Folklore & Superstition

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

Have you ever watched a baseball no-hitter in progress and wondered why nobody would talk about it? Blame superstition, and this is a big one — it holds that talking about a no-hitter is bad luck.

By Debra Ronca

If you spill some salt while you're cooking, you might fear a wave of oncoming bad luck. Why is toppling over some salt an omen of misfortune?

By Debra Ronca

Much like wishing upon a star, tugging on a wishbone or other wish-related rituals, a loose eyelash could be a direct route to your deepest desire -- if you believe, that is.

By Laurie L. Dove

Sláinte! Prost! Bottoms up! These are just a few of the toasts given worldwide with a glass of alcohol in hand. What brilliant mind came up with the tradition in the first place? And why?

By Laurie L. Dove

In Beijing, it's not possible to get a vehicle license plate that has the number 4 on it. Some cultures take their numbers phobia very seriously. What's the deal with 4?

By Laurie L. Dove

In many cultures, it's considered vital that your feet face away from the bedroom door as you sleep. And it's not because they're sweaty or stinky, or because you need to be prepared for a quick exit.

By Laurie L. Dove

A baby shower means an infant is soon to arrive -- and, usually, that the parents-to-be are ready to welcome gifts from friends and family. In Jewish culture, prepping for baby's arrival is done a little differently.

By Laurie L. Dove

Legend has it that mermaids bring bad luck to sailors, luring boats off course with their feminine wiles. So why is it considered good luck to have a mermaid figurehead on the prow of a ship?

By Debra Ronca

Women used to be banned from working on boats and ships because they caused bad luck. What's the reason behind this superstition — and why were topless women considered OK?

By Debra Ronca

When you wish for continued good luck, you might find yourself rapping your knuckles on the nearest table or piece of wood. Why does knocking on wood have anything to do with luck?

By Debra Ronca & Desiree Bowie

Most Americans probably couldn't name their state tree off the top of their heads. But if you're from Ohio, we bet you could. Why is it considered good luck to have a buckeye nut in your pocket?

By Debra Ronca

You close your eyes over your birthday cake, make a wish and take a deep breath. Everything is riding on this solitary exhale. Why do we think it's bad luck not to blow out all the birthday candles in one breath?

By Laurie L. Dove

Generations of pedestrians have avoided stepping on cracks to prevent their poor mothers' backs from being broken. Is there a reason for this practice, or is it just another baseless superstition?

By Laurie L. Dove

Everyone knows you're not supposed to open an umbrella indoors. Explore the history behind this long-held superstition.

By Laurie L. Dove

That uncomfortable, frightened, jittery feeling known as "the willies" is probably a familiar one. How did "the willies" get its name?

By Laurie L. Dove

About one out of every 10,000 clovers in a patch has four leaves. How do you increase your odds of finding a lucky one in a sea of three-leaf clovers?

By Laurie L. Dove

You've probably tossed dozens of coins into various fountains over the years. What happens to all that money?

By Laurie L. Dove