Category: Encyclopedia of Superstitions

According to American superstition, finding a penny is generally considered good luck.  This superstition provides comfort or a sense of connection to something greater or more mystical. Psychologically, it might encourage optimism or a positive outlook, believing that even something as small as a penny can change one’s luck.   Types of Fortunes in Finding […]

In American superstition, breaking a mirror is indeed considered to bring bad luck. The superstition likely stems from ancient times when mirrors were rare and expensive, crafted from polished metal or obsidian. Breaking one was not just costly but also considered a sign of misfortune. Mirrors were believed to reflect not just one’s physical appearance […]

Knocking on wood is generally not considered bad luck in itself. Instead, it’s a superstition intended to avoid bad luck or to ensure good luck continues. If someone mentions a positive outcome or hope for the future, they might knock on wood to prevent jinxing it or tempting fate. The idea is that by acknowledging […]

Crow Superstitions has long fascinated and mystified humans across cultures and eras. The crow shares some of the darker traditions of the raven, and is usually, but not always, considered a bird of evil omen. Pliny says that the constant chattering of crows foretells misfortune.  In American folklore, these enigmatic birds are often shrouded in […]

In the rich tapestry of folklore and superstition, few phenomena capture the imagination quite like the caul. For centuries, this rare birth occurrence has been surrounded by a mystical aura and fascinating cultures across the globe. While it may be lesser-known in contemporary America, the legends and beliefs associated with the caul continue to intrigue […]

In the United States, many mirror superstitions have been carried over from Europe and other parts of the world, creating a rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding these reflective surfaces. Mirrors, with their gleaming surfaces and the ability to reflect our likeness, have long fascinated humanity. Ancient beliefs lie at the root of many of our […]