When you believe in things that you don't understand ...

[the_dark_snack]

Growing up I wasn't subjected to too many superstitions. Friday the 13th was just another day on the calendar. I walked under ladders, stepped on cracks, broke mirrors, etc. without a care in the world or knowledge of their supposed repercussions

Comments

[adoptedwriter]

My mom is all about throwing salt over your shoulder if you spill some. AW

[the_dark_snack]

I've heard that one but exactly which shoulder to use has been a point of contention.

[shake_the_stars]

At our house, the Five Second Rule is more a joke than anything else - it's kind of shorthand for "fuck it, I'm going to eat this anyway". I'd never heard of the wishing on hay thing, though - that's pretty interesting! (I guess technically you can wish on anything, if you really want to.)

[kagomeshuko]

That's how I've always used it, too. Although, I think some people don't get that that is how I'm using it.

[the_dark_snack]

LOL!

[the_dark_snack]

It's fun to hear other people's thoughts on this.

[p_m_cryan]

My semi-daughter and I had a conversation last night about some habits which could seem like superstitions, like saying "bread and butter" when passing someone going the opposite direction.

The one I can't figure out is why I subconsciously feel the need to tap my spoon three times on the rim of my mug after stirring sugar into tea or coffee.

[the_dark_snack]

I think you should take that tapping thing up with Sheldon.

Knock, Knock, Knock, Penny!
Knock, Knock, Knock, Penny!
Knock, Knock, Knock, Penny!

[p_m_cryan]

Hee!!!

[kagomeshuko]

I've never been a superstitious person and I was completely confused the first time I ever heard "knock on wood." Honestly, I still don't completely understand since I've never looked up what it means and the reason for it.

[the_dark_snack]

I looked it up and it appears to be an amalgam of multiple superstitions. I figured it was a Druidic thing and maybe a version of the Jewish tradition of the Mezuzah.

[kagomeshuko]

Interesting!

[eska818]

While I know there are some of you out there recoiling in horror at this disclosure

Not at my house! I do the same thing - if I can rinse it off, it gets used. I drop raw chicken on the floor all the time! XD

I liked the ending of this piece, it really tied the whole thing together for me - it seemed like it was just waxing poetic about superstitions, but I liked coming to the end and finding the concept of treating people's beliefs with respect and an open mind.

[the_dark_snack]

Thanks!

I mentioned the because I had a germophobe aunt that would refuse to eat something if she saw you touch it or taste it and put the spoon back in.

One time she was nagging me during dinner and I told her, "Leave me alone or I'll touch your food."