folklore & superstition library

 

Folklore and Superstition covers the topics of good luck, bad luck and uncommon wisdom. Discover more about topics like conspiracy theories, urban legends or voodoo.

Featured Article:  How Friday the 13th Works

Like many human beliefs, the fear of Friday the 13th (known as paraskevidekatriaphobia) isn't exactly grounded in scientific logic. But that doesn't stop us from feeling that it's "unlucky." See more »

How Conspiracy Theories Work

How Conspiracy Theories Work

Conspiracy theories are often ridiculous explanations for a disputed case or matter. There are conspiracy theories about everything from aliens to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America. Find out how these theories get started in this article.

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How Friday the 13th Works

How Friday the 13th Works

Like many human beliefs, the fear of Friday the 13th (known as paraskevidekatriaphobia) isn't exactly grounded in scientific logic. But that doesn't stop us from feeling that it's "unlucky."

See more »
How Murphy's Law Works

How Murphy's Law Works

The idiom says whatever can go wrong will go wrong. Is it the mysterious power of Murphy's Law, or is it simply people who give the law relevance?

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How Urban Legends Work

How Urban Legends Work

OK, so a good friend of mine was driving down the highway and he picked up this hitchhiker… Urban legends are the basis for some truly spooky ghost stories. See how the tales get started and how they make their way to you.

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Why are fishermen superstitious of bananas?

Why are fishermen superstitious of bananas?

Before you board the crab boat for your first fishing gig, the captain tells you to ditch the suitcase and the banana. This is deadly work. Are you really going to argue with superstition?

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9 Legends of American Folklore

From Johnny Appleseed to Paul Bunyan, figures of American folklore continue to inspire and engage. Before the invention on radio and television, people created these characters to help people cope with hard times. Learn more about these legendary figures.

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Why is it considered unlucky when the thirteenth day in a month falls on a Friday?

We have all heard that anytime the thirteenth day of the month falls on a Friday that it is considered an unlucky day. Where did this notion come from? Find out the answer to that question in this article.

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Someone told me that if there are 20 people in a room there's a 50/50 chance that two of them will have the same birthday. How can that be?

Someone told me that if there are 20 people in a room, there's a 50/50 chance that two of them will have the same birthday. How can such a small group have two people with the same birthday in it?

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