From ancient to modern times we have honored superstitions and the rituals surrounding them, frequently without even realizing what we’re doing or how the superstition originated. Superstitions arose from the need to explain – and alleviate – misfortune. In medieval times the main concerns of life were obtaining food and shelter and escaping disease, which was caused by supernatural forces. We’ll explore some of the more persistent superstitions here.

Do you cover your mouth when you yawn?

Today it’s considered a politeness and possible containment of germs, but it used to be that making the sign of the cross before the mouth when yawning prevented the devil from rushing into the body and taking over.

Have you ever gotten up on the wrong side of the bed?

Today it means you’re in a grumpy mood, but it used to mean that you got up on the left side of the bed, which was definitely wrong because anything left-handed was unnatural and unlucky.

Do you wear a wedding ring on the ring finger of your left hand?

It’s certainly a symbol of eternity and part of the wedding ritual, but the wedding ring finger was originally considered the “medical finger” which enjoys direct contact with the heart.

Have you ever thrown confetti, rice or birdseed over the bride and groom?

This ritual goes back to the tradition of throwing wheat over the bride as a symbol of fertility.

Have you ever blown out the candles on a birthday cake?

This tradition goes back to Greek mythology, when special cakes were made in honor of Artemis’ birthday. She was the goddess of the moon, marriage and childbirth and was said to look favorably upon her worshippers when they blew out the candles on her cakes.

Do you knock on wood to avert misfortune?

You’re paying tribute to the ancient belief that spirits inhabit trees, especially oaks, and by touching wood you’re invoking their protection.

Have you ever taken a black pill?

You probably haven’t - very rarely is black used in pills because of its association with death.

Have you ever sold a wart?

If you’ve ever sold a wart for silver, touched a wart with a pebble and left the pebble at a crossroads or charmed a wart with a hazel stick you’ve been a part of one of the most prolific sources of superstitious healing – wart charming. These cures endure and flourish, most likely because they frequently work!

As interesting as the origins of superstitions are, it’s not necessary to know them to respect the significance – and realize the comfort - of the rituals. It’s a rare day that goes by without someone dodging around a ladder, avoiding a black cat, throwing salt over a shoulder or taking extra care with a mirror. If you think yourself isolated from superstition, pay attention next time you bless someone who sneezes, cross your fingers or knock wood!