I do… And some things I am VERY superstitious about – like birds flying into the house. That happens to be at the top of my list. But we’ll save that for another time…
Here are some other, more common superstitions:
Black Cats:
Ha! Please… Child’s play. I personally have three black cats who are always crossing my path (or sleeping on my head). I’m constantly tripping over them as they dart in front of me on a daily basis. Black cats rule my house – nothing evil about them at all, in my opinion.
Red-heads:
Those poor, pale-faced genetic mutations portrayed to be such fiery-tempered people (which they really are). Did you know that during the Spanish Inquisition, red hair was the sign of a witch who had stolen hell’s fire? And ironically, burning them at the stake was the only way to solve the problem.
Ladders:
“Never, ever walk under a ladder, which is Satan’s territory. And if you must do it, cross your fingers or make the sign of the fig (closed fist, with thumb between index and middle fingers).”
Yeah. My late Grandmother always told me this tale. She also hammered me with warnings to never, ever sit on a cement sidewalk or driveway, lest I’d NEVER bear children… (this is actually a Russian belief). Also, never to exit a different door than the one you entered, if there was more than one entrance/exit to the house that you entered (it’s bad luck, she’d say).
Oh and for the record: I made sure to ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS take time to sit on the cement, and I am happily still without children to this day…
Brooms:
One time I was visiting the local general store down the road from my house. I needed a new broom and decided to buy one of the hand-made Amish ones they sold. On my way out, a creepy older lady hastily followed me out to my car yelling “Excuse me… EXCUSE ME!!!” “Jesus on a bicycle, what the hell now?” I thought to myself…
Feeling that I was now pinned between a crazy lady and my car door, I stood helpless. She proceeded to lecture me on the bad luck I would receive If I didn’t stand my broom upright to store it properly once I was finished using it (bristles up!), and also be sure to thank it each time I used it, for it’s help in tidying my life…
Seriously. She really said this. I politely thanked her for the advice, then scrambled into my Jeep and locked the doors.
Knives:
“Never give a knife as a house-warming present ‘else your new neighbor will become your enemy… Um, okay… really? But seriously, who the hell gives a knife as a house-warming gift anyway? Unless you’re a relative of the Adams Family. Or… your new neighbor just happens to be Michael Meyers.
Hoes (no, not those kind):
“NEVER carry a hoe into your house (of either kind). If you do so by mistake, carry it out again, walking backward to avoid bad luck (or your wife stabbing you in the back).”
Who drags their dirty hoe into the house anyway?
Okay I’m done with the Superstitions for now. Enjoy Halloween and be careful with those knives, hoes, black cats, cement and brooms. And avoid any redheads carrying ladders. ~A
