Hello everybody! :)
The today's post is going to be about a very deep-seated part of our culture. I don't want to forestall something, so go on reading :)
History
The term superstition goes back to the 15th
century and later got a depreciatory meaning. Originally it was derived from
the Latin word “super-stitio”. In former times superstition was considered
pagan whereas today the term “superstition” describes beliefs and practices
that are scientifically unfounded and do not correspond to the achieved level
of knowledge of a society.
There are tons of superstitions and myths in every
country which refer to the historical and cultural background of one country.
Here are some examples for “bad luck” and “good luck” superstitions in Austria.
Bad luck
The number 13
Very odd things to me are hotels without a thirteenth
floor or a missing hotel room with the number thirteen. When planning a party,
people often invite a fourteenth person when they realize that they’ve invited
only 13 people. The reason for this decision is because popular wisdom says
that otherwise one of the 13 persons will die. But now imagine the combination
of the number thirteen and Friday!!!!! Must be pure evil. But where does the
fear of this number come from? It goes back to the betrayer Judas who was the
thirteenth apostle and who exceeded the number twelve. So actually it’s more
important to not exceed the number twelve. Many cultures considered this fact
while coming up with some new cultural changes. So there are two times twelve
per day, twelve months a year and twelve zodiac signs.
To not point a finger on
someone
Why do parents tell their children to not point their
finger on someone? Well, the history of this superstition goes back to the
ancient world where people thought that this gesture transfer the strength to
the person who they are pointing at. A very famous and well-known example is Michelangelo’s
Creation of Adam where god awakes Adam to life. Nowadays it is just impolite
gesture.
The evil cat
Cats and especially evil cats have always been
connected with witches, the devil and other diabolic things. This fear refers to
a convention most notably in Celtic regions – even today. May was dedicated to
the god of death and applied as a baleful month. Cats born in May were
considered to be playmates of the devil and this is why it would bring bad luck
if someone would raise one of these cats. But there were also some
contradictions among the people; under particular circumstances cats were
considered to bring good luck. Centuries ago, ships wouldn’t have left the harbour
without carrying a cat on deck. Some people still believe that black cats
crossing the way bring bad luck.
Good luck
Horseshoe
Horseshoes always served as protection from bad luck
and were fixed on doors, houses and barns. They should protect the owner from
illnesses, fire and lightning strokes. BUT horseshoes can’t be simply bought;
they need to be found to bring good luck. Horseshoes made of iron or the sword
of an executioner was of a high value compared to “normal” horseshoes. The lost
and regained horseshoe is like the shoe of Cinderella.
Salt
In many cultures salt is more than just a condiment.
According to Paracelsus Element theory the world is built-on three base
materials: quicksilver, sulphur and salt. Furthermore, salt was used as a means
of banishment. Spilling salt is considered to bring bad luck because in former
times salt was very expensive and was equal to blood and so spilling blood was
as bad as spilling salt. Flicking salt over one’s shoulder on the contrary was
considered to bring good luck and to stop the bloodshed.
Bless you!
Why do we
say “bless you” when someone sneezes? In former times people thought that people
who sneeze run the risk of losing their soul. To prevent people from losing
their soul the Romans said “Jupiter bless you!” If no one was nearby, you could’ve
said it to yourself too. Today we just say “bless you” which also serves the
purpose. ;)
Differences to other
countries
Number 13
(again)
The number thirteen is of great value for the mystic
tradition called “Kabbalah” (Jewish) and it is also the number of the Nordic
god Freya.
Bless you!
In several countries it is very unusual to say “bless
you” if someone sneezes. In Japan for example it is stated that people somewhere
are talking about you when you have to sneeze.
Due to the fact that Great Britain is my “home culture”
for my English course, I was looking for some superstitions in Great Britain
too.
What is considered to bring good luck in GB?
1. Meeting a black
cat
2. Touching wood
3. Finding a clover
plant with four leaves
4. Having a
horseshoe over the door
5. Saying “white
rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits” on the first day of the month and before
uttering your first word of the day
6. Catching falling
leaves in Autumn (every leaf means a lucky month next year)
What is
considered to bring bad luck in GB?
1. Walking underneath a ladder
2. Breaking a mirror (leads to
seven years of bad luck)
3. Spilling salt
4. Opening an umbrella in doors
5. Putting new shoes on the
table
6. Passing someone on the
stairs
Do you consider one of these superstitions? Like when you’re about to
plan a party or something like that? I wouldn’t for sure... I don’t believe in
those myths impacted by history and culture.
Stay tuned!
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