Signs, omens and superstitions

It is an interesting question as to how the many superstitious beliefs and practices had their beginning. The origin of most of them is no doubt to be found in man’s efforts to...

In Scandinavian countries a speech is usually made at the wedding feast or a song is sung, which winds up in an unexpected crash. This sets everybody laughing and is a signal fo...

Rings set with certain precious stones or engraved with mystic characters were in all times supposed to influence the character and conduct of people. There are many old legends...

The belief that some days bring luck and others the opposite, is prevalent the world over and has its origin in astrology. Few intelligent people are free from this superstition.

“Good and ill luck,” says the French philosopher, Montaigne, “are in my opinion sovereign powers. It is absurd to think that human prudence is able to act the same part as Fortu...

Two bells ringing in the house at one time foretell a parting. So also does a hollow cavity in a fresh-cut cake and a loaf that breaks in two while being cut.

The belief in fairies and other supernatural beings is universal, not only among children but among grown people as well, and many a quaint and interesting legend has been spun...

The custom of muttering a prayer or a pious wish after sneezing is as old as history. It was accounted very ancient in the time of Aristotle, who in his “Problems” endeavored to...

Mirrors have always been regarded as divine instruments and used as objects of divination, hence a certain amount of superstition attaches to them. It is wonderful, indeed, that...

That there is virtue in numbers and that every person is under the influence of certain numbers was taught as far back as the days of Pythagoras, and a vast collection of books...

If mandrake is turned up in one’s garden it should be burnt at once. Many strange beliefs centre about this root. Some believe it will cause blindness if looked at too long.

History tells that an owl once flew into the city of Rome and as a result the place was purified and sacrifices offered to propitiate the gods and avert trouble.

The following are believed to foretell death: Rats leaving a house; a hare or white rabbit crossing your path; a cow lowing three times in your face; a shrewmouse running over y...

To see a new moon for the first time after a change on the right-hand side or directly in front of you betokens good luck, but to see it behind you on your left, is a bad omen.

The sixth of April was also lucky for Alexander’s father, Phillip of Macedon. On that day he captured Potidæa, his general overthrew the Illyrians, and his horse won at the Olym...

Drinking to the health of a friend is a very old custom and goes back to the beginning of civilization. The Roman gallant would drink as many glasses as there were letters in th...

The following is a list of some of the most common beliefs of the orthodox Hebrews. Many of them have their original in some Biblical quotation or in some interpretation of a Bi...