The Most Common Superstitions in America

Summary

In this video, Mark from Walters World takes viewers on a journey through Savannah, Georgia, one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., while exploring common superstitions in American culture. From the luck of a heads-up penny to the dangers of breaking a mirror or crossing paths with a black cat, Mark discusses how these beliefs shape everyday life. He also covers lucky talismans, such as horseshoes and rabbit’s feet, as well as traditions like wishing upon the first star and making birthday wishes. Whether you're superstitious or not, Mark’s guide to these quirky customs is both entertaining and insightful.

Takeaways

• 😀 Superstition about pennies: If you find a penny heads-up, pick it up for good luck and keep it in your pocket.
• 😀 Knocking on wood is a common superstition to prevent jinxing yourself and bring good luck.
• 😀 Black cats crossing your path are seen as bad luck, likely due to associations with witches.
• 😀 Breaking a mirror is considered to bring seven years of bad luck, possibly tied to ancient beliefs about the soul.
• 😀 The number 13 is viewed as unlucky in the U.S., with hotels often skipping the 13th floor to avoid bad luck.
• 😀 Friday the 13th is considered the worst bad-luck day, commonly associated with horror films and bad omens.
• 😀 Walking under a ladder is bad luck, possibly linked to the sacred symbolism of triangles in various cultures.
• 😀 Spilling salt is considered bad luck, but you can counteract it by throwing a pinch of salt over your left shoulder.
• 😀 Bad things are believed to come in threes, so when two bad things happen, watch out for a third.
• 😀 Lucky talismans in the U.S. include horseshoes (hung with the opening facing up), rabbit’s feet, and four-leaf clovers.
• 😀 Wishing upon the first star you see at night and making a wish when you blow out birthday candles are common practices for good luck.

Q & A

What should you do if you find a penny on the ground with heads up?

If you find a penny with heads up, it's considered a lucky pick. You should pick it up and keep it in your pocket as a good luck charm.

Why do people knock on wood in the U.S.?

People knock on wood to prevent bad luck or to avoid jinxing themselves after making an optimistic statement. It's a way of ensuring good luck or keeping the promise from failing.

What is the superstition about black cats crossing your path?

A black cat crossing your path is believed to bring bad luck. This superstition likely originates from the association between black cats and witches in folklore.

What happens if you break a mirror, according to superstition?

Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck. This belief is thought to stem from ancient ideas that mirrors could trap one's soul, and breaking one would cause harm to the soul.

Why is the number 13 considered unlucky in the U.S.?

The number 13 is considered unlucky in the U.S. due to historical and cultural associations with bad luck. Many hotels and buildings skip the 13th floor, and Friday the 13th is considered a particularly unlucky day.

What is the significance of walking under a ladder in superstitions?

Walking under a ladder is considered bad luck because the shape of the ladder creates a triangle, which has been viewed as a sacred symbol in various cultures. The superstition advises avoiding it for spiritual and safety reasons.

How do you counteract the bad luck from spilling salt?

If you spill salt, the superstition suggests throwing a pinch of the salt over your left shoulder. This act is believed to ward off bad luck and even keep the devil away.

What does 'bad things come in threes' mean in U.S. superstition?

The saying 'bad things come in threes' means that after two unfortunate events, a third is expected. It's a way of anticipating that misfortune tends to come in a series, and you should be alert if it happens.

What are some common lucky symbols in the U.S.?

Common lucky symbols in the U.S. include the horseshoe (which should be hung upwards), the rabbit's foot, and the four-leaf clover. These symbols are believed to bring good luck and protection from misfortune.

What is the superstition surrounding birthday wishes and first stars?

In the U.S., it’s common to make a wish upon the first star you see at night, as well as when blowing out birthday candles. However, the superstition says that you should never share your wish, or it won't come true.