Halloween Superstitions: The Creepy, The Odd, and The Bizarre
It's funny what people used to believe in... and still DO believe in, even in today's world. Halloween superstitions are definitely some of the strangest. In fact, many of our common everyday "superstitions" are directly associated to what people believed in the past and are attributed to what happened on All Hallows Eve.
According to Wikipedia.org: A superstition is a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge. It is commonly applied to beliefs and practices surrounding luck, prophecy, magic, the supernatural, and spiritual beings or ghosts.
With this Halloween lens, we're going to explore some of the strange beliefs common to this autumn holiday. When you're done, be sure to visit my main web site Halloween Howl: You Halloween Party Planner for loads of theme party ideas, decorations, recipes and more.
Pick Your Poison... Ummm... Your Superstition
- Black Cat Superstitions
- Black Cat Posters and Prints
- Black Cat Poem
- Are You Superstitious?
- Quotes and Proverbs of Halloween
- Wishing You Good Luck!
- What Is Your Most Superstitious Belief?
- How To Keep Ghosts From Haunting You and Your Home
- Get Your Lucky Charm For Good Luck!
- Superstitions, Myths, and Folklore On The Web
- Where Did All These Superstitions and Legends Come From?
- Very Superstitious!
- Is Your Birthday on Halloween?
- Lucky Birthday Stones
- Animal Superstitions
- Halloween T-Shirts, Mugs, Cards, and More
- Superstitions Video
- What Does Your Future Hold?
- Books and Movies Involving Superstitions
- More Ancient Myths, Omens and Legends
- Halloween News On The Web
- My Squidoo Halloween
- What are your superstions?
Black Cat Superstitions
Is a black cat crossing your path bad luck... or a white cat?
Black cats and Halloween. The two just fit together like salt and pepper do. I love cats and actually own 3 of them, and one of them happens to be black (that's Salem in the picture). So, being a cat lover, I have always been interested in the various cat superstitions that people have believed in (whether past or present), so here are some of the strange curiosities that I've come across.
Let's start with the black cat crossing your path which leads us into a bit of a conundrum: in North America we consider it bad luck if a black cat crosses our path. But if you live in In Britain, Ireland, or Japan, a black cat brings good luck and it's white cats that are connected with bad luck. While we're at it (and although this isn't related to cats I thought I'd throw this in)... if you break a mirror in North America, it's 7 years bad luck. Guess what? If you break it in Britain, Ireland or Japan you get 7 years good luck! What's a person to believe?!?
Wait... it gets better! If you see 3 black cats in succession, you'll have good luck!
It was believed that witches used black cats as familiars to spy upon people and do their bidding. In some areas, people actually believed that a witch could turn herself into a black cat. This all started in the 17th century and unfortunately, many poor cats were burned because of this erroneous belief.
On the other hand, if you own a black cat, touch one, are greeted at the door by one, or if a black cat enters your home... then they all bring good luck to you.
Of course, there's always a downside. Bad luck is foretold if you meet a black cat early in the morning (kind of hard to avoid if you own one... isn't it?), or if one turns its back on you, or if you scare one away from your property.
So be nice to black cats and all should be fine in your world.
Black Cat Posters and Prints
Bring a little luck into your world by owning a "black cat"
Curiosity Art Print
Bertelli, Jon
18 in. x 20 in.
Buy at AllPosters.com
Framed Mounted
Tournée du Chat Noir, c.1896
24 in. x 36 in.
Buy at AllPosters.com
Framed Mounted
Single Black Cat Art Print
19.75 in. x 23.625 in.
Buy at AllPosters.com
Framed Mounted
Black Cat Poem
A cat as black
As blackest coal
Is out upon
His midnight stroll,
His steps are soft,
His walk is slow,
His eyes are gold,
They flash and glow.
And so I run
And so I duck,
I do not need
His black-cat luck.
Author Unknown
Are You Superstitious?
8,414 Strange and Fascinating Superstitions
Does going to bed early really make you healthy, let alone wealthy and wise? Were ancient warriors really buried with their horses? Are beavers vegetarians? Why did "three on a match" spell death to some unlucky smokers? Why do seers link dreams of fish with pregnancy? Claudia DeLys's time-honored superstition extravaganza provides a great jump-start for conversation.
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Encyclopedia of Superstitions
Do you avoid walking under a ladder, or touch wood to ward off misfortune? It may not be logical, but underlying these irrational beliefs are centuries of long-forgotten ways of thought--and many affect us still. This classic and thoroughly delightful reference explores the origins of hundreds of superstitions, and many of the entries read like short stories in themselves. Here are the charms once in daily use in dairy and kitchen; spells used by witches--and against them; fairy lore and legend; folk remedies and customs of birth, marriage, and death.
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A Dictionary of Superstitions (Oxford Paperback Reference)
Ranging from the familiar to the bizarre, and including everything from spells and omens to rituals and taboos, this delightfully informative dictionary covers a wide array of popular superstitions, touching on virtually every aspect of human culture.
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The Encyclopedia of Superstitions
Trivia fans and fun fact fanatics will adore this fascinating, flickable encyclopedia of superstitions! Richard Webster presents over five hundred of the most obscure, curious, and just-plain-freaky superstitions of the Western world. Discover batty beliefs about baldness, beans, and the Bermuda Triangle, and peculiar practices regarding hiccups, hearses, and hunchbacks. From modern myths to centuries-old lore, The Encyclopedia of Superstitions offers a wealth of wonderfully weird beliefs on just about every topic you can imagine.
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101 American Superstitions : Understanding Language and Culture through Superstitions
This humorous and informative compendium gives the origin and an example of each of 101 familiar superstitions.
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Quotes and Proverbs of Halloween
Whenever the cat of the house is black,
The lasses of lovers will have no lack.
~ English Proverb
When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,
May luck be yours on Halloween.
~Author Unknown
'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world.
~William Shakespeare
When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
'tis near Halloween.
~Author Unknown
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
~Scottish Saying
Wishing You Good Luck!
Charms and Symbols For The Best of Luck
We all need a little more luck, right? So here you go!
Wishing you luck by Kelley Mari
Luck is... by kaibara87
Golden Luck Cats by danielle_blue
For luck by Mel B.
For Luck by clspeace
What Is Your Most Superstitious Belief?
Everyone has superstitions about something... even if we don't consciously recognize our behaviors. Do you knock on wood for luck or cross your fingers? Do you avoid walking under ladders? Do you think Friday the 13th is an unlucky day? Let us know.
How To Keep Ghosts From Haunting You and Your Home
* Don't want ghosts entering your home on Halloween? Then all you need to do is bury animal bones or a picture of an animal near just outside your doors and the spirit can not enter.
* To ward off evil spirits from gathering in or near your home, you should walk around your house counterclockwise and backwards three times before sunset on All Hallows Eve.
* You can scare evil spirits away if you ring a bell on Halloween.
* Want to know if there's a ghost nearby? Just watch a candle flame. If it turns blue or goes out, then there's a ghost close to you.
* In ancient Celtic rituals, large bonfires were built near the village. The people would douse their own home fires, then light torches from the bonfire. They would then re-light their hearth fires with the sacred flames of the torch. This would aid in keeping evil spirits away from their homes, while allowing the spirits of their kinsfolk to find their way home.
* Our modern costume traditions began because people would dress up on All Hallows Eve in furs and scary masks so that evil spirits would be frightened away and wouldn't try to possess their bodies. It is believed that the spirits would mistake them for animals.
* Be sure to hide your knives so that any returning spirits (welcomed relatives) won't come to any harm in your home.
* Another way to prevent spirits from harming you or your home is to place a turnip on your gatepost. If you don't have a gatepost, I'm not sure what you do with the turnip.
* Do not talk while having dinner on Halloween night or the ghosts of the dead might be invited to join you at the table.
* When passing a graveyard or a house where someone has died, turn your pockets inside out to make sure you don't bring home a ghost in your pocket.
* What should you do if you do see an actual ghost? Just walk around it nine times and it will disappear.
Get Your Lucky Charm For Good Luck!
Jewelry and other items that will bring you luck every day
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Superstitions, Myths, and Folklore On The Web
- Owl Superstitions and Folklore
- Owl superstitions have a long and ancient history. These nocturnal creatures often appear in horror mystery films, have been associated with dark, haunting night themes, and grace our Halloween décor each fall.
- Halloween Facts, Myths, and Strange Customs. Did You Know...?
- Unique and fascinating Halloween customs that were (and in some cases still are) practiced around the world that are close to or involve the mystical night of October 31st.
- Halloween Superstitions From Around The World
- Halloween superstitions date back thousands of years and many can be found within the history of Halloween from several different cultures, particularly those from English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh origins. Many of these myths and customs were brought to America with the new settlers and some of these interesting beliefs continue to this day.
- The Halloween Witch and Witchcraft History
- Here's a little bit of history behind real witches, not the Hollywood variety that we so like to copy.
- The History of Halloween: Learn More About This Fascinating Holiday
- How did we end up with our modern Halloween traditions? What rituals were practiced on All Hallows Eve? Find out some of the fascinating history of this superstitious holiday.
Where Did All These Superstitions and Legends Come From?
Magic and Superstition in Europe: A Concise History from Antiquity to the Present (Critical Issues in History)
The only comprehensive, single-volume survey of magic available, this compelling book traces the history of magic and superstition in Europe from antiquity to the present. Focusing mainly on the medieval and early modern era, Michael Bailey also explores the ancient Near East, classical Greece and Rome, and the spread of magical systemsparticularly modern witchcraft or Wiccafrom Europe to the United States. He explains how magic was understood, constructed, and frequently condemned and how magical beliefs and practices have changed over time yet also remain vital even today.
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Legends, Charms and Superstitions of Ireland (Dover Celtic and Irish Books)
Lady Francesca Speranza Wilde, Oscar Wilde's mother and a well-known author in her own right, compiled these charming and authentic tales in 1887. Features the Irish view of a spiritual and invisible world populated by fairies, elves, and evil beings as described through eerie tales and beguiling accounts of superstitions, animal legends, and ancient charms.
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Highland Superstitions
The druids, fairies, witchcraft, second-sight, Halloween, sacred wells and lochs, with several curious instances of Highland customs and beliefs. With a foreword on superstitions and their origin. Contents: Foreword; General superstitions; Druidism; Fairies; Witchcraft; Second-sight; Smaller superstitions; New-Year customs; Easter customs; May-Day customs; Halloween; Sacred wells and lochs.
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Amulets and Superstitions
This work consists of the original texts with translations and descriptions of a long series of Egyptian, Sumerian, Assyrian, Hebrew, Christian, Gnostic and Muslim amulets and talismans and magical figures, with chapters on the evil eye, the Swastika, the Cross (Pagan and Christian), the properties of stones, rings, divination, numbers, the Kabbalah, ancient astrology, etc., with twenty-two plates and three hundred illustrations in the text.
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13: The Story of the World's Most Notorious Superstition
13 draws on history and the range of contemporary superstitions; in so doing, it touches on the fate of mythmaking in general. 13 answers the following questions, among others: When did the 13 superstition begin, and why? Why is Spain divided over whether Tuesday the 13th or Friday the 13th is the traditional unlucky 13th day? What other number superstitions exist in other cultures? Which is the only major hotel in New York City that has a 13th floor? What are the top three conspiracy theories about unlucky 13? What is the Thirteen Club, and why did it count three U.S. presidents among its members?
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Very Superstitious!
Is Your Birthday on Halloween?
* Halloween babies will enjoy lifelong protection against evil spirits.
* There is an American myth that states that children born on Halloween will be protected against evil spirits their entire life and will be given the gift of second sight.
* It is believed that anyone born on Halloween can see, hear, and talk to spirits.
* If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck. Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names.
Lucky Birthday Stones
Birthstones, Gems and Charms
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byAnimal Superstitions
There are many superstitions and myths concerning animals... especially on Halloween. And some of them are just weird.* People would become frightened when they heard an owl hooting because they believed it would swoop down and eat them or steal their soul away. To protect themselves, they would turn their pockets inside out and this would keep them safe.
* Snails were used to predict the first initial of your sweetheart. Basically, catch a snail and lock it in a flat dish, then check in the morning for what inital the snail's slime has made.
* If you see a spider on Halloween, it could be the spirit of a dead loved one who is watching you.
* It was believed that if a bat flew into your house that there was a ghost there as well. In fact, it was possible that the ghost let the bat in!
* Owls apparently are the only creatures that can live with ghosts, so if an owl is found nesting in an abandoned house, the place must be haunted.
* It was thought that if you killed a black cat on Halloween it would bring you 7 years of bad luck.
Black Cats and April Fools: Origins of Old Wives Tales and Superstitions in Our Daily Lives
An intriguing look at the origins of some of our most popular superstitions and old wives tales. We've all touched wood to ward off misfortune, or seen a bride throw a bouquet over her head at a wedding, but how often do we stop to consider where such customs originate, or why they endure? Behind many of our daily rituals and beliefs lies a fascinating history of weird and wonderful notions, some rational, others fanciful.
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Superstitions About Animals
Mr. Gibson's sole object in writing this little book was to do something towards arousing a more general interest in a subject which has at no time obtained the attention it deserves. Yet there is no subject which so fully repays the thoughtful student as that of natural history. In bringing together some of the most common superstitions about animals and dealing with them in a light and popular way, he trusts his object will in some measure be attained.
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Planet Cat: A CAT-alog
Here is the cat's meow: a lively, entertaining, one-of-a-kind assemblage of more than 400 lists on all things cat. It's all here, from the origins of the species to care and training to breeds and behavior to famous cats in history, art, and literature.
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Halloween T-Shirts, Mugs, Cards, and More
See what Cafepress has in store for you...
Black Cat Bar Dark T-Shirt
Black Cat Bar - Leave your superstitions at the door. Black cat Lounge, Bar, Tavern, t-shirts, hats, stcikers and more. New designs added often.
Black Cats Clock
Black cats crawling on rooftops with their back arched make for catty fun on halloween or any time. halloween cat decor. Black cat decor.
Superstitions Video
Do you know all these superstitions?
Superstitions
A Film On Superstitions. Enjoy. Find Info In The Credits
Runtime: 9:25
1025 views
10 Comments:
What Does Your Future Hold?
* If you're female and you'd like to see your future husband in a dream, then just place a sprig of rosemary and a silver sixpence under your pillow on Halloween night.
* If you go to a crossroads at Halloween and listen to the wind, you will learn all the most important things that will befall you during the next twelve months.
* By looking into a well at 11am on Halloween day, you will learn of what your future holds.
* The first person to bite an apple while bobbing for apples will be the first to marry.
* Peel an apple from top to bottom in one continuous peeling then toss if over your shoulder. The apple peel should then give you the first initial of your sweetheart.
* When a young woman would like to know whom she would marry, she would eat an apple at midnight then sit in front of her mirror in candlelight brushing her hair. As she peered into the mirror over her left shoulder, she was suppose to see the face of her future husband.
You can find more games and rituals involving fortune telling games by following these links:
Bobbing For Apples: Prophecy and Divination Games Using Apples
Knowing Your Future: Fortune Telling Party Games
Halloween Games: Divination With Nuts
Gypsy Culture and The Tools of Divination
Books and Movies Involving Superstitions
Little Giant Encyclopedia: Superstitions (Little Giant Encyclopedia)
Though we may say we don't believe in superstitions, they have an unmistakable power...and to be on the safe side, most of us secretly knock wood, don't walk under ladders, and avoid opening that umbrella indoors. Broken up into categories such as animals, astrology, dreams, and flowers, this fascinating dictionary will alert you to thousands of beliefs, omens, and proverbs that you may never have known.
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Bizarre Superstitions: The World's Wackiest Proverbs, Rituals and Beliefs
Every culture has its own special superstitions, strange beliefs, quirky omens, baffling maxims, and unique proverbs. A good many of them are collected here in this small, handy, and attractive book, along with interpretations of their meaning and fascinating background on their history. The entries come from almost every country and include such subjects as Seafarers, Armies, Tradesmen, Historical Figures, and Animals.
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History's Mysteries - Superstitions (History Channel)
Knock wood as we whisk back in time to uncover the origins of our common superstitions. Early man tried to control nature's mysteries by creating rituals to appease the gods. Yet as civilization grew, even more rituals and talismans were needed in response to uncertain times. But why today do we still rub that lucky rabbit foot?
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The Haunted History of Halloween (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
Hosted by Harry Smith. It tells the history of Halloween dating from the time of the Druidic festival of Samhain 3000 years ago right up to the 20th century.
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The Unexplained: Superstitions
Few suspicions are as widely held as belief in the power of the number 13. Tall buildings often skip from the 12th to the 14th floor, hospitals never have a room 13 and every Friday the 13th billions of dollars of loss in trade and commerce are lost worldwide. But while its influence is clear the origins for this peculiar fear are not so evident. SUPERSTITIONS travels from the civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome into space on the trail of this pervasive belief.
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More Ancient Myths, Omens and Legends
It just goes on... and on... and on...
Do not to go hunting on Halloween night as you may injure a wandering spirit.Don't look at your shadow in the moonlight or you will be the next to haunt a graveyard
If you hear foot steps behind you on this night, don't look back. It may be the dead following you. Turning back could mean that you will soon join the dead.
It is best not to sit under a Hawthorn tree on All Hallows Eve. If you do, you might become enchanted and carried away by the fairies.
Want to meet a witch? Put your clothes on inside out and go for a walk backwards.
When you begin a journey on Halloween, be sure to finish it before sunset or you may not reach your destination. If you can not complete your journey, then be sure to carry a piece of bread sprinkled with salt in your pocket to ensure that witches will stay away.
If you are out walking late at night on Halloween and you should hear footsteps behind you, it is said that you should not look back for it may be the dead following you. If you do look behind you and see the undead, you will die within the year.
Be sure to sprinkle salt and oatmeal on your child's head on Halloween night to keep them from being possessed.
Halloween News On The Web
Let's see what's cooking for October 31st
- Adults Stepping Up Halloween Celebrations And Spending
- Adults are taking part more and more in Halloween festivities, including dressing up, which is good news for retailers. And a National Federation survey ...
- Obama masks outselling McCain's likeness at local Halloween stores
- Political candidates have been going door-to-door for decades, but you'll likely see more Barack Obamas than John McCains this Halloween. ...
- Halloween trick robs neighborhood of display
- James Wilcox works on the Halloween graveyard in his Dufour Street yard on Friday. Wilcox is going forward with his annual haunted house despite the theft ...
- Presidential candidates agree on favorite Halloween costume ...
- Obama maintains Halloween should be scary on "Nick News with Linda Ellerbee: Kids Pick the President" (today, 9 pm, Nickelodeon). ...
My Squidoo Halloween
- Halloween Treat Recipes For Ghouls and Goblins
- When it comes time for that special day of trick-or-treating, there's no trick in creating yummy Halloween treats. Whether you are looking to hand out something different this year, or if you're searching for creepy treats and snacks for a Halloween party, you'll certainly find something here to keep your visiting ghouls from getting hungry (always a good thing!)
- Spooky Fun With Halloween Cards
- This was a time when a showcase of stylistic graphic designs appeared on Halloween greeting cards, post cards, invitations, and decorations. Explore vintage Halloween cards and download printable templates to make your own.
What are your superstions?
Let others know what your favorite Halloween superstition is or just comment on this lens. If you like it a lot, I'd love for you to rate it, lensroll it, or link to it. Thanks for stopping by!
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stargazer00
I especially love the black cat prints. Very nice lens! 5* and another lensroll to my Halloween lens. Posted July 05, 2008 |
