Superstitions

Writing on the wall

Superstitions exist everywhere in the world. Every country on the planet has its own local superstitions. Each country also has its own variations on common superstitions. Some of the most common superstitions have to do with cats, alcohol, and death.

Cats have been domesticated longer than any other animal. Humans have even worshiped them; therefore, it makes sense that there are innumerable superstitions worldwide involving them. In the United States, there is a belief that if a black cat crosses your path, you will have bad luck. In Germany, whomever harms or kills a cat shall meet with great misfortune. In France, there is a superstition that it is bad luck to cross a stream carrying a cat. In the Ukraine, it is believed that if you give a cat gin before sundown you will have much misfortune.

Alcohol is considered to be the bane of society by many people worldwide. Having existed for thousands of years, alcohol has many superstitions associated with it. In the Czeck republic, it is considered bad luck to serve alcohol on Christmas. In the US, it is considered bad luck to not serve alcohol on Christmas. In Germany, it is believed to be good luck to drink three or more drinks with the groom immediately before the wedding. In Poland, they believe that if one consumes alcohol before noon, one will die young.

Death is the one thing feared most by humans. They attempt to justify death by creating superstitions. Many of these superstitions have to do with agriculture. In China, it is believed that when a farmer's child dies on a harvest moon, there will be an excellent crop the next year much like in "The Lottery"; death leads to a good harvest. In Brazil, it is believed that when a farmer dies during harvest, his crop will carry no value.

Around the world, there are many reappearing themes for superstition. Some of these themes are cats, alcohol, and death. Every country has its own localized take on each theme.