Superstitions and Traditions

Have you ever wondered why we so afraid of a black cat ran across the road for us, or with a sinking heart, look at the shattered mirror? In fact, the signs did not appear out of nowhere, and each of them is its own history and legend.



Open an umbrella indoors - to trouble



It was believed that this superstition dates back to the times of the reign of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt, but most historians believe that luck is likely to have originated in Victorian England. Then the opening mechanism of the umbrella was so awkward that metal needles and springs could bounce and cause bodily injury or minor property damage. As a consequence, an umbrella recommended only open on the street.

Pass under the stairs - unfortunately



But this sign originated in ancient Egypt. Ladder leaning against the wall forms a triangle, and the Egyptians considered this form of the sacred. Triangles represented the Trinity of gods, and go through them meant to desecrate the sanctuary.

Break the mirror - to seven years of bad luck



In ancient Greece, with the help of a mirror reflection by analyzing the predicted future. See distorted reflection was a bad sign. Still considered the birthplace of the signs of ancient Rome. The Romans believed that life is renewed every seven years. Broken mirror meant that a person's health deteriorates, and seven years later he would recover.

Sprinkle salt - to quarrel and enmity



Some people believe that if a person spilled salt, then he needs to throw three pinches over his left shoulder, to avoid trouble. Around 3500 BC, the Sumerians were the first people to practice this sign. Although the exact cause of this is not known marks, it picked up by the Egyptians, Assyrians, Greeks and later.

Hang a horseshoe over the door ends up - good luck



In the Middle Ages people believed that witches are afraid of horses, so any thing connected with them will scare off witches. For this reason, people began to hang a horseshoe to the evil forces broke into their house.

Black cat ran across the road - to failure



Frankly, cats always brings good luck, starting from the time of ancient Egypt. At all changed in the early 17th century in England, when King Charles I died his beloved black cat. Then the king lamented that luck deserted him. The truth of his words was confirmed when the next day the King was arrested on charges of treason.

Number 13 - unlucky



About the fear of the number 13 (or "Triskaidekaphobia") is mentioned in Norse mythology, when the twelve gods feasted on the fair at Valhalla. Then the god of evil Loki disputes and imposed himself on the thirteenth, because of what was killed favorite of the gods - Walder.

Sign making wishes on a shooting star



More in the 1st century Ptolemy suggested that the stars are falling on the Earth because the gods turned their attention to people from heaven.

Walking past the graveyard, you need to hold your breath



In some cultures, the North American Indians believed that the dead breathe near dangerous because You can breathe in someone's soul.

The tradition of candles on the cake birthday



The ancient Greeks as well as today preparing cakes for my birthday. They brought a gift Artemis - goddess of the moon. The round shape symbolizes the moon cakes, and lighted candles imitated her light. Today the candles on a birthday cake is still associated with good luck.

See the bride / groom on their wedding day - a failed marriage

This sign is associated with the fact that the bride, the groom before the ceremony to see the marriage could change his mind at the last moment.

Rabbit foot brings good luck



In the 7th century BC rabbit's foot was regarded as a talisman, bringing luck, because she had close contact with the source of life - the earth. However, not every foot rabbit could bring good luck, and a left rear was useful as an amulet.

Wearing a wedding ring on the ring finger of the right hand



Wearing a wedding ring on the ring finger was more tradition than superstition. Even the ancient Romans believed that it was the ring finger with the help of the nervous system associated with the human heart. As the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans believed that this finger could heal from ailments because it was used for rubbing salves.

Get a light three cigarettes from the same match - a bad omen



Rumor has it that this belief arose among the soldiers, who believed that because they will give the sniper time to discover their whereabouts. According to another legend, the "match king" Ivar Kreuger came up with this superstition, to expand their business.

Put shoes on the table - to scandals and death



Many years ago, when one miner died, his shoes were left on the table. So there was this superstition, which promised misfortune in the house.