20 Weird Superstitions You Probably Haven’t Heard Before

Roy

2 years ago

Weird superstitions

Enter a realm where black cats weave their way through broken mirrors, and peculiar beliefs take center stage. Prepare for a journey into the eccentric as we unravel the mysteries behind 20 truly weird superstitions. In this exploration, we showcase that the human mind can be as enigmatic as it is fascinating, with beliefs that defy logic and reason.

Get ready to be bewitched by a curated collection of  strange and authentic superstitions that have transcended time and culture. From the avoidance of ladders to the dread of the number 13, these beliefs form a captivating tapestry of the peculiar, weaving through the annals of human history. Embark on an enlightening journey into the realm where the inexplicable and the curious collide.

FINGERS CROSSED To cross one's fingers is a hand gesture commonly used for good luck. Which makes sense since it was used during ancient Christian persecution by believers to identify other believers as a sign of peace. Today however, this has evolved to excuse the telling of white lies which may have its roots in the belief that the power of the Christian cross may save a person from being sent to hell for telling a lie.
THE NUMBER 13 Not to be confused with Friday the 13th, this superstition simply states that the number 13 is associated with bad luck. That's why many architects refused (some still do) to design stairs that ended with 13 steps or buildings that ended with a 13th floor. The fear of the number 13 is so real to many people, that an actual phobia has been created to describe it; its called Triskaidekaphobia.
NEW HOUSE, NEW BROOM According to the superstition, you can't sweep dirt out of a new house (or apartment) with a new broom unless you sweep something in first. If you don't sweep something in first, then you will be sweeping out your good luck.
RABBIT'S FOOT If you believe the legends, rabbits are extrordinarily lucky. According to superstition (which can be traced as far back as the seventh century BC) the rabbit's supernatural luck could be exploited by taking the left hind foot of a rabbit that was shot (or captured) in a creepy cemetery on a full moon
KNOCKING ON WOOD The superstition of Knocking on wood, or simply saying "knock on wood" after making a hopeful statement, is a consequence of the idea that you're tempting fate by acknowledging your good fortune. It's possible that the expression comes from an ancient belief that good spirits lived in trees, so by knocking on something wooden, a person was calling on the spirits for protection.
BREAKING A MIRROR Since it's believed that a mirror can capture a soul, breaking it releases angry ones, that'll take 7 years to take revenge.
CHEWING GUM There's a superstition in Turkey, that you don't chew gum at night. In some parts, it's said that whoever chews gum at nights he/she eats flesh of dead body.
CHEESE In Medieval England, expectant mothers made something called "Groaning Cheese." They'd let the cheese mature as the baby grew over the 9 months, then when the "groaning" time came (birth), the family would eat the cheese. Once the inside was eaten, the rind was saved and the baby was passed through it on their Christening Day. All in the hopes of a long and happy life.
HORSESHOE Some people believe hanging a horseshoe in the bedroom or on a door knob with its ends pointing upwards will bring good luck and keep nightmares away. This belief comes from the fact that a horse shoe has seven holes, which is considered to be a lucky number. Also the fact that is made of iron can supposedly ward off evil spirits that may haunt you in your dreams.
FRIDAY THE 13th Going back to the 12th century, this date has always held fear for people all over. Some say it's because of the number 13, or due to the legend that all the Knights Templar were exterminated on this date in the middle ages. There's really no definitive origin.
OPAL STONES This stone is said to bring bad luck. Originating in a novel called 'Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott, a woman is accused of being a devil after her stone changes colour and she dies. Apparently, the sale of the stone dropped 50% after the book was published
RINGING BELLS There's a reason why bells are rung at weddings and other celebrations. It's because it's believed that bells ward off evil spirits. Any special occasion that doesn't have bells, it's believed, is in danger of being compromised by the devil himself.
BIRD POOP In Russia, and other parts of Europe, there is a belief that if a bird shits on you, your car, or your property it's a sign of good luck and may bring you riches. The more birds involved, the richer you'll be. I should be a millionaire by now.
OLD, NEW, BORROWED, BLUE This popular wedding tradition is said to have originated during the Victorian era and involves giving the bride various/gifts. One of the gifts is something old and represents continuity; another is new and represents hope and the future; the third is borrowed and symbolizes borrowed happiness while the last is blue and is supposed to bring purity, love. and fidelity
BLACK CATS This dates back to the middle ages where old single women were surrounded by cats. It was believed that they'd turn into them. If they were a witch, they'd take the form of a black cat. So when one crosses your path, it's a witch looking to curse you.

Congratulations, curious traveler! You've just navigated the mysterious labyrinth of weird superstitions. Whether you wear the cloak of skepticism or dance with the believers in the peculiar, these 20 odd beliefs have offered you a glimpse into the fascinating tapestry of human quirks. Your mind has been both puzzled and enriched by the diversity of human thought.

Craving more insights into the eccentricities of human belief? Delve deeper into our extensive archives, where the oddities of superstitions are merely the starting point. Unearth additional layers of intriguing facets within human culture and embrace the allure of the inexplicable. The journey into the extraordinary has only just begun.

Roy

Roy R., Chief Meme Curator Roy founded Thunder Dungeon in 2012 and has since guided its growth into a 2.5 million‑strong community of meme enthusiasts. With over a decade of digital‑media experience and a nose for viral humor, Roy oversees content strategy, ensuring every post is both hilarious and high‑quality

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