The origins of common superstitions reflect the hopes, wishes and fears of the human race. Throughout the centuries, mankind has aspired to prosperity, good luck and love while seeking to avoid sickness, poverty and loneliness. Performing small rituals or carrying talismans thought to improve life gave people a small sense of power in their ability to influence elements largely out of their control.
Crossing Fingers For Luck
Crossing fingers dates back to the Middle Ages when fears about the devil and his witches were common. Making the sign of the cross, a powerful symbol, was thought to keep evil at bay and invite blessings and protection. It evolved into a gesture of good luck that is still used today.
God Bless You
People used to believe that a violent sneeze might allow the soul to escape the body, making room for the devil to either enter or stand nearby to gather it up. Offering a hasty "God bless you" kept this from happening.
Black Clothing
Most people associate the color black with death, evil or mourning. It is reflected in mourning attire, rebellious youth and bad guys in the old Westerns. The origin of black as a bad color stems from several sources-the darkness of night, a religious battle between light and dark and the color of rotten food. Negative associations with the color black seep into terminology, such as the "black sheep of the family" and "black market." Actors are superstitious about wearing black on stage. Witches are always depicted wearing black. It's unlucky for a bride to wear black, and wearing black clothing at a funeral was once thought to make the living less visible to wandering spirits.
Wedding Dates
Setting wedding dates according to superstition is still common. Most couples avoid a Friday the 13th date, as the day is considered unlucky. One superstition, "Marry in Lent, you'll live to repent," evolved from the diet restrictions surrounding Lent, especially when weddings were a time to feast for days. The day of the week matters, too: "Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all. Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses and Saturday brings no luck at all." Urban legends about marriages that actually reap the superstitious result fuel the belief.
 | People still tend to believe in common superstitions despite all the technological and scientific advances in today's world. Performing little rituals or honoring good or bad luck omens can give people a sense of control in their lives. |
 | Friday the 13th superstitions are among the most pervasive of all bad-luck beliefs. Learning about the history and evolution of Friday the 13th may relieve people and allow them to face their phobia. |
 | People have been plagued by bad luck superstitions for centuries. Thus, remedies and charms for warding off bad luck have evolved, with many people fully participating, even if they know better. |
Most Chinese superstitions are geared toward happiness and goodness as opposed to death or bad luck. |
Filipino superstitions are colorful and ingrained into the traditions of the Philippines. |
