1. Why is Friday the 13th considered an unlucky day?
The belief that the 13th, which falls on Friday, brings bad luck, probably arose due to a rather loose reading of the Old Testament. According to this source, it was on this day that Cain committed fratricide. Over the past time, the number 13 has acquired so many speculations that it has become considered a symbol of trouble and failure. Confirmation of the theory of the “fatal” number is also found in the New Testament. For example, there were 13 participants at the Last Supper, and Judas’s vile act was first reported in chapter 13.
The fear of the number 13 is quite widespread. For example, in a number of countries there are no rooms No. 13 in hospitals. Hotels also try not to assign such a number to apartments. Politicians are also no strangers to superstitions; in particular, Franklin Roosevelt did not start important affairs if the 13th day was on the calendar.
2. Why is it prohibited to pass any things over the threshold?
Surely everyone knows the sign that you cannot say hello or pass any things across the threshold. But what is this strange belief based on? It turns out that in ancient times, the ashes of departed ancestors were buried under the threshold, therefore, by performing some actions on the threshold, the residents could disturb the peace of the deceased, which, of course, did not bode well. In addition, the threshold of the house is a kind of border separating two worlds and symbolizing the separation of the world of the living from the world of the dead.
3. Why does returning halfway threaten failure?
This sign is based on the belief that the threshold of a house is a kind of boundary between worlds. If a person leaves home, but does not achieve his goal, but returns halfway, then his spiritual strength weakens, and unpleasant surprises may await him on the threshold in the form of offended spirits of ancestors who were disturbed in vain or even in the form of negative entities that strive to penetrate our world. To neutralize the negative impact, the belief recommends looking in the mirror before leaving the house again, in this case the spiritual power reflected by the glass will double, and the person will not be in any danger.
4. Why is giving a watch considered bad luck?
This superstition came to Europe from China, where a watch presented as a gift is considered something worse than an invitation to a funeral. Our belief has undergone some changes, since it is believed that a given watch counts down the period of friendship with the recipient. Although in some places they continue to believe that donated watches measure the time remaining to live. It is not difficult to neutralize the effect of this sign; it is enough to give any small coin in return for the gifted watch. This way, it will be considered that the watch was not a gift, but purchased, and the gift will not have any negative impact.
5. Why don’t they celebrate their fortieth anniversary?
The custom of not celebrating the fortieth anniversary, especially for men, is associated not only with the mystical fortieth day after death, which is fatal in all religions. But it is also common practice in Kievan Rus to carry out “tests” for the incorruptibility of relics. It was forty days that were allowed to make sure that the relics would remain incorruptible.
For these two reasons, celebrating a fortieth birthday is considered to be disrespectful of death. Many believe that ignoring signs can bring various failures, illnesses and even premature departure to another world to the hero of the day.
6. Why is it considered a good sign to “sit on the path”?
This superstition was born at a time when people believed that the world was inhabited by a variety of spirits. Thus, the spirits of the house are not very happy when one of the household members goes on a journey, they can cling to the departing person, interfere with him on his way and try to bring him back. It is clear that the trip will not go well in such company. Therefore, counteraction was invented when everyone present sits down on the path. Household spirits, seeing that people are sitting quietly and not going anywhere, lose their vigilance and are distracted; at this time, the traveler will be able to hit the road without unnecessary “baggage” in the form of stubborn entities. By the way, house spirits may be offended by such deception, so it is considered extremely undesirable to return home halfway. , in particular, there are modern fences that are absolutely safe in this regard.
It must be said that this sign also has a purely practical meaning, because it is useful for everyone before a long journey to sit down and collect their thoughts, so as not to miss something important in the rush to get ready.
7. Why is it not allowed to eat from a knife?
It is believed that if you eat from a knife, you will become cruel and evil. Where did this belief come from? The fact is that a knife is one of the first tools of a person, with the help of which he could get food for himself and protect his life. Therefore, this object was not just a tool, but also a thing with a sacred meaning. Such an important item was endowed with special magical properties and was used not only for practical purposes, but also in various rituals. Using a knife for such a prosaic action as eating was considered blasphemy, since the spirits could be angry for such obvious disrespect.
In addition, the requirement not to eat from a knife has the most rational explanation, because acting in this way can cut your lips.
8. Why can’t you pick up coins and things at an intersection?
A crossroads is a place where roads converge, as well as a symbol of the intersection of parallel existing worlds. Therefore, the crossroads have long served as a place for various rituals, and not all of them are aimed at bringing good to the world. For example, there are rituals that allow you to “translate” life’s troubles or illnesses into some objects, then these things are supposed to be thrown at a crossroads, where evil spirits can pick them up. Therefore, it is prohibited to pick up any objects at an intersection, because this way you can take away other people’s failures or illnesses. Moreover, the more valuable an item is found at an intersection, the more serious trouble the person who picks it up can incur.
9. Why is it forbidden to walk with one shoe on?
The sign says that anyone who allows himself to walk around wearing only one shoe (slippers, boots, shoes) will become orphaned early. After all, the Holy Book says that “every creature should have a pair.” Paired items, including shoes, are a symbol of unity, therefore, by separating them, a person separates those who gave birth to him, that is, his own parents. It would be good if the family simply fell apart, that is, the parents divorced, and everyone began to build their own lives. But if love reigns in a couple, then only death can separate them.
10. Why can’t you take out the trash after it gets dark outside?
This sign has many interpretations. For example, it is believed that there will be unpleasant gossip about those who take out the trash late at night. This belief has a completely rational explanation, because it is unlikely that someone who has nothing to hide will take out the trash exclusively under the cover of darkness. So, by regularly staying late to remove waste, a person provides fodder for discussion among curious neighbors.
Another interpretation is that by taking out the trash at night, a person takes out his luck and prosperity with it. This belief was probably born out of the belief in household spirits. The good night spirits of the house should enter the home at sunset. But they will only come to where they were expected and prepared, that is, they cleaned the rooms and took out the waste. If the owners were careless and did not prepare the house on time, then after sunset it is useless to restore order, since the good spirits went to stay with more tidy homeowners.

Signs after and during funerals have been observed for hundreds of years. It is believed that neglecting them can lead to unpleasant consequences, even causing damage to oneself.

In the article:

Signs after the funeral, before and during burial

There are many signs that prescribe to the relatives of the deceased and everyone else who came to see him off on his last journey, how to behave at the funeral, and what not to do. Some of them were lost in the past and have not survived to this day, but many signs associated with funerals are observed to this day.

Failure to comply with most superstitions and signs can lead to serious consequences - from illness to death. The energy of death is very heavy, and it does not forgive mistakes. Therefore, try to remember and follow the signs during the funeral.

In the past, everyone knew and followed. Modern people think little about how to properly organize a burial and what to do in general. It is difficult to find a representative of modern youth who would have such knowledge, so what happens during the burial is usually monitored by older people. But this does not mean that you do not need to adopt this experience.

Superstitions associated with funerals - in the house

Even during the existence of numerous funeral parlors, a considerable part of organizational issues lies with the relatives of the deceased person. There are many points to consider.

The deceased should not be left alone, not only in the house, but even in the room. Someone should always be near the coffin. There are many reasons for this. Items associated with the deceased have great magical power. Sometimes those who need these things for rituals try to steal them. Care should be taken to ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands. The Church believes that the soul of the deceased needs prayer support, so you need to read the psalms and. In addition, leaving it unattended is disrespectful.

There is another reason for this. The eyes of the deceased may open, and the one on whom his gaze falls will soon die. In order to prevent this, there must be someone near the coffin who will close the eyes of the dead person in case they open.

You might be interested in the article: signs if.

Immediately after death, all mirror surfaces should be covered with an opaque cloth. This is necessary so that the soul of the deceased does not fall into the mirror world instead of the afterlife. The mirrors are not opened for forty days, because all this time the spirit is in its native places.

The piece of furniture on which the coffin rested should be turned upside down when it is taken to the cemetery. You can put it back only after a day has passed. If you ignore such a sign, the deceased may return as a spirit. To prevent the accumulation of negative energy of death, an ax should be placed in the place of the coffin.

Under no circumstances should photographs be placed with the deceased, otherwise those depicted on them will die. This way you can cause damage and drive the enemy away from the world. However, this does not apply to photographs of those who have already died (for example, the parents of the deceased).

The water used to wash the deceased is poured out in deserted places. This way you will prevent its use in magic, because such water is not used for good deeds. Everything that was associated with the dead - a comb, soap used for washing, tourniquets, for tying hands and similar things - is placed in the coffin. They use such things only to cause damage.

When the deceased's legs feel warm until the burial, this is a harbinger of the imminent death of someone living in the house. To avoid this, the dead person should be appeased by placing bread and salt in the coffin.

While there is a deceased person in the house, you cannot sweep it away, so you can “sweep out” everyone who lives here into the cemetery. But when he is taken away to be buried, a person must remain who will sweep and wash the floor in order to drive death out of the home. Tools for such cleaning are immediately taken out of the room and thrown away somewhere; they cannot be stored or used.

You should definitely leave a new handkerchief in the coffin so that the deceased has something to wipe away sweat during the trial. Glasses, dentures and similar things should also be placed inside the coffin - personal items should go to another world along with the owner.

If a funeral is taking place near you and one of your family members is sleeping, be sure to wake them up, because the soul of the deceased can enter the sleeping person. Not all dead people calmly accept the fact that they can no longer live and try to remain in the world of the living. You should especially worry about children and keep them awake during the funeral. And if your baby is eating at this time, put water under the cradle.

Dogs and cats are not allowed into the room where the coffin is located. They may disturb his spirit. Jumped into a coffin. Howls and meows frighten the dead.

Fir branches are placed near the threshold of the house with the deceased so that relatives and friends who came to honor the memory do not carry death into their home.

You cannot sleep in a room with a deceased person. If this happens, you need to eat noodles for breakfast in the morning.

Only widows wash the dead. You need to wash and put on clean clothes before the body cools down. But after such an activity, you can do a ritual so that your hands never freeze. To do this, a small fire is lit from the wood chips and other wooden remains from which the coffin was made, and all participants in the washing warm their hands over it.

Why you can't watch a funeral through a window

If a funeral is taking place near you, you cannot look out the window, otherwise you will follow. There is such a sign, but few people know exactly why you can’t look through the window at a funeral. It is believed that for some time the soul of the deceased remains next to the body, which, as is known, is in the coffin during the funeral. She experiences discomfort from staring closely through the window glass, and even if a person who is good and kind in every sense is buried, his spirit can take revenge for such impoliteness.

It is known how the spirit of the deceased can take revenge - dragging it with it to the world of the dead. Old people claim that if you look out the window at a funeral or a deceased person in general, you can get seriously ill. This disease can be fatal. This belief especially concerns children, whose energy protection is weaker than that of adults. A vengeful spirit will be able to deal with a child much faster.

If a glance at the deceased was accidental, which is not at all uncommon, in the old days they immediately looked away and made the sign of the cross three times, and also mentally wished the Kingdom of Heaven to the deceased and prayed for his soul. If you have a desire to watch the funeral procession, you need to go outside your apartment door or gate and watch from the street. Many people have such a desire, and there is nothing wrong with sympathizing with even a stranger.

Bad omens at funerals - on the street and in the cemetery

Under no circumstances should you cross the path of a funeral procession. As a rule, those who do not follow this rule will face a serious illness. It’s difficult to allow something like this to happen.

Some believe that if you cross the path of a funeral procession, you can die for the same reasons that the one who was buried died.

If the grave is dug too large, this could threaten the death of another family member. A similar meaning is attached to a coffin lid forgotten in the house. This should not be allowed.

Relatives cannot carry the coffin. This should be done by friends, colleagues, neighbors or people from the funeral agency - anyone except relatives. Otherwise, the deceased can take them with him. People who carry the coffin must tie a new towel on their arm.

Have you ever wondered why everyone who comes to a funeral throws a handful of earth on the coffin? To prevent the ghost from coming at night.

You can only close the coffin lid in a cemetery. If you do this at home, death will come to the family of the deceased and to those who nail the coffin.

When they take out the coffin, you cannot look into the windows - it doesn’t matter whether it’s yours or someone else’s, otherwise you will attract death into this house. To ensure that none of the relatives of the deceased die soon, they do not look back.

You cannot walk in front of the coffin - this will lead to death.

If, when digging a grave, they come across what is left of the old one - bones, for example, this foretells the deceased a good life in the next world and means that his spirit will not disturb the living.

Before the coffin is lowered into the ground, coins are thrown in to buy a place in the next world.

Signs and superstitions at funerals - after burial

During a wake, as a rule, they place a photo of the deceased, and next to him - a glass of vodka (sometimes with water) and a piece of bread. Anyone who drinks this vodka or eats the bread of the dead will get sick and die. You can't even give it to animals.

After you return from the funeral, be sure to warm your hands with live fire or wash them in hot water. This way you will protect yourself from an early death. Many people instead touch the stove or light candles to burn away whatever they might have picked up at the funeral.

You cannot cry too much for the deceased, otherwise he will drown in your tears in the next world.

Every person has favorite places. Leave water there, because the soul remains among the living for some time, and from time to time it needs water. Let it sit for forty days, top up from time to time. The relatives of the deceased should not drink the same amount, and the lamp should also be lit.

You should leave the cemetery without looking back. On the way out they wipe their feet.

The image that stood in front of the deceased must be floated on water. They go to the river and put it on the water so that it floats. You can’t store it, you can’t throw it away either, water is the only way to get rid of the icon without it causing trouble. In all other cases, take the icons to the church, they will decide what to do with them.

If extra burial supplies were purchased, they are placed in a coffin or left in the cemetery. You can take it away later if you missed this moment. You don’t have to count the number of wreaths and ribbons for them, but they will remain in the cemetery in any case.

Typically, a ladder symbolizes the effort a person makes to climb up. This can either be spiritual development, when a person's soul goes to heaven. Or material advancement, when a person rises up the levels of the class hierarchy, increases his financial status, or passes through life stages, for example, such as marriage.

Since the ladder is associated with success, there are signs and superstitions associated with it, the violation of which can bring bad luck. For example, walking under stairs is considered the most common bad sign. But why is this superstition so popular?

Egyptian superstitions about stairs

This myth has several versions of its origin. One of them dates back to ancient Egypt. Then the stairs were placed in the tombs. One of the signs said that spirits gather in the space between the inclined stairs and the wall.

Anyone who has studied geometry knows that a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle with a right angle, the sides of which are formed by the wall, the floor and the ladder itself. And triangles were often considered sacred. In ancient Egypt, triangles were believed to have magical powers, which is why the shapes of the pyramids are triangular.

Evil and good spirits that gathered under the stairs could attack a person passing under it. If a person does pass under the stairs, they can prevent trouble if they act quickly enough. For protection, place your thumb between your index and middle fingers. That is, show the fig.

Christian and European signs and superstitions about stairs

In medieval times, Europeans often associated a ladder leaning against a wall with a gallows, because many makeshift gallows were created using ladders. According to legend, walking under the stairs guaranteed death by hanging.

Another possible explanation is that Europeans used the ladder to remove hanged people from the gallows after a public execution. And a dead body could fall on a person passing under the stairs at that time, which would certainly cause unpleasant sensations. Some Scottish beliefs, on the contrary, say that your wish can come true if you are forced to walk under the stairs.

As mentioned, triangles were considered sources of magical power. They have three sides, and the number “three” is sacred among many peoples. In the Christian tradition, a triangle formed by a ladder placed against a wall symbolizes the Holy Trinity. If a person passes under the stairs, he is considered to be desecrating God. To avoid this, you need to cross your fingers in the shape of a fig on both hands, that is, forming a symbolic cross. Although in our time this figure made of fingers is called a fig. This will help ward off evil. According to other beliefs, you need to spit over your left shoulder three times - for the Holy Virgin, the Holy Spirit and the Son, in order to ward off evil spirits.

Justin Timberlake is extremely careful when dealing with the unknown.. “If, say, today is Friday the 13th, or a black cat crosses my path, I get very nervous. This has already turned into some kind of superstition,” the singer admits. “I’m also very careful about such stupid and insignificant things as walking under stairs, even if I don’t believe in it.”
Timberlake is echoed by the no less famous singer Kylie Minogue, who also unconditionally believes in various signs and, in particular, never goes under the stairs.
Kissing on the stairs is a bad omen
There are many signs and superstitions about stairs. So, it is considered a bad omen to meet someone on the stairs. You need to wait until the person comes down, and only then go up yourself. But if a meeting is inevitable, you should cross your fingers.
It is believed that this superstition arose in ancient times, when most stairs were narrow, and if two people met on them, one of them would unwittingly turn his back on the other.
Many people also consider it bad luck to trip while going down the stairs. So, tripping on the stairs with your left foot means meeting an enemy.
On the other hand, if you tripped while climbing the stairs, this is a good omen that promises a quick wedding. But if after this you dream of a wedding, expect death.
If two people meet on the stairs, they should touch each other and speak. Walking by in silence is a very bad omen. It is a bad omen for lovers to meet or kiss on the stairs.
In Rus', the ladder was associated with the idea of ​​​​fertility. The symbolic image of the ladder, according to popular belief, influenced the future harvest. So, on the Feast of the Ascension, oblong dough cakes called “ladders” were baked. The peasants went out into the field with them and, praying in four directions, threw them up, saying: “May my rye grow as high!” Then the “ladders” were eaten.
Many people consider it bad luck to walk or crawl into the gap formed by an extension ladder and a wall.
People still avoid this today, even if they have to step off the sidewalk onto the roadway and run the risk of being hit by a passing car.
The ancients claimed that the ladder, the wall of the building and the ground form a triangle, and since the triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity, passing through it meant showing disrespect for the Lord and sympathy for the unclean.
However, there are several fairly well-known ways to prevent the misfortune caused by the need to still pass under the stairs. First, you can cross your fingers and keep them there until you meet the dog.
Secondly, you can spit three times through the bars and once over your left shoulder. Next, you can spit on your shoe or draw a cross on it with a drooling finger and continue on your way, under no circumstances looking back, until the saliva dries or the trace of the cross disappears. In some places, it is also required to remain silent until meeting any four-legged animal.
According to another sign, a single person who passes under the ladder will not be able to get married for at least a year. Americans believe that if a black cat passes under a ladder, trouble awaits anyone who then climbs onto the ladder.
If you want to succeed in life, only climb ladders with an odd number of rungs. But be careful! If you slip, you risk losing all your money.
Transition from death to immortality
The Great Esoteric Directory says about the ladder that it symbolizes the transition from one plane of existence to another, a breakthrough to another ontological level, communication between Earth and Heaven in both directions: the ascent of man and the descent of the deity. The ladder represents access to "reality", the absolute, to the transcendental, moving from "the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality." This transition is also the path to another world through death.
“The steps of the ladder represent the incoming Power of human consciousness, passing through all the stages of existence, as well as the stages of initiation. Their number, as a rule, ranges from seven to twelve. During initiation, a person ascends in knowledge and realization with each step.
According to the teachings of Feng Shui, the importance of a staircase in a house can hardly be overestimated, since with its help the Qi flows of the upper and lower floors are connected. Qi flows like water. If the chi in your home moves in accordance with the requirements of this ancient teaching, you will be healthy, successful in business and happy in your personal life.
By placing a ladder in a particular place with the help of a special compass, you can activate the aspects of life associated with it. For example, awaken good or negative qi, awaken qi that affects health, business life, love relationships.
Feng Shui experts advise: “Under no circumstances should you place the staircase opposite the main entrance, nor should it be placed in the very center of the house. It is not recommended to place the staircase directly opposite the door to the toilet or bedroom. It is bad if the staircase is directed towards the corner of the room , and two staircases facing each other have a negative impact on the overall environment.”
According to Miller's dream book, seeing a ladder in a dream means moving upward for you. Your energy and abilities will help you achieve a prominent position in business circles. Climbing the ladder means prosperity and boundless happiness. Falling down the stairs is a harbinger of despair and unsuccessful efforts for a merchant and crop failure for a peasant.
Seeing a broken ladder in a dream means complete failure in all matters. Escape from captivity or prison using a ladder is a sign that success awaits you, although there will be many risky actions. Author: G. Fedotov

Oh, look, a black cat crossed the road!
-So what?
-Let’s go around on the other side, otherwise there will be misfortune...

I think everyone has happened to become a participant in such a conversation, or at least hear it. Since childhood, I have been wondering where these signs and superstitions come from - about a black cat, a broken mirror, Friday the 13th and many others. Who invented them and why? Let's try to look at this question in more detail.

Where did the sign about Friday the 13th come from?

This belief combines two others. The first is the myths associated with the number itself (more about it below), the second is the day, which is considered unfavorable in many cultures. In ancient Rome, Friday was the day of execution, Jesus was also crucified on Friday. By the way, just as in mathematics the addition of two minuses gives a plus, so in this superstition many are ready to see a positive symbol, because two negative factors seem to balance each other.

Where did the sign about the devil's dozen come from?

Numbers are one of the most popular objects of manipulation among various soothsayers. Either the number is lucky or it promises trouble. The last one, judging by the popular point of view, is the number 13. Since ancient times, the number 12 has been considered the most harmonious, literally a sign of perfection. The number of gods of Olympus, the apostles of Christ, the signs of the zodiac, the months of the year - everywhere the number is 12. 13 is considered as something that brings chaos into the usual order of things.

Where did the sign about knocking on wood come from?

A very popular superstition in all countries. Knock on wood so as not to jinx it - the first thing both a Russian and a European will do. Its history originates from the ancient Persians, where knocking on wood meant standing under the protection of the god Atar. For Christians, the tree represents in this regard the cross on which Jesus was crucified. It is believed that by knocking on wood, a person protects himself from troubles and misfortunes. Some people even carry pieces of ordinary wood with them for protection.

Where did the sign about the black cat come from?

Cats in ancient times were considered practically holy animals, but in the Middle Ages they were already “reclassified” as devilish accomplices. Nowadays, a cat crossing the road is considered a harbinger of failure. The Middle Ages were an era of epidemics carried by rats. And where there are rats, there are cats, which were also carriers of various diseases. They tried not to approach them for fear of infection. But at night, black cats became unnoticeable. And at a chance meeting they caused panic fear in people. Cats, like witches, were burned at the stake during the Inquisition. By the way, before the Battle of Waterloo, according to legend, a black cat ran in front of Napoleon. This defeat marked the complete collapse of the emperor.

Where did the sign about the horseshoe come from?

The sign about the horseshoe also has roots in the Middle Ages - it was then that people first began to hang a horseshoe over the entrance (for good luck). According to legend, Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was at first a simple blacksmith, once nailed to the wall the devil who came to him to shoe his hooves. He released the evil one only after making a promise that the devil would not touch the houses of those where a horseshoe hung over the entrance. But it must hang with the ends down - otherwise it may fall, and with it good luck and protection.

Why spilled salt is bad luck

An interesting superstition that, due to my sloppiness, I constantly encounter at home. As soon as I accidentally spill a salt shaker, I immediately hear: “Throw a pinch over your shoulder.” The sign about spilled salt has been around since ancient times. In those days, the Romans, who for some reason did not have the opportunity to gain a foothold in the conquered lands, scattered salt on them. Because of this, the land became infertile. But in the Middle Ages it was the other way around. Salt was scattered in the corners to protect against the evil one.

Why looking into a broken mirror is unlucky

In my opinion, this is the stupidest of all signs. The exact reasons for its occurrence are not known, but there is a legend that the ruler of Egypt once looked into a mirror that was accidentally broken. Seeing the broken and distorted reflection (by the way, what kind of mirrors did they have there), she became so angry that she ordered all her servants to be destroyed without figuring out who broke it.

Why you shouldn't walk under the stairs

Passing under a ladder that is leaning against a wall has long been considered a bad omen. Many believe that a ladder standing on the ground and leaning against a wall forms a triangle - a solid and indivisible symbol and even the personification of the Holy Trinity. To enter this triangle means to disrupt balance and harmony.

Finally

All of the above is the result of my use of Google. Now I want to express my personal attitude towards signs. In short, I don't believe in them. Belief in superstitions is an attempt to please, to bend before fate (or according to the same scheme as