Black cats are considered bad luck especially when one crosses your path. The old days, a woman possessing a black cat was considered to be a witch. Christians who wanted others to convert told stories about black cats and how they were demons searching for souls. A black cat crossing your path is an omen of bad signs to come, an enemy casting a curse on you. Again, this was a witch's doing. Another tale regarding a black cat crossing your path meant it had created a wall to prevent you from entering heaven.
THE NUMBER 13
has many beliefs: Good and bad luck. Some hotels don't have a room 13, office blocks never went further than 12 floors and there are some where the 13th floor just doesn't exist; you went directly from 12 to the 14th floor.
has many beliefs: Good and bad luck. Some hotels don't have a room 13, office blocks never went further than 12 floors and there are some where the 13th floor just doesn't exist; you went directly from 12 to the 14th floor.
Judas was considered to be the 13th guest at the last supper and was not one of the disciples. A witches coven contained 13 members. Originally there were 13 months in a year. These opened up gates to bad omens and people started believing that by having the number 13 would see them a bleak future. Another interesting find is that the clock - as we now know it has 12 numbers. When daylight savings arrives we turn the clock an hour forward. Sundials were used to show the time and due to the day being longer, people couldn't understand why there was this change and then started to believe that the Gods had granted them an extra hour of daylight - therefore a thirteen hour clock.
LADIES FIRST
This doesn't come under superstition but wanted to add it because I find it quite interesting. As men, we are in a habit of being respectful to women - opening doors for them, letting them go first and so on. Well, sad to say that the origin of "Ladies First" is not how we perceive it today. In fact men these days are being rude to let ladies go first!
Throughout history, men always entered houses first or were the ones to shield a woman from any trouble. To let a woman go first signalled that if any sort of danger was ahead, she would be the one to confront it first, therefore when we open the door for a woman, whatever is behind that door, she would be hit with it first. So in respect, as men we are not being rude to walk out of the elevator first, enter a restaurant first etc. We are protecting our women against anything strange that may be lurking around the corner.
The dreaded day the comes every now and then. Why are people so superstitious about this day? Well, it is said that Jesus was crucified on a Friday and on the day of the last supper (as stated above) there were 13 people. The Knights Templar were "assassinated" took place on Friday 13.
It is said that Eve tempted Adam on a Friday and the great flood happened on a Friday though there is no mention of it being Friday 13 but many people assume this. Gathering together as a group of 13 on a Friday will result in the death of one of the guests.
WALKING UNDER AN LADDER
Why do we avoid walking under a ladder? Because it's bad luck! This superstition came about in the times when witches were being hung. It is said that once a witch is hung, her curse lingers near the body and anyone close to it's proximity would be cursed. Not too sure what the ladder signified but other tales state that as it formed a triangle, the soul was caught between the ladder and the gallows therefore to be in contact or under the ladder (in the triangle) would cause the witch's soul to pass the curse. In later times, the story of the ladder creating a triangle (by it resting on a wall). The triangle represents the Holy Trinity and by stepping underneath it, you are interfering with its power which would bring bad luck.
CEMETERIES
People hold their breath when passing a cemetery because a recently departed soul may be inhaled. As living souls, we have and create energy which spirits need to manifest or grow strong. They can sense us when we pass a cemetery and so many would love to get a chance to taste life again. So, take a deep breath when passing the dead, you wouldn't want to take home a departed soul, would you?
There are so many superstitious beliefs which can be found on the internet. These are only a few and there are so many interpretations as to the meaning, of these "old wives tales"
LADIES FIRST
Throughout history, men always entered houses first or were the ones to shield a woman from any trouble. To let a woman go first signalled that if any sort of danger was ahead, she would be the one to confront it first, therefore when we open the door for a woman, whatever is behind that door, she would be hit with it first. So in respect, as men we are not being rude to walk out of the elevator first, enter a restaurant first etc. We are protecting our women against anything strange that may be lurking around the corner.
FRIDAY 13th
It is said that Eve tempted Adam on a Friday and the great flood happened on a Friday though there is no mention of it being Friday 13 but many people assume this. Gathering together as a group of 13 on a Friday will result in the death of one of the guests.
WALKING UNDER AN LADDER
Why do we avoid walking under a ladder? Because it's bad luck! This superstition came about in the times when witches were being hung. It is said that once a witch is hung, her curse lingers near the body and anyone close to it's proximity would be cursed. Not too sure what the ladder signified but other tales state that as it formed a triangle, the soul was caught between the ladder and the gallows therefore to be in contact or under the ladder (in the triangle) would cause the witch's soul to pass the curse. In later times, the story of the ladder creating a triangle (by it resting on a wall). The triangle represents the Holy Trinity and by stepping underneath it, you are interfering with its power which would bring bad luck.
People hold their breath when passing a cemetery because a recently departed soul may be inhaled. As living souls, we have and create energy which spirits need to manifest or grow strong. They can sense us when we pass a cemetery and so many would love to get a chance to taste life again. So, take a deep breath when passing the dead, you wouldn't want to take home a departed soul, would you?
There are so many superstitious beliefs which can be found on the internet. These are only a few and there are so many interpretations as to the meaning, of these "old wives tales"
HAVE A SAFE AND FUN FILLED HALLOWEEN
