Superstitions

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Are you a triskaidekaphobe? You may be and not know it. If you believe the number 13 is unlucky, then you are!

There are so many superstitions floating about, we've collected some twists on the well known as well as those that are less familiar.

13

The origin of negative reference to 13 may have come from the Last Supper, where Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th and last person to be seated at the table.

It is bad luck to have 13 at dinner. Victorians went so far as to invite a quatorzien, or 14th guest, to round out the number seated at their dining tables.

13 is often avoided in numbering the floors of buildings, city streets, hotel and hospital room doors, and airline seats.

All these evil men have13 letters in their names, Osama Bin Laden, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy, and Jack the Ripper!

There have been 13 Clubs since Victorian times. Their purpose is to scoff at the misfortune associated with number 13. During their group dinners, tables are set for 13. Meetings are called to order by tapping a human bone. Funeral music is played. Mirrors are broken. 13 burning candles top their cakes.

Animals

Alligator - If you see a gator in Tampa, Florida, you may get athlete's foot.

Bird - A wild bird in the house is bad luck.

Black Cat - If a black cat crosses your path, you must turn around and find another route because it may be a witch in disguise.

Theater / Movies / Television

It is said that the cast, including the stars, of some movies and television shows are cursed. Examples are Superman with George Reeves who committed suicide or was murdered, Rebel Without a Cause with James Dean who died in a car crash, and The Exorcist with Linda Blair who was mixed up with drugs.

Whistling in the dressing room is bad luck because the actors and crew used to be called to stage with a sailor's whistle. Therefore, a person whistling in the theater might give an early cue by mistake, which could throw the whole performance out of kilter.

Fresh flowers on a stage set bring bad luck. They are costly and few theater companies have money to replace them. Plus, some actors might be allergic to them.

A single light must be kept burning in an empty theatre or else a ghost may just move in and stay there. The original reason could be it is dangerous to move about behind stage in complete darkness. And, too, the light is a reminder that those empty seats are merely awaiting the next production.

Shakespeare's MacBeth is never referred to by name. It is always called "the Scottish play."

One never says "good luck" to an actor about to perform. Always tell them "break a leg" so you won't jinx his or her performance.

Weddings

Bridal Shower - Whatever gift the bride opens first is the gift to be used first.

If the groom drops the ring during the ceremony, look out. The marriage is in trouble.

The one who breaks a cloth covered wine glass in a Jewish ceremony will be the boss in the marriage.

The bride and groom should always get a new broom as a gift. Sweeping with an old broom will spread trouble from its previous use or user.

The bride must be carried over the threshold in order that she not trip. If she stumbles, it will be a bad marriage.

Knitting a sweater for a boyfriend before the marriage knot is tied will lead to a break-up. The reason may be that a boyfriend is scared off by the serious intent of a girlfriend who demonstrates her plans for a mutual future by the extra effort taken to make a sweater. On the other hand, the girl knitting may be glad to get rid of a less than completely caring man before she marries him.

The first spouse to die will be the first one asleep on the wedding night.

Miscellanious

Bed - Feng shui teaches that the foot of the bed should face the door without pointing directly at it. This way you can see see who is coming in. And if you die in your sleep, you will be lying in the right direction to be carried out.

Birthday Cake - If your knife touches the plate the first time you cut into your birthday cake, you will have bad luck.

Cursed Objects - Items carrying a curse are often stolen objects.

Hat - A hat on the bed is bad luck.

Knife - If someone gives you a knife or scissors as a gift, your relationship will be severed unless you give them a coin in return, as if you bought the knife yourself.

Left - Never enter a house with your left foot first or you'll bring bad luck inside. Never get out on the left / wrong side of the bed, since sinister comes from the Latin word for left.

Shoes - Shoes on the bed are bad luck. Could its origin be because they have dirty soles that spread germs?

Windows - Chinese custom says west facing windows are bad luck. Plus, afternoon sunlight can make a room too hot and strong west winds can blow dust into the house.

Whether you dart from the path of a black cat or laugh in its hissing face, superstitions can be silly and scary and … true?

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