INI

Major Global Superstitions and Folklore - INI

Major global superstitions and folklore have evolved over centuries from ancient beliefs, religious influences, historical events, and practical warnings. From widely known Western superstitions such as black cats, broken mirrors, and walking under ladders to country-specific customs, this collection explores the fascinating belief systems woven from culture and history.

superstition folklore culture history religion witchcraft ethnology

[item.black-cat]
code=01
slug=black-cat
name=Black Cat
description=Superstition that a black cat crossing one's path brings bad luck; in some regions considered good luck.
luck=mixed
origin=Medieval Europe (13th century)
type=Animal

[item.broken-mirror]
code=02
slug=broken-mirror
name=Broken Mirror
description=Superstition that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.
luck=bad
origin=Ancient Rome
type=Object/Action

[item.walking-under-ladder]
code=03
slug=walking-under-ladder
name=Walking Under a Ladder
description=Superstition that walking under a ladder brings misfortune.
luck=bad
origin=Medieval Europe
type=Action

[item.friday-13th]
code=04
slug=friday-13th
name=Friday the 13th
description=Superstition that Friday the 13th is the unluckiest day.
luck=bad
origin=19th century France
type=Date/Number

[item.number-13]
code=05
slug=number-13
name=Number 13
description=The number 13 is considered unlucky.
luck=bad
origin=Ancient Norse/Biblical
type=Number

[item.itchy-palm]
code=06
slug=itchy-palm
name=Itchy Palm
description=Superstition that an itchy palm means money is coming.
luck=good
origin=English-speaking countries
type=Body

[item.spilled-salt]
code=07
slug=spilled-salt
name=Spilled Salt
description=Superstition that spilling salt brings bad luck, but throwing salt over the shoulder prevents it.
luck=bad
origin=Ancient Rome/Europe
type=Object/Action

[item.knock-on-wood]
code=08
slug=knock-on-wood
name=Knock on Wood
description=Superstition that knocking on wood after saying something negative prevents misfortune.
luck=good
origin=Ancient Celtic/Europe
type=Action

[item.four-leaf-clover]
code=09
slug=four-leaf-clover
name=Four-Leaf Clover
description=The four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck.
luck=good
origin=Celtic/Ireland
type=Plant

[item.horseshoe]
code=10
slug=horseshoe
name=Horseshoe
description=The horseshoe is a symbol of good luck and protection.
luck=good
origin=Europe
type=Object

[item.three-people-photo]
code=11
slug=three-people-photo
name=Photo of Three People
description=Superstition that the person in the middle of a three-person photo will die early.
luck=bad
origin=Asia/Worldwide
type=Action

[item.shoes-on-table]
code=12
slug=shoes-on-table
name=Shoes on Table
description=Superstition that placing shoes on a table brings bad luck or death.
luck=bad
origin=Britain/Europe
type=Action