What are the most widespread superstitions in modern society. How do these beliefs influence our daily lives and decision-making processes. Why do superstitions persist in an age of scientific advancement and rational thinking.

The Psychology Behind Superstitious Beliefs

Superstitions have been a part of human culture for millennia, persisting even in our modern, scientifically advanced world. But why do we cling to these often irrational beliefs? The answer lies in the complex workings of the human mind.

Our brains are wired to seek patterns and explanations for the events that occur around us. When faced with uncertainty or unexplained phenomena, we often create connections between unrelated events, attributing causality where none may exist. This tendency is rooted in our evolutionary past, where recognizing patterns could mean the difference between survival and peril.

Interestingly, a 2010 study found that superstitions can sometimes have a positive effect on performance. The belief in a lucky charm or ritual can boost confidence and reduce anxiety, potentially improving outcomes in various tasks. This psychological effect demonstrates how superstitions can become self-fulfilling prophecies, reinforcing their perceived validity.

The Role of Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias plays a significant role in perpetuating superstitious beliefs. This psychological phenomenon causes individuals to pay more attention to and remember events that confirm their existing beliefs while disregarding contradictory evidence. For example, if someone believes in beginner’s luck, they’re more likely to recall instances where novices succeeded and forget the times they failed.

Unlucky Number 13: Triskaidekaphobia Explained

The fear of the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia, is one of the most widespread superstitions in Western culture. This belief is so pervasive that many buildings skip the 13th floor, and some airlines omit row 13 from their seating arrangements.

The origins of this superstition are varied and complex. Some trace it back to Norse mythology, where the mischievous god Loki was said to be the 13th guest at a divine banquet, leading to chaos and destruction. In Christian tradition, Judas Iscariot was the 13th guest at the Last Supper, further cementing the number’s negative associations.

Friday the 13th: A Double Whammy of Superstition

When the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday, superstitious fears are amplified. This combination of day and date has its roots in both Christian and pagan traditions. Friday was considered unlucky due to its association with the crucifixion of Jesus, while the number 13 carried its own negative connotations.

The fear of Friday the 13th, known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, can have real-world consequences. Some studies have shown a slight increase in traffic accidents and a decrease in economic activity on these dates, likely due to increased anxiety and altered behavior patterns among superstitious individuals.

The Lucky Penny: Financial Folklore

The superstition “Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck” is a common belief in many English-speaking countries. This notion may have originated from ancient beliefs that metals were gifts from the gods, imbued with protective powers.

While finding money is inherently fortunate, the specific focus on pennies might be related to their copper composition. Copper has long been associated with healing and positive energy in various cultures. Additionally, the circular shape of coins symbolizes completeness and continuity, further enhancing their perceived lucky properties.

The Evolution of Penny Superstitions

Interestingly, the penny superstition may be an evolution of an older belief regarding pins. An earlier rhyme states, “See a pin, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck. See a pin, let it lay, and your luck will pass away.” This transformation from pins to pennies reflects changing societal values and the increased importance of money in modern times.

Ladders and Triangles: Superstitions Rooted in Practicality and Symbolism

The belief that walking under a ladder brings bad luck is one of the more practical superstitions. At face value, it’s simply a matter of safety—avoiding the risk of tools or paint falling on one’s head. However, the superstition has deeper symbolic roots.

In Christian symbolism, a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, representing the Holy Trinity. Walking through this triangle was considered a desecration of this sacred geometry. Another theory links the superstition to medieval gallows, where the ladder’s shape resembled that of the execution structure.

The Power of Geometric Symbolism

The ladder superstition highlights how geometric shapes can carry profound symbolic meaning across cultures. Triangles, in particular, are often associated with divine or mystical properties in various belief systems. This superstition serves as a reminder of how ancient symbolism continues to influence modern behavior, even when the original context has been largely forgotten.

Black Cats: From Reverence to Suspicion

The superstition surrounding black cats crossing one’s path is a fascinating example of how cultural attitudes can shift dramatically over time. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and even worshipped, with the goddess Bastet often depicted in feline form. However, in medieval Europe, black cats became associated with witchcraft and evil omens.

This shift in perception can be attributed to the rise of Christianity and its efforts to suppress pagan beliefs. Cats, particularly black ones, were often believed to be the familiars of witches—animals that aided in their magical practices. This association led to widespread persecution of both cats and those accused of witchcraft.

Modern Attitudes Towards Black Cats

Today, the superstition surrounding black cats persists in some cultures, while others consider them symbols of good luck. In the United States, black cats are often associated with Halloween and spooky imagery, which can unfortunately lead to decreased adoption rates at animal shelters. However, many cat enthusiasts actively seek out black cats as pets, appreciating their sleek appearance and debunking old superstitions.

Lucky Charms and Talismans: The Rabbit’s Foot Phenomenon

The belief in lucky charms and talismans is a universal human trait, transcending cultures and time periods. One of the most well-known examples in Western culture is the rabbit’s foot, believed to bring good fortune to its owner.

The origins of this particular talisman are diverse and somewhat unclear. Some trace it back to Celtic tribes in Britain, who revered rabbits for their fertility and considered them sacred animals. Others link it to hoodoo practices in the American South, which blended African, Native American, and European folk magic traditions.

The Psychology of Lucky Charms

Regardless of their origins, lucky charms serve an important psychological function. They provide a sense of control and comfort in unpredictable situations. The belief in a charm’s power can boost confidence and reduce anxiety, potentially leading to improved performance in various tasks. This self-fulfilling aspect of lucky charms demonstrates the complex interplay between belief and reality in human psychology.

Numerology in Superstitions: The Power of Three and Seven

Numbers play a significant role in many superstitions, with certain digits carrying special significance across various cultures. Two numbers that frequently appear in superstitious beliefs are three and seven.

The belief that “bad luck comes in threes” is a common superstition that exemplifies how we seek patterns in random events. This belief can lead to confirmation bias, where individuals actively look for a third misfortune after experiencing two negative events. The power of three is also seen in many religious and mythological contexts, such as the Holy Trinity in Christianity or the three Fates in Greek mythology.

The Mystical Number Seven

Seven is often considered a lucky or mystical number in many cultures. This association may stem from astronomical observations, as there are seven visible planets in the night sky (including the sun and moon in ancient reckoning). The number seven appears frequently in religious texts, folklore, and even modern popular culture.

In the context of superstitions, seven years of bad luck are said to follow the breaking of a mirror. This specific duration may be related to the ancient Roman belief that life renewed itself every seven years, suggesting that the curse would last until the next cycle of renewal.

Mirrors and Souls: Reflections of Superstition

The superstition surrounding broken mirrors is one of the most enduring and widespread beliefs in Western culture. The idea that breaking a mirror results in seven years of bad luck stems from ancient beliefs about the nature of reflections and the soul.

In many cultures, mirrors were thought to reflect not just physical appearances but also spiritual essence. Breaking a mirror was believed to damage the soul, requiring seven years—a complete life cycle in some traditions—to fully heal and restore good fortune.

Cultural Variations in Mirror Superstitions

While the seven years of bad luck is common in Western cultures, other societies have different beliefs about mirrors. In some parts of Asia, mirrors are thought to attract spirits, and covered mirrors are used in feng shui to deflect negative energy. In the American South, a tradition of covering mirrors in a house where someone has died persists, rooted in the belief that the soul could become trapped in the reflection.

These varied beliefs highlight how superstitions can evolve and adapt across different cultural contexts while maintaining a core theme—in this case, the mystical properties attributed to reflective surfaces.

The Number of the Beast: 666 in Popular Culture

The number 666 has long been associated with evil and the Antichrist in Christian tradition, leading to widespread superstition and fear surrounding this numerical sequence. This association stems from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, where 666 is described as the “number of the beast.”

Interestingly, biblical scholars and historians suggest that the original meaning of 666 was likely a coded reference to the Roman Emperor Nero, using a Hebrew numerological technique called gematria. However, over time, the number has taken on a life of its own in popular culture, frequently appearing in horror films, literature, and even music.

Modern Interpretations and Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia

The fear of the number 666, known by the tongue-twisting term hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia, has led to some real-world consequences. Some people actively avoid encounters with this number, whether in addresses, phone numbers, or even product barcodes. In 2003, U.S. Route 666 was renamed to Route 491 due to concerns about the number’s negative connotations.

Despite its ominous reputation, some individuals and groups have embraced 666, either as a form of rebellion against traditional religious beliefs or as a marketing tactic to generate controversy and attention. This duality demonstrates how superstitions can evolve and be reinterpreted in modern contexts.

The Persistence of Superstition in the Modern World

Despite living in an age of unprecedented scientific knowledge and technological advancement, superstitions continue to thrive in various forms. This persistence raises intriguing questions about human psychology and the role of belief systems in our lives.

One explanation for the endurance of superstitions is their ability to provide a sense of control in an unpredictable world. By adhering to certain rituals or avoiding specific actions, individuals feel they can influence outcomes that are, in reality, beyond their control. This psychological comfort can be particularly appealing in high-stress or uncertain situations.

Superstition in Sports and Performance

The world of sports provides numerous examples of how superstitions persist even among highly trained, rational individuals. Many athletes have pre-game rituals or lucky charms they believe enhance their performance. While these beliefs may seem irrational, they can serve a psychological purpose by reducing anxiety and increasing focus.

Research has shown that superstitious rituals can indeed improve performance in some cases, not through any mystical means, but by boosting confidence and providing a sense of preparedness. This phenomenon demonstrates how the placebo effect can play a role in the effectiveness of superstitions.

Debunking Superstitions: The Role of Critical Thinking

While superstitions can sometimes have benign or even positive effects, it’s important to approach them with a critical eye. Understanding the origins and psychological underpinnings of superstitious beliefs can help individuals make more informed decisions and avoid potentially harmful misconceptions.

Education plays a crucial role in this process. By teaching critical thinking skills and scientific literacy, we can equip people with the tools to evaluate claims and separate fact from fiction. This doesn’t mean completely dismissing the cultural or personal significance of superstitions, but rather understanding them in their proper context.

The Balance Between Skepticism and Cultural Sensitivity

When addressing superstitions, it’s important to strike a balance between promoting rational thinking and respecting cultural traditions. Many superstitions are deeply ingrained in cultural practices and personal beliefs, and a heavy-handed approach to debunking them can be counterproductive or even offensive.

Instead, fostering open dialogue and encouraging curiosity about the origins and meanings of superstitions can lead to greater understanding. By examining these beliefs through historical, psychological, and cultural lenses, we can appreciate their significance while also developing a more nuanced worldview.

The Future of Superstition in an Increasingly Digital World

As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, it’s worth considering how superstitions might evolve in the digital age. While traditional superstitions persist, new forms of magical thinking are emerging in response to our tech-driven environment.

For example, some people develop superstitious behaviors around their devices, such as tapping a smartphone screen a certain number of times for good luck or avoiding sending important emails on particular days. These digital superstitions reflect how ancient patterns of thought adapt to new contexts.

The Role of Social Media in Spreading Superstitions

Social media platforms have become powerful vectors for the spread of both traditional and new superstitions. Chain messages promising good luck (or threatening bad luck if not shared) are modern incarnations of age-old superstitious practices. The viral nature of social media can amplify these beliefs, giving them new life in the digital realm.

At the same time, social media and the internet provide unprecedented access to information that can help debunk superstitions. This dichotomy highlights the complex relationship between technology, belief, and critical thinking in the modern world.

As we continue to navigate the intersection of ancient superstitions and modern technology, it’s clear that these beliefs will continue to evolve and adapt. Understanding the psychological and cultural factors that drive superstitious thinking can help us approach these phenomena with both empathy and rationality, appreciating their significance while promoting critical thought and scientific understanding.

Thirteen common (but silly) superstitions to savor

If you are spooked by Friday the 13th, you’re in for a whammy of a year. And it would come as no surprise if many among us hold at least some fear of freaky Friday, as we humans are a superstitious lot.

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. In fact, a 2010 study found that superstitions can sometimes work, because believing in something can improve performance on a task.

Here, then, are 13 of the most common superstitions.

13. Beginner’s luck

Usually grumbled by an expert who just lost a game to a novice, “beginner’s luck” is the idea that newbies are unusually likely to win when they try out a sport, game or activity for the first time.

Beginners might come out ahead in some cases because the novice is less stressed out about winning. Too much anxiety, after all, can hamper performance. Or it could just be a statistical fluke, especially in chance-based gambling games.

Or, like many superstitions, a belief in beginner’s luck might arise because of confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is a psychological phenomenon in which people are more likely to remember events that fit their worldview. If you believe you’re going to win because you’re a beginner, you’re more likely to remember all the times you were right — and forget the times you ended up in last place.

12. Find a penny, pick it up,,,

And all day long, you’ll have good luck. This little ditty may arise because finding money is lucky in and of itself. But it might also be a spin-off of another old rhyme, “See a pin, pick it up/ and all day long you’ll have good luck/ See a pin, let it lay/ and your luck will pass away.”

11. Don’t walk under that ladder!

Frankly, this superstition is pretty practical. Who wants to be responsible for stumbling and knocking a carpenter off his perch? But one theory holds that this superstition arises from a Christian belief in the Holy Trinity: Since a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, “breaking” that triangle was blasphemous.

Then again, another popular theory is that a fear of walking under a ladder has to do with its resemblance to a medieval gallows. We’re sticking with the safety-first explanation for this one.

10. Black cats crossing your path

As companion animals for humans for thousands of years, cats play all sorts of mythological roles. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered; today, Americans collectively keep more than 81 million cats as pets.

So why keep a black cat out of your path? Most likely, this superstition arises from old beliefs in witches and their animal familiars, which were often said to take the form of domestic animals like cats.

9. A rabbit’s foot will bring you luck

Talismans and amulets are a time-honored way of fending off evil; consider the crosses and garlic that are supposed to keep vampires at bay. Rabbit feet as talismans may hark back to early Celtic tribes in Britain. They may also arise from hoodoo, a form of African-American folk magic and superstition that blends Native American, European and African tradition. [Rumor or Reality: The Creatures of Cryptozoology]

8. Bad luck comes in threes

Remember confirmation bias? The belief that bad luck comes in threes is a classic example. A couple of things go wrong, and believers may start to look for the next bit of bad luck. A lost shoe might be forgotten one day, but seen as the third in a series of bad breaks the next.

7. Careful with that mirror

According to folklore, breaking a mirror is a surefire way to doom yourself to seven years of bad luck. The superstition seems to arise from the belief that mirrors don’t just reflect your image; they hold bits of your soul. That belief led people in the old days of the American South to cover mirrors in a house when someone died, lest their soul be trapped inside.

Like the number three, the number seven is often associated with luck. Seven years is a long time to be unlucky, which may be why people have come up with counter-measures to free themselves after breaking a mirror. These include touching a piece of the broken mirror to a tombstone or grinding the mirror shards into powder.

6. 666

Three sixes in a row give some people the chills. It’s a superstition that harks back to the Bible. In the Book of Revelation, 666 is given as the number of the “beast,” and is often interpreted as the mark of Satan and a sign of the end times.

According to State University of New York at Buffalo anthropologist Philips Stevens, the writer of Revelation was writing to persecuted Christians in code, so the numbers and names in the book are contemporary references. Three sixes in a row is probably the numeric equivalent of the Hebrew letters for the first-century Roman Emperor Nero. [End of the World? Top Doomsday Fears]

5. Knock on wood

This phrase is almost like a verbal talisman, designed to ward off bad luck after tempting fate: “Breaking that mirror didn’t bring me any trouble, knock on wood.”

The fixation on wood may come from old myths about good spirits in trees or from an association with the Christian cross. Similar phrases abound in multiple languages, suggesting that the desire not to upset a spiteful universe is very common.

4. Make a wish on a wishbone

The tradition of turkey bone tug-of-war goes back a long way. Legend has it that first-century Romans used to fight over dried wishbones — which they believed were good luck — and would accidentally break them, ushering in the idea that whoever has the largest bit of bone gets their wish. Bird bones have also been used in divination throughout history, with a supposed soothsayer throwing the bones and reading their patterns to predict the future.

3. Cross your fingers

Those wishing for luck will often cross one finger over another, a gesture that’s said to date back to early Christianity. The story goes that two people used to cross index fingers when making a wish, a symbol of support from a friend to the person making the wish. (Anything associated with the shape of the Christian cross was thought to  be good luck. ) The tradition gradually became something people could do on their own; these days, just saying “fingers crossed” is enough to get the message, well, across.

2. No umbrellas inside

… And not just because you’ll poke someone’s eye out. Opening an umbrella indoors is supposed to bring bad luck, though the origins of this belief are murky. Legends abound, from a story of an ancient Roman woman who happened to have opened her umbrella moments before her house collapsed, to the tale of a British prince who accepted two umbrellas from a visiting king and died within months. Like the “don’t walk under a ladder” superstition, this seems to be a case of a myth arising to keep people from doing something that is slightly dangerous in the first place.

1. Friday the 13th

If you’re not scared of Friday the 13th, you should be scared of the word used to describe those who are: friggatriskaidekaphobics. (An alternative, though just as tongue-twisty, word for the fear is “paraskevidekatriaphobia. “)

For a superstition, the fear of Friday the 13th seems fairly new, dating back to the late 1800s. Friday has long been considered an unlucky day (according to Christian tradition, Jesus died on a Friday), and 13 has a long history as an unlucky number.

According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina, about 17 million people fear Friday the 13th. Many may fall prey to the human mind’s desire to associate thoughts and symbols with events.

“If anything bad happens to you on Friday the 13th, the two will be forever associated in your mind,” said Thomas Gilovich, a psychologist at Cornell University. “All those uneventful days in which the 13th fell on a Friday will be ignored.”

You can follow LiveScience senior writer Stephanie Pappas on Twitter. Follow LiveScience for the latest in science news and discoveries on Twitter @livescience  and on .

• What Really Scares People: Top 10 Phobias
• 13 Superstitions and Traditions Explained
• 13 Strange Things That Happened on Friday the 13th

Superstitions

Superstitions

SUPERSTITIONS

There are certain
amount of unreasoning beliefs  among people living in a community, arising sometimes
from fear, sometimes from helplessness, and sometimes from coincidences. They
are called as “superstitions”. These beliefs have been existing since the creation
of first human being. Great number of them are not related with any scientific
basis, reason, contemporariness and religious faith. Although they have noting
to do with wisdom and reason, unfortunately they could not be removed and eliminated
from heart, brain, conscience of human being. In emerging of such kind of beliefs
both natural structure of persons and illiterate  words of elderly persons,
as well as of some religious officials have been effective. Even if beliefs
have shown variation from person to person they have also some common aspects.
Superstitions which we were able to collate are listed hereunder:

• One cannot eat
  meal by putting his one foot over another, it means disrespect to the table
  and it is considered as the sign of famine.  
• A mirror which
  is broken may bring bad luck; it is said,  house where mirror was broken cannot
  get well for a period of seven years.
• Thirteenth day
  of a Month is considered as ill-omen; nothing is done on this day.
• One cannot pass
  in front of a car.
• It is considered
  as ill-omen that a rabbit may pass in front of a car.
• To put on trousers
  by standing up is the sign for poverty.
• Milk cannot
  be given to nobody in the darkness of night, it is said that if it is given
  then cow does not produce milk any more.
• Whenever quince
  is  abundant it is said that winter will pass heavy.
• Any child who
  plays with fire makes wet his/her bed.
• It is considered
  as the sign of dead when owl sings at heaves of a house.
• It is said that
  if you say something in forty times it is achieved.
• It is improper
  to call someone as pig; whoever says such word, it is believed, has no appetite
  for forty days.
• When giving
  a milk to somebody, a small piece of coal or a green leaf is put into milk;
  otherwise it is believed that animal will no more produce milk.
• That crows fly
  around a house is not considered as a good luck.
• One should not 
  set out at the time of Friday Praying.
• Laundry is not
  done on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
• Child cannot
  be let alone, if it becomes necessary then a broom is put beside the child. 
• Laundry vessel
  is not let to remain on fire for along time, otherwise it is said that somebody
  dies in that house.
• “Nazar Boncuğu”
  ( bead worn to avert the evil eye) is attached to children to avert evil eyes.
• When cones of
  pine tree are too many, it is the sign that the winter in that year will pass
  hard.
• Whoever covers
  quilt on Wednesday gets ill.
• It is forbidden
  to jump over a child, otherwise the child remains short.
• That clothes
  of child remain outside until the sunset causes the child bewitched.
• No sweeping
  work is done at nights which are considered holly by religion.
• It is considered
  improper to make visits at night for a women given birth a child.
• It is believed
  that anybody who finds clover with four leaves will bring luck to him/her.
• It is considered
  that when a dog howls during “Ezan” is herald of death.
• If a baby creeps,
  a guest will come home.
• Hands should
  not be bound together, if so that person becomes unsuccessful.
• Finger nail
  and toe-nail are not cut together, if so it is believed that that person would
  face with one sorrowful act and one joyful event.
• While yawning
  mouth is to be closed, otherwise it is considered that the person who yawns
  without closing his/her mouth cites “Ezan” to the Devil.
• Scissor cannot
  be passed from hand to hand, because scissor is considered as enemy.
• Yeast for bread
  is not given to neighbour after “Ezan”.
• The first hair
  cut from a boy is put in pocket of father believing that it will increase
  fortune.
• Pieces of bread
  are not disposed of, if they are picked up and eaten, it is said that home
  would have much fortune and fertility.
• It is said that
  whoever folds his/her hands has become non-fertile and unlucky, his/her mother
  dies.
• Nails cannot
  be cut at nights
• One should not
  look at mirror at nights
• Water is poured
  after the wedding car for bride may return to her mother’s home, turning the
  water vessel upside down one sits on it.
• Gum is not chewed
  at nights, it is said that whoever chews gum at nights he/she eats flesh of
  dead body.
• It is believed
  that whoever plays with his/her foot at night, his/her father or mother will
  die.
• It cannot be
  whistled at nights, for the person who whistles it said that he/she is calling
  the Devil.
• To take spider
  at night is considered as a sin.
• It is said that
  to count stars at night is not good.
• Ash cannot be
  thrown outside at night, hot ash cannot be poured over water; it is believed
  that those who perform such act will come across with curse of genie.
• Quilt is not
  covered at nigh.
• No passage is
  made over a place where laundry is washed at night, it cannot be stepped on
  laundry water.
• One cannot sit
  behind a door at night, if so, it is thought that  this person would face
  with slander.   
• Names of girls
  are written under shoe of bride;, it is believed that the girl whose name
  was not erased after the ceremony will marry.
• Nobody should
  pass in front of wedding car.
• It is considered
  ill-omen when a cock crows before the night
• It is believed
  that anybody who could pass under rainbow would change his/her sex.
• Wen somebody
  has the hiccups, it is said “someone mentioned your name”, and then this phrase
  is uttered: “he/she is a friend let him/her mention my name, if he/she is
  hostile, let him/her burst out.
• It is said that
  if a prisoner wears ring of a dead person, he/she may discharge from prison
  soon.
• Lead is poured
  for patients.
• Wedding ceremony
  is not made between the two Bairams.
• No handiwork
  is made following afternoon Prayer.
• Underwear of
  baby cannot be hanged following afternoon Prayer.
• Cloth on anybody
  cannot be sewn.
• Ash cannot be
  disposed of anywhere following afternoon Prayer.
• When a black
  cat passes in front of a man, it is considered as ill-omen.
• Spider cannot
  be taken following the afternoon prayer
• It is said that
  if someone does not finish his/her work, then his/her dead would be hard.
• Two babies cannot
  be let alone in a room without completing their 40^th day; otherwise,
  it is believed that one will become tall and the other will become short,
  which is called “kırk basan”.
• A marriage cannot
  be solemnised between the two Bairams.
• If oleaster
  shoot, stork excrement and blue bead are tied together and placed under the
  armpit, that person will not be affected by the evil eye.
• Two brides are
  not brought into the same house.
• It is not proper
  to pass in front of a man going to his job.
• A man who passes
  through two women cannot make his wife obeyed.
• It is bad luck
  to hear bark of a dog; when heard it is said  “ It may bark to its owner”.
• If girls eat
  something  between two meals, their luck to find a husband becomes impossible.
• Handiwork is
  not made in the course of first three days of “Kurban” Bairam.
• Stepping on
  ash is not good, which act may cause the person to be  paralysed.
• One cannot pass
  through a dark place, if it becomes necessary then the Turkish word “destur”
  (with your permission)  must be cited.
• Do not step
  on threshold of door which stands for being subjected to slander.
• When excrement
  of a bird falls on the head, it means that the person is lucky and will earn
  money.
• Ringing of ears
  are accounted for ill-omen.
• A bird’s knocking 
  on the window with its beak is the sign of news to be received.
• Nail which is
  cut cannot be dropped on the ground, and cannot be stepped on.
• To sit on threshold 
  is not good; anybody who sits thereon will not be lucky.
• To see a black
  cat means ill-omen.
• Flight of a
  shooting star stands for dead.
• A baby who has
  not completed its 40^th day is not removed from home, is not passed
  by graveyard; otherwise it is said in Turkish “kırk basar”.
• A boy who drinks
  coffee do not have moustaches, he becomes beardless.                                                                     
• If a baby clenches
  its fingers firmly, it becomes stingy in future.
• When a baby
  is kissed under its foot, it is believed to walk early, when kissed on lips
  early to speak early, when kissed on back of the neck to be obstinate.
• If a small child
  looks through the space between his/her legs, it means that a guest will come
  home
• To enter a room
  with right leg stands for good luck.
• That a cat turns
  towards South (direction to Mecca) and scratches its head with its fore legs
  is accounted for rain.
• In order that
  a person suffered accident should not experience a new accident, salt or coin
  is circulated around his/her head.
• Whoever sees
  stork flying passes the year by travelling continuously, whoever sees it on
  a land stays in his/her home.
• Waste water
  cannot be poured in sewer, whoever pours it will be paralysed.
• It is not considered
  good that lying-in woman (woman who gave birth a child) may leave her home
  for a period of forty days.
• It is believed
  that if a scissor remains open in a home, a fight will start.
• To pass under
  a ladder is considered as ill-omen.
• It is believed
  that Angel  stays on the right hand side of shoulder, and Satan on the left
  hand side of shoulder.
• When somebody
  dies among people of the district, water vessels which are full are discharged.
• No finger is
  directed toward Grave and Graveyard; if it is directed, the finger must be
  bitten and put under the foot.
• Blue bead prevents
  effects of evil eye.
• Whenever scissor
  is left open, it means that mouth of enemy may open.
• Candle is lighted
  for seven nights at place where corpse is washed.
• Do not look
  at nails while dead body is carried to Cemetery.
• To catch spider
  leads poverty.
• If eyes of dead
  person are open, it is believed that shortly after another person will die.
• To crack the
  joints of the fingers is accounted for telling beads to the Satan.
• At a market
  place, money for price of goods bought first of all from the Seller should
  be thrown on the kiosk; this action brings good luck.
• Anybody who
  cracks the joints of his/her fingers invites Satan.
• To see minaret
  in a dream is a joyful news; death brings alive, green is desire, to see having
  been hung is the sign that may be obtained assistance from great personalities.
• To see eggs
  in a dream implies bad words and gossip.
• To see white
  sheep in a dream construed as winter and snow
• A relative of
  a woman who sees penis in her dream will die.
• A person who
  sees a human excrement in his/her dream   receives money.
• A person who
  sees a girl child in his/her dream receives bad news.
• A person who
  sees a boy in his/her dream receives joyful news.
• Anybody who
  holds gold in his/her hand in a dream earns money.
• Anybody who
  sees white horse in a dream accomplishes his/her desire.
• A twitch in
  right eye implies health, in left eye implies wealth.
• Hair in comb
  after combing is not thrown to street; if it is thrown, it may entangle in
  a leg of chicken, so you may have headache continuously.
• If your left
  palm is scratched you will receive money, if your right palm is scratched
  then you will spend money.
• Any work started
  on Tuesday is suspended, therefore do not start working on Tuesday.
• Soap is given
  to somebody on top of hand.
• Anybody who
  remains under eaves is got paralysed.
• Anybody who
  sews his/her dress worn  would sew his/her wisdom.
• Thorn which
  is hung behind the main gate protects family from ill effects of evil eye,
  if ear is hung it brings wealth.
• Left hand is
  put on the head while drinking water.
• Do not set out
  on Tuesday.
• Woman does not
  pass in front of man who goes to work in the morning, if she passes that man’s
  business does not go well.
• It is ill-omen
  to boil water without purpose.
• Laundry is not
  washed on Tuesdays  and Saturdays  
• Firstly old
  men sit on the table of meal, otherwise the meal loses its productivity.
• If wood burn
  in a stove or oven by emitting sound, it is believed that gossip has been
  made about the resident.
• Red dress is
  not worn while lightning flashes.
• Slippers and
  shoes being upside down are not good.
• Do not speak
  in WC, it brings ill-omen.
• Cackle  of hen
  implies to bring a bad-luck.
• It is believed
  that to knock at a wood three times will ward off all evils.
• If slippers
  and shoes are upside down, someone will die in home.
• A sheep is sacrificed
  in foundation of a newly built house.
• Water is poured
  behind a person who sets out.
• If anybody washes
  laundry on Saturdays in the course of seven weeks, then someone will die in
  the home.
• Do not sleep
  in the bed with your stocking.
• Do not burn
  outer coat of  onion and shell of egg.
• Do not lay your
  face down, if so, you would be like a non-Muslim.
• Wherever umbilical
  cord of a baby is thrown, it is said that baby would choose that profession
  exercised in that place.  Therefore, it might be necessary to throw it on
  top of tiles for getting higher ranks at its profession.
• The first person
  who is come across with the traveller would bring either good luck or bad
  luck.
• A boy baby is
  placed on  lap of a new bride.
• A pencil is
  caused to be attached in hands of a new born baby for the purpose of its being
  in good humour and study well.
• It is not considered
  proper to wear ring on the left hand.
• In the first
  entrance of a newly married husband after marriage ceremony, it is considered
  a good luck for him to break a glass.
• A new born baby
  cannot be washed on Friday.
• If someone blows
  to the mouth of a new born baby, it is believed that this baby would be cordial.
• If water is
  poured out of a glass, it means that guest will come home.
• A bread is circulated
  around the head of a person who perjured himself in order to release the perjury,
  and then it is given to a dog.
• If a person
  rises his right leg at the time of taking oath, then his oath becomes unacceptable.
• If bread is
  circulated over a wound and thrown into graveyard before the morning “Ezan”,
  and then if the person throwing it into the graveyard returns home without
  looking back, it is believed that wound will get better.
• It is said that
  anybody who sleeps in bed stretching out widely will earn too much money,
  on the contrary anybody who sleeps in bed by shrinking will have less revenue.
• Bread or sugar
  is turned around a wound, and if it is  given to a dog before the morning
  “Ezan”, wound will heal. 

Superstitions and clocks

The clock is a device that mankind has invented to tell time. For thousands of years, the mechanism of clocks has been perfected in order to measure time intervals as accurately as possible, to determine how much time has already passed, and to guess how much more time is allotted in the future.

If modern people have learned to accurately calculate time, then the “time” resource itself still cannot be influenced in any way. Even in the 21st century, there are no unambiguous answers to the questions: why are all life processes always connected with time; how much time is given to each person; how to speed up or slow down time. There are only versions, conjectures and hypotheses. And where there is no clarity of understanding, mysticism and superstition necessarily appear.

All superstitions arose in the distant past, when people’s knowledge about the structure of the world was extremely small. Trying to learn the secrets of the universe, people found an unusual mystical relationship between events that are not connected in any way. Fear of the unknown has driven people to pass these secrets on from generation to generation. As a result, superstitions continued to exist even with the advent of technical and scientific progress.

Superstitions about watches are filled with belief in the ability of watches not only to measure time, but also to influence it. This kind of superstition gives the clock a magical ability to reduce time. At the same time, such an opportunity appears only for those watches that appeared as a gift. In such superstitions, watches reduce either the lifetime of the owner of the watch, or the time of the relationship. For example, you can’t give a watch to a wedding, because the watch will provoke scandals, which will lead to the couple’s divorce. Or, you should not give a watch to a loved one if you do not want to part with him or hasten his death.

Superstitions hold the clock responsible for the occurrence of certain events in life. Such events can be positive – success in business, the beginning of a new stage in life, good luck; and negative – illness, death, failure, bad luck. The reasons for the occurrence of these incidents of superstition determined the discovery of watches, their loss or breakage. For example, a broken watch will bring illness and bad luck to the owner. Or, a watch found in working condition will bring good luck to the new owner in business.

However, for every superstition there is an “anti-superstition”, the purpose of which is to neutralize the negative consequences of superstition. For example, for a donated watch, you need to give a small coin. Thus, the gift turns into a purchase, and superstition no longer works. A broken watch should be taken to the repair shop and repaired. If there is a danger that the watch has negative energy, then the Emporium Gold salon will help to sell the watch.

It is not difficult to come up with a new superstition about watches. But to find out what superstitions originated deep in the past and how they originally sounded is very difficult. Passing from generation to generation, superstitions received new details, improved and reincarnated. As a result, the meaning that our ancestors invested in superstition about watches was distorted and changed. Therefore, if you really want to believe in some kind of superstition, then you first need to find out its initial meaning.

In addition, in the 21st century, superstitions add an additional reason for worries and worries to a stressful life. There is no scientific evidence that superstitions must come true. And the event predicted by superstition might not have happened at all if the adherent of superstitions had not thought about it so much and stubbornly.

The big advantage of superstitions about watches is that you don’t have to believe in them. Whether superstition comes true or not depends on the decisions and actions of each person. And the purchase of Swiss watches of famous brands will be a pleasant event that will be remembered for many years.

superstitions and rituals of ancestors – YASIA

Our ancestors called the first winter month the time of white trails, since winter begins from it. December also had other names: zazimnik, icy, chest, zimnik, student. People kept track of how much snow had fallen, whether the water was making noise in the well, how much frost was on the branches of trees and shrubs.

By all these signs it was possible to predict the weather for the whole next year. The peasants determined how rich (or, conversely, poor) the crop would be. Predictions came true, and therefore have survived to this day. Joinfo.ua will tell about folk omens for December in his material.

Our ancestors considered the last month of the year to be special. It is customary to sum up and make plans for the future. To make this easier, it is recommended to take into account folk signs that have come down to us from time immemorial.

General omens for December

Most of the folk omens of this month are related to the weather. So, if there are bitter frosts during December, then you can expect a good harvest in the coming year. If the clouds float to the South in the morning, then the day promises to be clear, if to the North, then gloomy. A pale moon at night in December is a harbinger of wet snow during the day. Large snowdrifts indicate that there will be few sunny days next summer.

Sunny weather in December does not promise a good harvest. But cloudy days, on the contrary, promise that summer residents and gardeners will have something to rejoice at. If cloudy and snowy days are established frequently, then there will be especially a lot of cereals. The lack of precipitation during the first month of winter is a sign that spring will be the same as the previous one.

Our forefathers observed the behavior of animals and birds. A cat that hides its muzzle hints that the day will turn out to be frosty. If the hares “wear” spotted fur coats, then the frosts throughout the winter will not be severe. The dog, which swings in a snowdrift, “calls” to the owners to cancel the hunt, as a heavy snowstorm is expected.

If a bullfinch sings right by the window, then a thaw will come. Randomly flying birds are a sign of heavy snowfall. Crows walking on the ground promise warming, and if they croak loudly, then big frosts will hit. But screaming jackdaws portend a sunny day.

Signs for every day

December 1 – Plato and Roman Winter indicators

This day indicated what winter would be like. If December 1 turns out to be warm, then all three upcoming months will be the same, not without exception, of course. A frosty day, respectively, hints that it is worth waiting for frosts in the future. A strong wind indicates that the winter will be blizzard. The changeable weather on the first day of December also testifies to the capricious winter.

December 2 – Varlaam, Avdey Radetel

In the old days, the Slavs cooked sbiten on December 2, seasoning it with medicinal herbs. This remedy was taken during colds throughout the winter. In Avdeya, it was customary to take care of the household. It was believed: a successful wintering depends on how many things can be done during this day.

December 3 – Prokla and Prokl

The weather on this day corresponds to the weather of the first days of June. If it snows or rains, then the beginning of summer will turn out to be rainy.

December 4 — Entry into the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos

The day was also called the gate of winter. If the snow that fell after December 4 lies until the onset of spring, then a rich harvest can be expected.

December 5 — Prokop

There is a folk saying about this day: “Prokop digs a snowdrift, walks through the snow, gives way to sledges”. From this we can conclude that after December 5, heavy snow can be expected.

December 6 – Mitrofan

Pay close attention to which direction the wind is blowing. If from the North, then June will rain. And if snow falls on Mitrofan, then there is no doubt about it.

December 7 – Katerina Sannitsa, Katerinsky festivities

Unmarried girls can tell fortunes about their betrothed. Katerina patronizes the creation of a family, so prophecies often come true. Clear weather on December 7 portends a frosty continuation of winter.

December 8 – Clement’s Day

Do you want to be lucky in any business? Start it on an empty stomach. In the old days, on December 8, women sat down at the spinning wheels, and the representatives of the stronger sex threshed grain.

December 9 — St. George’s Day, Egory Zimniy

If you have a well in your backyard, listen to see if the water is noisy in it. If it is quiet, then winter will please with the absence of frost. Hear noises? Then don’t be fooled! In the old days, people believed that it was on this day that all the bears, as if on command, fit into their dens for hibernation.

December 10 — the feast of the Sign, Romanov’s day

To get rid of various troubles and failures, wake up early and face the North. This ritual is aimed at clearing your life of adversity: they are carried away by the wind. People who could not have children for a long time asked Roman to get rid of infertility.

December 11 — Irinarkhov (soykin) day

Happiness, prosperity and joy await the family if on this day a jay flies to the window and sings. On December 11, you can tell fortunes for the fulfillment of a wish. To do this, you should throw coins of different denominations into the snowdrift, and then try to get them. If the largest one comes across first, then the plan will come true.

December 12 — Paramon Winter indicator, Zornik

Crimson dawn portends a strong wind. If snow falls on Zornik, then this is a blizzard. But you can not wait for frosts until Nikolai himself.

December 13 — Andrew the First-Called

And again, you can listen to the water in the well. If it makes noise, then wait for snowstorms and frosts. If there is silence, then the continuation of winter will be calm. On December 13, unmarried girls prayed to Andrew the First-Called for a successful marriage.

December 14 — Naum Gramotnik

In the old days, on this day, children began to learn to read and write. When leaving the house, the parents used to say: “Naum, bring the child to mind!”.

December 15 — Habakkuk

Those who suffer from insomnia can read special conspiracies against this scourge. Avvakum is considered the patron saint of sound sleep, so in the old days they believed that such a rite was able to heal and expel evil spirits from the house that frightened children at night.

December 16 — Ivan the Silent, a day of silence

Our ancestors were silent for a whole day. They spoke only when an urgent need arose, as they believed that silence would help them remain eloquent throughout the year. In addition, according to people, silence kept from sorrows and attracted good luck in all endeavors to the house.

December 17 — Barbara’s day

From this day, severe frosts begin, thanks to which the rivers are covered with thick ice, on which you can safely walk. If there are a lot of stars in the sky, then the frosts will only get stronger. Clouds in the sky indicate the onset of a thaw.

December 18 — Savva the Sanctified

In order not to cause trouble, people tried not to work. According to popular belief, Savva the Sanctified continues the deeds of Barbara – to attract frosts.

December 19 — Nikolai the Wonderworker

Winter ceremonies of matchmaking began from that day. Young people who had not yet found a mate offered up prayers for marriage. Frosts continue to grow stronger, and it is believed that how much snow falls, the same amount of harvest can be expected next year. If the day is sunny, then severe frosts will come.

December 20 – Ambrose of Milan

December 20 – the day of preparation of the dowry, so unmarried girls sat down for yarn and embroidery.

December 21 — Anfisa Needlewoman

Anfisa is a saint, called a needlewoman in the world. On December 21, young people spun, weaved, sewed … Especially great attention was paid to embroidery. Started on this day, it possessed magical powers.

December 22 — Anna Winter

Anna Winter — the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Good weather is a harbinger of what will be clear on December 31st. Overcast skies promise a warmer New Year.

December 23 — Great Martyr Ming the Eloquent

Visually impaired people asked Ming to send them improvement. But all the other lay people turned to him with requests to remove the veil from their eyes in order to distinguish the bad from the good.

December 24 — Nikon’s day, Danila and Luka

In order not to cause trouble, sharp objects should not be picked up on this day. Therefore, sitting down at the table, wield with spoons, and break bread with your hands. You can guess the fulfillment of a wish. To do this, you should go to the tree, think about your dream, break off a branch and put it in the water in your room. If leaves appear on it before Christmas, then the dream will come true.

December 25 — Spiridon Solstice, Catholic Christmas

The day is getting longer and the night is getting shorter. In ancient times, people believed that Spiridon unfolds the Sun. It’s about to spring. Catholics celebrate Christmas and pray for well-being.

December 26 – Eustrat, Witches’ Gatherings

People began to more closely monitor the weather. The next 12 days should show what the weather will be like throughout the next year. Everything is very simple: every day corresponds to one of the 12 months.

December 27 – Filimon

It was believed that this day is the warmest in the whole winter. People believed that on December 27, evil spirits were scratching at the doors of houses. So that it does not penetrate inside, the dwelling should be well cleaned. Unused items should be taken to the landfill.

December 28 – Trifon of Pechenga

Frost often hit that day. They said that birds freeze on the fly. The weather corresponds to what March will be like.

December 29 – Agey Winterguide

If December 29 is cold, it means that the winter will continue to be frosty.