Folklore & Superstition

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

Gifting knives has long been considered bad luck. Learn about the superstitions behind the knife gift.

By Laurie L. Dove

The price of oil, the weather, the United Nations and pop music are all controlled by one malevolent force - the Illuminati. Or so some people believe. How did an imaginary group get so big?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Friday the 13th, a black cat crossing your path and a four-leafed clover are all common superstitions. But have you heard about double-yolked eggs?

By Alison Cooper & Desiree Bowie

Just like workers in any field, Mafia members are changing with the times and running some old schemes in new ways. What businesses does the Mob have its hooks in, and how does it maintain control?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus & Melissa Phipps

It's tempting to think that the only way your favorite team (or athlete) could lose is because of some funny business from the other side. And sometimes you'd be right. Here are 10 sports conspiracy theories that could totally have happened.

By Dave Roos

Although the U.S. government has been found guilty of spying on its citizens or wasting tax money on dubious projects, does that mean it would intentionally fake the moon landing, conduct alien autopsies or put its citizens in FEMA camps?

By Alia Hoyt

During World War II, a U.S. ship mysteriously disappeared in Virginia and reappeared suddenly in Philadelphia, with some crewmen embedded in the ship's hull. What was the Philadephia Experiment all about?

By Dave Roos

For centuries, treasure hunters have explored Oak Island in the hopes of discovering pirate gold - or Marie Antoinette's jewels, Shakespeare's manuscripts or even the Ark of the Covenant. What's the scoop with this so-called "Money Pit"?

By Jane McGrath