Good Luck Superstitions
In our enlightened age, some people say there is no such thing as luck, but they might cross their fingers when they say it. The word superstition comes from two Latin words: "Super" and "Stare". Super means above and stare means to stand.
Superstitions, myths, omens, and irrational beliefs certainly play a role in cultures throughout the world and here we propose to offer a few for your entertainment and enjoyment. For ease, the topic of superstitions can be divided into three main categories: those that bring bad luck; those bringing good luck and the third type which can be called myths or folklore.
Many superstitions stem from the same human trait that causes us to believe in monsters and ghosts: When our brains can't explain something, we make stuff up.
Whether they are old wives tales, urban legends, or just scary stories every group has their share of them but these are the most popular superstitions around the world.
· Fingers Crossed - By making the sign of the Christian faith with our fingers, evil spirits would be prevented from destroying our chances of good fortune.
· See a penny, pick it up; all day long you will have good luck.
· Knocking on Wood: It was believed that good spirits lived in trees, and that by knocking on anything made from wood, we could call upon these spirits for protection against misfortune.
· To find a four-leaf Clover means immense good luck, so keep it safe.
· A Frog brings good luck to the house it enters.
· A robin flying into the house.
· Sneezing 3 times before breakfast.
· Meeting 3 sheep.
· Looking at the new moon over your right shoulder.
· Spilling wine while proposing a toast.
· A Ladybug landing on you.
· Putting a dress on inside out.
· Meeting a Chimney Sweep on your wedding day.
· If you throw rice on a new bride and groom, they will have so many children.
· 9 peas in a pea pod.
· If you put the sugar into the cup first, before the tea, you will have good luck.
· Hearing crickets singing.
· A spider spinning in the morning.
· If you see three butterflies together they will bring good luck. Or if the first butterfly you see in the year is white, it brings good luck to you throughout the year.
· Amber beads protect against illness.
· Picking up a pin, dropping a glove.
· A horseshoe Peacock feathers.
· If you see a horseshoe which was lost, you will have good luck.
· Cutting your hair during a storm.
· If you step on your shadow, it brings you good luck.
· Sleeping facing south.
· Picking up a pencil in the street.
· Breaking clear and uncolored glass.
· Walking in the rain.
· If you catch a falling leaf on the first day of autumn, you will have good luck all winter.
· Sleeping on un-ironed sheets.
· Avoiding cracks in the sidewalk.
· An itch on the top of your head.
· If your right hand itches, you will earn money.
· If your right ear itches, someone is speaking well of you.
· Scissors hanging on a hook.
· You can hang up garlic in your house for good luck.
· If you put a mirror just across the door, you will have good luck.
· Carrying an acorn will ensure good luck & longevity!
· To pick up a piece of coal that has fallen in your path.
· To have one's garments caught up by a bush or briar when out walking is a promise of good luck, involving monetary gain.
· New enterprises will be fortunate if begun at the time of the new moon.
· If by chance you meet the same person twice when you are out on business. It is even luckier if you encounter him once when you are setting out and again when you are returning.
· Dolphins swimming nearby a ship.
· A naked woman on board a boat is said to calm the seas.
· Golfers can have a successful day on the course if they start their round with odd numbered clubs and don't use balls with numbers higher than 4.
· To set out for golfing on a rainy day.
· Spit on the new basket ball bat before use to make it lucky.
· If a black cat walks towards you it brings good luck; or it walks away means it takes away the good luck of you with it.
· If you dream about a white cat, you will have good luck.
· Counting two crows brings luck.
· If you blow out all the candles on your birthday cake in one blow, you will get whatever you want.
· Saying God Bless You When Somebody Sneezes. When the great plague swept Europe, sufferers began sneezing violently which was a sign of death. The Pope therefore passed a law requiring people to bless the sneezer. At the same time, it was expected that anybody sneezing would cover their mouth with a cloth or their hand. This was obviously to stop the spreading of the disease, but many believed that it was to keep the soul intact. Sneezing 'into the air' would allow the soul to escape and death would be imminent. Up until this time, the opposite was true. Those who sneezed were congratulated, as it was believed that a violent sneeze would expel evil from their bodies.