Superstition facts for kids
A superstition is a belief that doesn't have a scientific reason or proof. Many people around the world believe in superstitions. Some people think they are just silly, while others live their lives following them. For example, some people avoid black cats, look for four-leaf clovers, or are careful with mirrors.
Most superstitions started a long time ago. They often come from old traditions, religious ideas, or how people lived with nature. For instance, in some parts of Asia, like China, people used to believe that geckos had special healing powers.
In China, there's a belief system called Feng shui. It suggests that certain places or arrangements can have good or bad effects. For example, a room in the northwest part of a house might be considered "very bad." Also, the number 8 is seen as a "lucky number" in China. Because of this, you might see the number 8 used more often than other numbers in things like house prices.
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Animals and Superstitions
Many different animals around the world are linked to superstitions. In Western countries, some people believe it's bad luck if a black cat crosses their path. Train drivers sometimes think it's bad luck if a hare runs across the tracks in front of them.
Lucky and Unlucky Numbers
Certain numbers are very important in different cultures. For example, in some buildings, you might notice that certain floor numbers are skipped on elevator buttons. There are even special words for people who are very afraid of specific numbers, like the number 13.
In East Asian countries, the number 4 is often avoided. This is because its sound is similar to the word for 'death' or 'die'. Another widespread superstition is the fear of the number 666, which some people believe is an unlucky number mentioned in an old book.
Objects and Beliefs
Many everyday objects are connected to superstitions. For example, during the Great Depression, some people carried a rabbit's foot for good luck. During the Coronavirus outbreak, people in parts of Indonesia made special masks from coconut palm leaves called tetek melek. They hung these masks in doorways to keep their homes safe.
According to superstitions, breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck. From ancient Rome to Northern India, people have handled mirrors with great care, or sometimes even avoided them completely.
Horseshoes have long been thought to bring good luck. People disagree about which way a horseshoe should be nailed above a door. Some say the open ends should point up to "catch" the luck. Others say they should point down so the luck "pours out" onto those entering the home. Superstitious sailors used to believe that nailing a horseshoe to the mast of their ship would help them avoid storms.
In China, plants like yarrow and tortoise shells are considered lucky. Brooms also have many superstitions. It's thought to be bad luck to use a broom within three days of the new year, as this might sweep away good fortune.
Superstitious Actions
Some common superstitious actions in Western countries include not walking under a ladder, touching wood for luck, throwing salt over one's shoulder, or not opening an umbrella indoors. In China, wearing certain colors is believed to bring good luck.
Some superstitious actions actually have practical reasons behind them. For example, opening an umbrella inside in 18th-century London was quite dangerous! Umbrellas back then had metal spokes and clumsy spring mechanisms, making them a real hazard to open indoors.
Another action with practical origins is looking both ways before crossing train tracks. People might quickly glance left and right for safety, which over time became a small ritual for safe travels.
Examples of Superstitions
Good Luck Charms and Actions
- Crossing your fingers for good luck.
- Knocking three times on wood after talking about something good happening.
- Throwing a pinch of salt over your left shoulder if you spill salt.
- A horseshoe hung above a doorway.
- Finding a four-leaf clover.
- Saying "white rabbit" on the first day of each month.
- An itchy hand might mean you will win money.
Bad Luck Signs and Actions
- Breaking a mirror is said to bring 7 years of bad luck.
- Opening an umbrella inside the house.
- Walking under a ladder.
- Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day.
- A bird flying into the house is sometimes seen as a sign of bad news.
- Putting new shoes on a table.
Related pages
- Apotropaism, a ritual to turn away evil.
- Amulet, a charm used to protect against bad luck.
Images for kids
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Clay hamsa on a wall, etched with the Hebrew word for "good luck", believed to protect the inhabitants of the house from harm
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Some cultures consider black cats to signify good or bad luck
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Examples of superstitions and taboos from a November 1941 issue of Weird Tales'
See also
In Spanish: Superstición para niños
