Most common superstitions and the backgrounds?

Question

What are some common superstitions, and where do they come from? If you don't know where that's OK,i can probably google it and find out, i just need superstitions...
it for a school project! HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!

Answer 1

go here
http://www.wsu.edu:8001/~dee/REFORM/CALVIN.HTM they've got a an entire page of superstitions and their origins

Answer 2

Friday the 13th:

In order to organize time, human beings created calendars.
As part of today's dominant calendar system, every year is divided into 12 periods called months, consisting of roughly 30 days each.
All days are also grouped into sets of seven, called weeks.
In the Western world, a significant chunk of the population suspects bad things will happen whenever the 13th day of a month occurs on the day of the week called Friday.

Like many human beliefs, the fear of Friday the 13th (known as paraskevidekatriaphobia) isn't exactly grounded in scientific logic. But the really strange thing is that most of the people who believe the day is unlucky offer no explanation at all, logical or illogical. As with most superstitions, people fear Friday the 13th for its own sake, without any need for background information.

The superstition does have deep, compelling roots, however, and the origins help explain why the belief is so widespread today. In this article, we'll look at some of the interesting stories behind this unluckiest of days.

Answer 3

Simply put, I'm native-born Chinese, and I haven't heard half... no, I haven't heard ANY of the above superstitions. Superstitions are the garbage idiots use to explain what they don't know, or to use to intimidate to a humorous outcome. Superstition is NOT to be confused with traditional values, which are important culture heritage that defines us, nor religions, the spiritual path some take to enrich their lives. Superstition is just unscientific mumbo jumbo, I don't have a grudge against anyone who believes in them, they can choose for themselves what to think, but I certainly won't be fooled by supernatural threats.

Answer 4

The number 13 has always played a very deep role in society. Ive worked in nursing home for over twenty five years and never once did I see the room number 13! You won't find skyscrapers with a 13th floor most of the time. I have no idea where this originated from but all I can offer is my experience.

Answer 5

1) don't let a black cat cross your path - from Black Death in Europe. Black cats had better survival than other cats due to oil on their fur...less susceptible to flea bites...so obviously they were in league with witches/the devil
2) don't walk under a ladder - no idea, except you're more likely to get hit with falling paint can.
3) step on a crack, break your mother's back - no idea
4) break a mirror and get 7 years bad luck - mirrors were expensive back then so we needed to scare people to be careful
5) hold your breath when you pass a cemetery
6) it's good luck to throw salt over your shoulder
7) blowing on dice before you roll them
8) wishing an actor to 'break a leg' instead of 'good luck' because wishing good luck to an actor will bring only bad luck

Answer 6

Walking under a latter is bad luck (dont know why, but it's kind of risky if someone is using tools or painting)

Pointing horse shoes open-end down is back luck because your luck will run out...

Friday the 13th

Throwing salt over your right shoulder

Answer 7

Don't let a black cat cross your path.
Don't break a mirror.
Don't walk under a ladder.
Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.

Answer 8

1. Bad luck to put new shoes on table.
2. Spill salt, throw it over your shoulder.
3. Knock on wood if you say something bad might happen to you.If you knock on wood it supposedly won't.
4. Hold a button when you see a hearse.