirits living in trees. Touching those trees brought good luck.

As many early pagan beliefs became part of Christian beliefs, this superstition may have been one of them. Some people believed that knocking on wood was associated with the Cross. A Jewish version of the superstition traces back to the Spanish Inquisition of the 15 th century. The Jews fled to wooden-built synagogues for refuge and came up with a specific knock code to be let in. These refuges saved many lives, and it then became common to knock on wood to bring good luck.

By the 1800s, even children's games included rhymes about knocking on wood for luck. By the 1900s, the Americans and British were doing the same.

Today, it is acceptable to knock on wood-like surfaces for good luck. There are times when people even knock on their own heads for luck when there is no wood around.

SEEING A HEARSE

The hearse is a most notorious icon of death and mourning. Numerous superstitions, gestures and beliefs are connected to this vehicle. Just the mere sight of a hearse can stir up many emotions about our own mortality.

Since the time of horse drawn hearses, a common belief was that if you saw a hearse, you would be the next to die. To avoid such a horrible curse, in Victorian times, it was believed that holding a button could ward off this demise. Others held a button until they saw a bird. Some people would go as far as to hold their breath, close their eyes and put their feet up in the air.

Another old belief is that a hearse drawn by two horses (especially white ones) signified a death would happen in the neighborhood in the very near future.

One of the more interesting traditions about hearses passing by is taken from Japanese culture. Hiding one's thumb in a fist while the hearse passed was done to protect the parents from an early death. (The thumb is a representation of the "parent" finger, called "oya yubi" in Japanese.)

Another superstition is based on which direction you see the hearse moving. If the hearse is moving toward you and empty, it is considered good luck in some parts of the United States. In other areas of the U.S., it could bring on three days of good or bad luck. On the other hand, if a hearse is empty and moving away from you, you are close to death.

Some people believe that if they see their reflection in the window of a hearse, it is a bad sign. No matter what, a hearse is the sign of imminent death. Most people have some type of superstitions about seeing one, and most of us will be unable to avoid being the passenger in one way or another. And by the way, you don't ever want to be the first person to drive a brand new hearse - it is definitely bad luck.

SNEEZING

The development of sneezing superstitions came about due to early man's belief that his breath was representative of his own soul. Breathing in was breathing in life. Sneezing was a swift release of that essence or soul. If the soul left the body through a sneeze, it was presumed the individual would die without his soul. The mysteries and superstitions surrounding sneezing most probably continued on from this point.

Although you may think it is merely the polite thing to do, blessing people after they sneeze is actually a very common superstition and is practiced all over the world. It is believed that saying "God Bless You" dates back to February 16, 590AD, when pope Gregory the Great decreed that prayers be said to fight against a deadly plague in Italy. This plague seemed to be fatal to those who sneezed. So it followed that the sneeze represented certain illness and using "God Bless You" would protect people from the effects of the disease.

Saying "God Bless You," is also believed to date back to 1665, when the black plague took over Europe. Violent sneezing was noted to be one of the end-stage symptoms of it before death. Thus, the pope made it a law that anyone who sneezed must be blessed, as the individual's death was imminent. During that same era, everyone was mandated to cover their mouths with their hand or a cloth, so as not to further spread the disease.

There are other superstitions surrounding sneezing. When someone sneezed, it was either a sign of good fortune or an omen of bad luck. This dates back to the early Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. They believed that a sneeze was their own personal prophet, forewarning them of danger and forecasting future good and evil. Additionally, one would be congratulated upon sneezing because the evil spirits were freed from embodiment. It was also believed at that time that a sneeze during a conversation revealed the truth of a statement. Even today, you may hear somebody say, "I sneezed on the truth."

In 17 th century England, if a sneeze was heard, it was customary for all who were nearby to remove their hats, curtsy or bow and wish "God Bless You." As time went on, in the 1800's in England, a rhyme was penned that described the out comes of sneezing on the various days in the week:
Sneeze on Monday, sneeze for danger. Sneeze on Tuesday, kiss a stranger. Sneeze on Wednesday, sneeze for a letter. Sneeze on Thursday, something better. Sneeze on Friday, sneeze for woe. Sneeze on Saturday, a journey to go. Sneeze on Sunday, your safety seek - for Satan will have you for the rest of the week!
Some other superstitions with respect to sneezing are commonly seen throughout the literature. These include the following. It is good luck to sneeze between noon and midnight. It is bad luck to sneeze while getting dressed in the morning because bad luck will be with you during the day. It is a good omen for the whole family if the family cat sneezes. It is also good luck if two people sneeze at the same time.

It is bad luck to turn your head to the left while sneezing, but good luck if you turn to the right. It is also bad luck to sneeze one or three times. However, sneeze twice and it is an omen of good luck. In Japan, sneezing once is that someone is speaking kindly about you, twice is that someone is not speaking highly of you and three times is that someone is speaking disparagingly about you and four times is the sign of a cold.

Physiologically speaking, a sneeze is a reaction to irritating foreign particles, allergies, illness or a cold. Another known fact is that sudden exposure to bright light can bring on a sneeze. Overall, it is one of the body's reflexive responses. Whether or not a sneeze has superstitious meaning is up to you.

CROSSING FINGERS

Crossing two fingers (the middle and index finger) is a very common superstition. It is mainly done to ensure good luck and prosperity or to give courage and support to yourself or another individual. For triple good luck some people cross not only their fingers, but their arms and legs at the same time.

Some theories indicate that the origin of crossing the fingers dates as far back as the fourteenth century. In the pre-Christian era, crosses (for example, the Solar Cross, although there were many other variations of crosses at that time) symbolized power and unity, and the middle of the cross represented all that was good. People made wishes on the mid-point of the cross to ward off evil so that nothing would get in the way of the wish they wanted to fulfill.

That tradition evolved into crossing fingers between two people. One person would make a wish, the other person would help solidify the wish by putting his index finger onto the other person's index finger, making the sign of the cross. Later it evolved into a single gesture - a person would cross his own two fingers for his own good luck or someone else's.

It is also possible that during the Hundred Years' War, between France and England, before an archer would draw back his bow, he would cross the same two fingers that he would use on the bow to pray for good luck.

Before Christianity was legalized, making the sign of the cross to another person was also used as a sign between two Christians to identify each other, not unlike secret Fraternity handshakes of today. They may have also used both hands to form the sign of the fish, which also symbolized Christianity.

Today, crossing your fingers for luck is universal to many cultures and not just to Christianity. However, sometimes people cross their two fingers behind their backs to absolve themselves when they tell a lie and to ask God for forgiveness at the same time. Also the crossing of the fingers has a part to play in the walking under a ladder superstition. It is believed that if you accidentally walk under a ladder, must keep your fingers crossed to ward off any evil coming your way.

HORSESHOE

The superstition associated with the horseshoe is one of good luck and good fortune. It is believed that the good luck powers of the horseshoe date back to the story of a blacksmith named Dunstan and a man he believed was the devil. It is said that a man came to Dunstan and requested that he put horseshoes on his feet (hoofs). Dunstan recognized this man as the devil and nailed a horseshoe to the devil's hoof. Seeing that the devil was in great pain, it is said that he chained him while he was in agony and only released him after the devil promised never to enter a place that had a horseshoe hung over the door. Dunstan eventually became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 959 AD and is known as Saint Dunstan.

The way the horseshoe is hung and displayed varies. Some regions of the world believe that hanging the horseshoe in an upward position ("U") holds in all the good luck and the powers it brings. For them, hanging the horseshoe upside down meant that its powers would fall away and dissipate. However, there are others who believe that hanging it in a downward position allows all of the good luck, protective powers and good fortune to shower upon you and surround the home. If you are doubly superstitious, you might want to hang one in each position. The choice is yours.

Another belief exists that the horseshoe, because of its crescent shape, has the ability to ward off the evil eye. In ancient Europe and prior to the Chaldeans, this crescent shape represented the various moon goddesses, which were signs of protection, good luck, fertility and could protect against a curse from the evil eye.

From early times to today people still wear horseshoe charms and amulets to bring good luck. Horseshoes were originally held in place on the horse using seven iron nails, as seven was considered a very lucky number. That is why some horseshoes and/or charms are made with seven nail holes in them. It was also believed that hanging a horseshoe over one's bed could prevent nightmares. It became a common practice to hang a horseshoe outside of the home, barn or store to ward off evil and bring good luck. The horseshoe was also used by sailors who nailed them to the foremasts of their ships to ward off evil spirits and entities from harming their ships, crew or preventing them from arriving at their destination safely.

During the middle ages, for some reason it was believed that witches had a fear of horses, especially of their shoes, which were made from iron. Because iron could withstand fire, it was also believed that it could ward off all evil spirits. It was believed that a witch would never enter a home with a horseshoe nailed to or over the door. Suspected witches who were tried and not burned at the stake, but buried upon their deaths, had horseshoes nailed to their coffins to prevent them from returning to life or resurrecting again as witches.

FOUR-LEAF CLOVER

The four-leaf clover, or shamrock, is thought of as a good luck charm in part because of its rarity in nature. It is estimated that the chances of finding a four-leaf clover are one in 10,000. The origin of the superstition dates back as far as the biblical story of Adam and Eve. It is believed that when Eve was cast out of the Garden of Eden, she took a four-leaf clover with her to remind her of the lushness of paradise. Since then, it has become a symbol of good luck and good fortune.

According to Irish beliefs, the superstition stems from Druid priests who used the shamrock for healing the sick, in worship rituals and to ward off evil. Prior to this, St. Patrick had found the three-leaf clover to be an extraordinary plant. In ancient Egypt, when a couple got married it was traditional to give them a four-leaf clover which was a blessing of their union and a representation of their undying love for one another.

Some of the beliefs surrounding the power of the four-leaf clover include the following:

1. Each of the four leaves on this lucky charm has a specific meaning - faith, hope, love and luck.

2. Both children and adults would hang the four-leaf clover at home to ward off evil, witchcraft and bad omens.

3. A person who finds a four-leaf clover will meet a future lover on that same day. Some people even go so far as to put the four-leaf clover in their shoe.

4. Anyone who possesses a four-leaf clover will have good fortune in any ventures they attempt.

5. The four-leaf clover is a charm that protects against evil.

6. Anyone wearing a four-leaf clover will be able to see fairies.

7. One belief states that you will only have good luck if the four-leaf clover is kept out of sight and never passed to someone else. Another one states that if you give the four-leaf clover to someone else, your luck will double.

So, always be on the lookout for a four-leaf clover because you can never have enough good luck!

PENNY

Finding a penny is commonly considered good luck. Remember the rhyme: "Find a penny pick it up; all day long you'll have good luck?" The origins of this superstition may stem from ancient times when metals were believed to offer protection from evil and harmful spirits to those who possessed them. When cultures began using coins as currency, obviously those who had more of them were considered wealthy. Thus, the accumulation of money translated into good fortune. Perhaps this fact contributed to the good luck association with finding a penny or any coin.

Some people believe that different outcomes will occur if the penny is found either heads up or down. If the penny is heads up you may freely and joyfully pick it up, and experience good luck. If the penny faces tails up, you can pick it up and turn it over for the next person - just do not take it with you because you will be bringing yourself bad luck. Some believe that the penny you pick up should be passed along to someone else the same day to ensure your own good luck.

Others believe the penny superstition may have evolved from a pagan ritual: "See a pin and pick it up; all day long you'll have good luck." This lucky pin would then used in a good luck incantation. Exactly when the change occurred to use the word penny in the rhyme is not known; but we do know that both a pin and a penny are metal, and that may be the common thread between the two.

Another ritual associated with the penny is that a bride should put a penny in her shoe to ensure a happy and prosperous marriage.

So what will you do the next time you find a penny?
Join our FB Fan page!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Psychic Library's Superstition Room, a place to learn about many superstitions and their origins. Superstitions date back to early man's attempt to explain Nature and his own existence. There was a deep belief that animals, nature and objects held a connection to spirits and the spirit world.

# data[].attributes.body
Due to the belief among many cultures that the number 13 is evil the number 13 has been removed from apartment buildings in many places around the world. Many people feel the number 13 will cause them to experience bad luck and other negative occurrences. (psychiclibrary.com)

# data[].attributes.body
The Romans believed that the human body regenerates itself every 7 years and that when a person breaks the reflection into the soul (the mirror) that they will experience bad luck involving their health until the time when their body regenerates, after 7 years. (psychiclibrary.com) This is where the modern day belief of breaking mirrors causing 7 years of bad luck stems from.

# data[].attributes.body
Athletes from across multiple types of sports and recreational activities have their own way of dealing with a "bad luck" superstition. This helps show how athletes will perform superstitious rituals to ward off the bad luck in order for their team or themselves to complete the game successfully.

# data[].attributes.body
People will often mistake superstitious events that occur, with an ordinary coincidence. word of mouth has begun to have more of an effect on what people believe when it comes to supertitious events due to society noticing small coincidences occuring in the same circumstances.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here are 10 strange superstitions that should help keep you safe from harm but probably won't. Where else to find All Time 10s... Facebook: http://ow.ly/3FNFR Twitter: http://ow.ly/3FNMk Check out a selection of video's highlighting some Alltime10's favourite and interesting people.. @ http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=365DD325201BCB58

# data[].attributes.headline
10 Weirdest Superstitions around the world. 

# data[].attributes.subject
10 Weirdest Superstitions around the world. 

# data[].attributes.body
This video shows that different regions of the world will believe something that has been passed down from family traditions, even when no scientific proof can show the superstition is accurate or true.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The 10 WEIRDEST SUPERSTITIONS in the WORLD!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this Top 10, I present to you the STRANGEST SUPERSTITIONS that people actually have! These are VERY STRANGE and will leave you scratching your head! Subscribe and click the bell to enable notifications for my new videos! http://bit.ly/SubscribeSantoro Follow me for more DAILY facts and important updates!