Folklore & Superstition

Baseball players have many superstitions to help them win, and some of them aren't exactly what you'd call hygienic — like spitting on their bats.

By Debra Ronca

Every culture has its own unique superstitions, most of which probably seem a little odd to outsiders. In Korea, for example, there’s the fear of death by fan.

By Debra Ronca

You might be tempted to pluck your gray hairs, but you shouldn't -- and not for the reason that you might think.

By Debra Ronca

Leaving fresh fruit out overnight could definitely have some rotten consequences, but turning into a vampire isn't likely.

By Debra Ronca

There are numerous superstitions that we unthinkingly adhere to, such as walking under a ladder. But why is it supposed to be so unlucky?

By Debra Ronca

Make a wish as you blow out your birthday candles, and it might just come true. Learn 10 more wacky birthday superstitions at HowStuffWorks.

By Bambi Turner

What's your lucky number? Would it jinx you if you told us? It's a funny thing, but whether for cultural, regional or religious reasons, we humans tend to put a lot of hope — and a little fear — into numbers.

By Bambi Turner & Desiree Bowie

While that witches brew seemingly comprised of bizarre animal body parts sounds scary and gross, odds are you've actually put "eye of newt" on a hot dog at some point. Learn why witches used frightening terms for common herbs, flowers, and plants.

By Debra Ronca

Triskaidekaphobia, or, fear of the number 13, comes in many forms, but in restaurants, it means that a "table for 13" will result in a death of one of the diners. Learn about the origins of this superstition, and skeptics' amusing counterarguments.

By Debra Ronca

The mysteries surrounding the U.S. government's Area 51 have been revealed to be mostly mundane, but that hasn't prevented a bevy of believers from coming up with outlandish theories about the secret desert base.

By Patrick J. Kiger

While it might be strange today to show up at a baby shower with a giant wheel of cheese, this wasn't always the case. Find out how "groaning cheese" came to be a symbol of good luck when celebrating a newborn's arrival into the world.

By Debra Ronca

Superstitions come in all shapes and sizes. On the credibility scale, it's unlikely that stepping on a crack will break your mother's back or that your soul will escape when you sneeze, but some superstitions might actually have a basis in reality.

By Bambi Turner

Perhaps because it is such a rare occurrence, when a baby is born with a piece of the amniotic sac still attached to its head or face, it's seen as a sign of good luck in many cultures.

By Debra Ronca

Jeffrey Dahmer, Albert DeSalvo, Aileen Wuornos: all serial killers, and three of many with 13 letters in their names. Coincidence or is there a link between murder and the maligned number 13?

By Debra Ronca

Through a mix of the superstitions of the past and the sexism of today, some believe that being a bridesmaid three times leads to becoming "an old maid." How did this matrimonial myth develop, and why does it persist?

By Debra Ronca

If you're a smoker traveling through Europe, you might get dirty looks when trying to light a cigarette with a candle. What are the origins of this seafaring superstition, and how is it rooted in the off-season work sailors did to make ends meet?

By Debra Ronca

Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse are just a small sample of the dozens of famous musicians who passed on to "the great gig in the sky" at the age of 27. Is 27 a "cursed age," or is it part of a larger trend for many who play music?

By Debra Ronca

Toasting is an important part of many celebrations. Learn why it's bad luck to toast with water or an empty glass at HowStuffWorks.

By Laurie L. Dove

In the play "Macbeth," almost everyone dies. It's not exactly a comedy. But the curse hovering over The Bard's work isn't about the plot — although murder does play a part.

By Laurie L. Dove

Carrying around an animal's body part is pretty creepy. But many people don't bat an eyelash at the idea that a rabbit's foot brings good fortune — for humans, anyway.

By Laurie L. Dove & Sascha Bos

You're not supposed to cry over spilled milk. But a broken mirror? That's another matter. Will breaking a mirror really heap misfortune upon your head?

By Laurie L. Dove & Sascha Bos

If you're one of the clueless citizens who's laid a hat on a bed, welcome to the club. Apparently, we've all doomed ourselves to evil spirits as guests. According to this superstition, anyway.

By Laurie L. Dove

Giving flowers is a thoughtful and appreciated gesture in all cultures. But if you're looking to brighten someone's day, you might want to avoid giving an even number of flowers.

By Debra Ronca

Perhaps you've heard it's unlucky to light three cigarettes with one match. It might not seem unlucky — in fact, it seems downright practical. So why is it considered a bad omen?

By Debra Ronca

Many people believe that a handshake from a chimney sweep brings good luck, even though the history of the chimney sweep is actually quite dark (or sooty, if you will). How did the chimney sweep become a good luck charm?

By Debra Ronca