XML

Major Global Superstitions and Folklore - XML

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

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<items>
  <item>
    <code>01</code>
    <slug>black-cat</slug>
    <name>Black Cat</name>
    <description>Superstition that a black cat crossing one&apos;s path brings bad luck; in some regions considered good luck.</description>
    <luck>mixed</luck>
    <origin>Medieval Europe (13th century)</origin>
    <type>Animal</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>02</code>
    <slug>broken-mirror</slug>
    <name>Broken Mirror</name>
    <description>Superstition that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.</description>
    <luck>bad</luck>
    <origin>Ancient Rome</origin>
    <type>Object/Action</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>03</code>
    <slug>walking-under-ladder</slug>
    <name>Walking Under a Ladder</name>
    <description>Superstition that walking under a ladder brings misfortune.</description>
    <luck>bad</luck>
    <origin>Medieval Europe</origin>
    <type>Action</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>04</code>
    <slug>friday-13th</slug>
    <name>Friday the 13th</name>
    <description>Superstition that Friday the 13th is the unluckiest day.</description>
    <luck>bad</luck>
    <origin>19th century France</origin>
    <type>Date/Number</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>05</code>
    <slug>number-13</slug>
    <name>Number 13</name>
    <description>The number 13 is considered unlucky.</description>
    <luck>bad</luck>
    <origin>Ancient Norse/Biblical</origin>
    <type>Number</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>06</code>
    <slug>itchy-palm</slug>
    <name>Itchy Palm</name>
    <description>Superstition that an itchy palm means money is coming.</description>
    <luck>good</luck>
    <origin>English-speaking countries</origin>
    <type>Body</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>07</code>
    <slug>spilled-salt</slug>
    <name>Spilled Salt</name>
    <description>Superstition that spilling salt brings bad luck, but throwing salt over the shoulder prevents it.</description>
    <luck>bad</luck>
    <origin>Ancient Rome/Europe</origin>
    <type>Object/Action</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>08</code>
    <slug>knock-on-wood</slug>
    <name>Knock on Wood</name>
    <description>Superstition that knocking on wood after saying something negative prevents misfortune.</description>
    <luck>good</luck>
    <origin>Ancient Celtic/Europe</origin>
    <type>Action</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>09</code>
    <slug>four-leaf-clover</slug>
    <name>Four-Leaf Clover</name>
    <description>The four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck.</description>
    <luck>good</luck>
    <origin>Celtic/Ireland</origin>
    <type>Plant</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>10</code>
    <slug>horseshoe</slug>
    <name>Horseshoe</name>
    <description>The horseshoe is a symbol of good luck and protection.</description>
    <luck>good</luck>
    <origin>Europe</origin>
    <type>Object</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>11</code>
    <slug>three-people-photo</slug>
    <name>Photo of Three People</name>
    <description>Superstition that the person in the middle of a three-person photo will die early.</description>
    <luck>bad</luck>
    <origin>Asia/Worldwide</origin>
    <type>Action</type>
  </item>
  <item>
    <code>12</code>
    <slug>shoes-on-table</slug>
    <name>Shoes on Table</name>
    <description>Superstition that placing shoes on a table brings bad luck or death.</description>
    <luck>bad</luck>
    <origin>Britain/Europe</origin>
    <type>Action</type>
  </item>
</items>