The Chimes

Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: flickr.com

Friday the 13th
Folkists say Friday the 13th is probably the most widespread superstition in America. It even has a phobia named for the fear of it-paraskevidekatriaphobia

Two possible origins

1) In attendance to the Last Supper was Jesus and his 12 disciples. The 13th guest to the supper was Judas, who betrayed Jesus. Judas' betrayal led to Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday.

2) The Knights Templar was rounded up for torture and execution by King Philip IV of France on Friday, October 13, 1307.

Walking under ladders
A leaning ladder forms a triangle with the wall and ground. Triangles represent the Holy Trinity, and violating the Trinity by breaking it (walking through it) would put you in league with the devil himself. Considering what Christians did to those who were considered to be in league with the devil, it's hardly surprising that leaning ladders were avoided at all cost.

Lucky rabbit's foot
Originated from African-American folk magic known as hoodoo

Not just any foot from a rabbit will do: it is the left hind foot of a rabbit that is useful as a charm.

The rabbit must also have been shot or otherwise captured in a cemetery.


Bird
If a bird flies into your home then it is an omen of death!

Ears
If your ear is burning, then someone is talking about you! To determine whether what they are saying is good or bad, remember this rhyme, - " Left for love, Right for spite! "

Cemetery
You must hold your breath while going past a cemetery or you will breathe in the spirit of someone who has recently died

Black Cat
If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it.

Salt
If you sprinkle some salt on the doorway to a NEW house then no evil can enter it! Also, if you spill some salt then you must take a pinch of the spilled salt & throw it over your left shoulder as the devil waits there & by throwing the salt you are driving him away!

Babies
To predict the sex of a baby: Suspend a wedding band held by a piece of thread over the palm of the pregnant woman. If the ring swings in an oval or circular motion, the baby will be a girl. If the ring swings in a straight line, the baby will be a boy.

Horseshoe
A horseshoe, hung above the doorway will bring good luck to a home; however, make sure it is hung right side up, so that the luck doesn't "run out."

Acorn
Carry an acorn to bring good luck and ensure a long life

Knock on Wood
It was believed that good spirits lived in trees and that by knocking on anything made from wood, we could call upon those spirits for protection against misfortune.

By Sarah Unger
sunger@capital.edu

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