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	Back To Blog Entries The Origin of Superstitions... by califgirl1 at 10/12/2009 11:33:15 AM I was asked a question today that brought to mind.. Superstitions....Throughout history, from ancient to present, people have feared what they didn't understand. They turned and even depended on many things to explain the phenomenons happening around them. From religion to science, people have tried to satisfy their puzzled minds. Some, however, accepted these phenomena and simply took up practices to protect themselves from them. Here are some that come to mind.. Knock on wood....When you mention something good that has happened or that we expect to happen, we knock twice on a piece of wood.... Walking under a ladder.... Suppose to be a symbol of bad luck...but why?...from what I have read there are many variations of this...one is it represents a triangle which is considered a symbol of life and to walk through is tempting fate...personally I don't believe in this... Breaking a mirror..... One's reflection was considered to represent your soul. Breaking your reflection or image, therefore, was harmful to the soul...Now I did break a mirror once..and to be honest I did wonder what would happen... Friday the 13th, Fridays, and the number 13...These superstitions have their origins in Christianity. There were 13 people present at The Last Supper + Judas (the betrayer of Jesus) was the 13th guest + Friday being the day that Christ died = Friday the 13th, the unluckiest day of the calendar! Well..I have never had a bad Friday the 13th that I can remember... Black cats....In the Middle Ages, black cats were believed to be the companions of witches, and after seven years of life, the cats were said to turn INTO witches, or even devils and demons! All of which were to be avoided at all costs. I have had quite a few black cats...I don't think I turned into a witch...LOL And here's the myth related to that last superstition. Witches-Why do they wear pointed hats? This 'trademark' (and the term is used loosely) to identify the followers of wicca (the nature religion based on life and nature magic) was actually an invention of the Christian church! In medieval days, the chapeau was called a "steeple-crowned hat", derived from "steeple house", the Puritans' word for 'church'. Legends state that the hats were placed on the heads of witches before they were burned at the stake. It was hoped that this holy symbol of the church would help draw salvation into their immortal souls. Also, the term 'warlock', used to describe a male witch, is also an invention of the Christian church. Witches were usually known to be women, so when it was found that there were also male followers of wicca, they were given a name to distinguish them. In actuality, all followers of wicca are known as 'witches'. Now I am not sure of this..but I have read this interpretation... I am not really a superstitious person...but I do love Halloween... How about a little candy? Halloween: Trick or Treat! The druids believed that on Oct. 31, the dead rose from their graves to revisit their old homes. 'Trick or treating' evolved when frightened villagers 'offered' fruits and nuts to the wandering and restless souls to keep them from destroying their homes and property. Do you have any superstitions..???? please tell us about them.... Comments grits03 10/12/2009 11:58:32 AM the white owl or the white dog meaning death. When the clock stops someone has passed. pretty_moonpa 10/12/2009 12:01:06 PM most superstition stems from fear.....unwarranted I might add...... seattleborn 10/12/2009 12:09:16 PM When the human race has once acquired a superstition, nothing short of death is ever likely to remove it. - Autobiography of Mark Twain pretty_moonpa 10/12/2009 12:16:18 PM spill salt throw some over your shoulder....drop a fork...companys coming...foot itch?? lol your taking a trip....all Pa Dutch and Amish superstitions....baby born with a birth mark on its forehead....the mark of the devil...I could go on and on.....I live in a VERY superstitious area...... califgirl1 10/12/2009 12:19:32 PM Are they superstitions or old wives tales...Is there a difference..?? jennyann71 10/12/2009 1:34:41 PM Acient co incidences stage 2_.Psychosomatics stage 3_ weak minds ____Could be? Ponder? waltaz 10/12/2009 2:29:44 PM Walking under a ladder might be a superstition But I think its a good safety suggestion pretty_moonpa 10/12/2009 2:35:06 PM I consider old wives tales and superstition one and the same......both based on fear and untruths ya ok...step on a crack break your mothers back lol...now what child can sleep if they do that.....lol miss6042 10/12/2009 2:46:18 PM the BLACK Cat has one bye cant remember what it is..BOY old age is running rampant in me lately...time for a little renewing.... 1fitzlydia 10/12/2009 3:24:54 PM On my way to work this morning I was singing while I was driving. Usuallly I sing when I'm happy. It reminded me of one of my Mother's favorites (she had many) "Sing before your breakfast, cry before you go to bed" What ever would possess a mother to discourage he children from singing first thing in the morning pretty_moonpa 10/12/2009 3:50:53 PM ut oh....you sang before your breakfast prayers fitz...why you are lucky GOD himself didnt strike you dead..... I think our mothers meant well,...it was a different time...... rosesandsmiles 10/12/2009 4:03:46 PM I use to be superstitious, It took a long time to break the habit, but I did. I don't even remember any of them now. Seattle, begging Mark Twain's pardon 1fitzlydia 10/12/2009 5:05:17 PM Moon...... And I made it through the day pretty_moonpa 10/12/2009 5:26:00 PM hey fitz .........you better get off here till tomorrow.....wouldnt want you to go to bed crying and make your mama right vera_is_back 10/12/2009 5:48:48 PM I was as a kid but that was because of an aunt that took care of us part time while Mother worked. This aunt was afraid of everything. As I grew older and saw that most of the old wives tales were just that, I decided not to waste my time worrying about stepping on a crack, hard not to with our ancient sidewalks. I bet the singing before breakfast was because she hadn't had her coffee yet and not ready for childish screetches meant to be music. 1fitzlydia 10/12/2009 5:54:16 PM You're probably right Vera Now I'm going to take Moon's advice.... thomast444 10/13/2009 11:22:30 AM two people walking and suddenly a pole appears between them, they say bread and butter, guess that is suppose to ward off evil spirits and make sure they don't have bad luck. califgirl1 10/13/2009 11:49:30 AM If an owl looks in your window or if you see one in the daylight bad luck and death will bestow you. califgirl1 10/13/2009 11:49:51 AM Sparrows are thought to carry the souls of the dead and it is believed to bring bad luck if you kill one. pretty_moonpa 10/13/2009 11:55:04 AM Hey thanks you guys.......some of these I have not heard since I was a child.......some of the I could have gone forever without hearing again LOL califgirl1 10/13/2009 12:11:51 PM Singing before breakfast I had never heard... grits03 10/13/2009 8:44:54 PM Calif you speak of Spanish superstitions and there are many in NM. The owl is a witch, so are some snakes. They are some Mestizo, Spanish and Native American supestitions- like the evil eye (Oso), and laughing at babies (a curse to the child.) The curandera can cast a spell or void one. Four days after death the Natives say the spirit walks the earth as a creature and can cause harm (Skinwalkers). In the midwest I remember if the mother presses her finger into the face of a newborn, it created a dimple. Everyone's heard, don't hang pants on a bedpost, right? © 2009 DateHookup.com Home | About Us | Contact Us | Help | Privacy Policy | Forums | Groups