Superstitions are part of our heritage, transporting us to a distant past that links with the roots of our culture. The ancient lores of our forefathers are still very much alive, many having remained unchanged for hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years.
Rational thought and the advance of science together cast doubt on the real dangers involved yet many of us still feel we ought to be careful.
There are hundreds of common daily activities which are linked to superstition, each culture having its variations. Even those of you who say "I'm not superstitious!" have probably at some point tried to avoid walking under a ladder, stepping on cracks, knocked on wood, blessed a person sneezing, or crossed your fingers. Just in case.
Here are some of the more common superstitions and their meanings:
1. It's bad luck to walk under a ladder.
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.
2. Friday the Thirteenth
The idea that a this particular date would bring bad luck has its roots in both Norse and Christian beliefs. The Scandinavians believed that the number 13 was unlucky due to the mythological 12 demigods being joined by a 13th, an evil one, who brought misfortune upon man.
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