Category: Superstitions

When is the 12th Night?

When is the 12th Night?

Once again we are faced with the task of taking all the decorations down. Which brings with it the usual question of, when? Maybe some of you have already moved everything away hoping for a better Christmas next year, but for those of you still surrounded by the trimmings, when should they officially come down? Each year we are faced with much debate about the correct day. According to the Christian view dating back to the 4th century, the end of Christmas is marked by the Eve of the Epiphany. Taking decorations down before then has long been seen as…

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Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th has long been considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. The day occurs when the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday. This happens at least once a year and sometimes up to three times in the same year. Very little is known for sure about the origins of the day’s ill omens. Some historians say the superstition began in the late 19th century. The first documented mention of the day can be found in a biography of the Italian composer Rossini, who died on Friday the 13th. Many reasons have been suggested for why…

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What do you know about Doppelgängers?

What do you know about Doppelgängers?

There is roughly 0.11 percent chance of any given person in the world having a “Doppelgänger.” A doppelgänger is an exact double of a living person. It’s a German word that literally translates to “double walker” or “double goer”. A doppelgäanger isn’t someone who just looks like you, but is an exact double, right down to the way you walk, act, talk, and dress. The idea of the existence of a spirit double is an ancient and widespread belief. To meet one’s double apparently is a sign of your imminent death! This theme has taken on great complexity in stories…

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The Origin of Midsummer

The Origin of Midsummer

The Summer Solstice is upon us, reminding us to celebrate the nourishing light of the Sun. At the summer solstice in the Northern hemisphere, the Sun travels the longest path through the sky, and that day therefore gives us our longest day of the year. This day has been celebrated for countless years in many cultures. Midsummer is a centuries-old Germanic tradition. People celebrated the summer solstice, the day on which plants were said to have healing and magical properties. Bonfires were lit to protect against the forces of darkness, which were said to run free during the shorter days….

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Myth of the Full Moon 

Myth of the Full Moon 

Across the centuries, many a person has uttered the phrase “There must be a full moon out there” in an attempt to explain weird happenings at night. Indeed, the Roman goddess of the moon bore a name that remains familiar to us today: Luna, prefix of the word “lunatic.” Greek philosopher Aristotle and Roman historian Pliny the Elder suggested that the brain was the “moistest” organ in the body and thereby most susceptible to the pernicious influences of the moon, which triggers the tides. Belief in the “lunar lunacy effect,” or “Transylvania effect,” as it is sometimes called, persisted in…

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May Day Traditions

May Day Traditions

The first day of May is known as May Day, a time of year when warmer weather brings newly grown flowers and blossoms to the trees. A lovely month of the year, it is the time when people’s thoughts move from winter to the coming summer. Even though summer only officially begins in June, May opens the door; and May Day has had a rich history in England for over 2,000 years. Floralia The Romans celebrated the cycle of life at the festival of Floralia from the end of April until the early days of May. Flora was the Goddess…

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‘Unlucky’ 13

‘Unlucky’ 13

Friday the 13th has long been considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. The day occurs when the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday. This happens at least once a year and sometimes up to three times in the same year. Very little is known for sure about the origins of the day’s ill omens. Some historians say the superstition began in the late 19th century. The first documented mention of the day can be found in a biography of the Italian composer Rossini, who died on Friday the 13th. Many reasons have been suggested for why…

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