Rational roots of superstition

Everyone knows that if the road runs across a black cat is trouble, and sprinkle salt – to quarrel. Today, many common superstitions look somewhat absurd. But almost all of them have a logical justification, which we just forgot.
 

If a black cat crosses the road – expect trouble

It is curious that a superstition common to many peoples. What is so wrong with black cats?

According to one version, a superstition rooted in the middle Ages, when the Church declared black cats diabolical animals. It was thought that they often keep to themselves witches as assistants. Often black kashkouli cat burned at the stake along with the hostess. It was even said that witches can turn themselves into black cats. This situation is described in "May night" by Gogol.

The other reason was the epidemic of diseases that are carried by rats. Cats caught rats and were infected by them. It is unclear, however, why fear should only black cats.

It is said that before the battle of Waterloo Napoleon crossed the road a black cat. French army is known to suffered in the battle of defeat. Was it a coincidence?..

A woman with an empty bucket – trouble, and the man is good luck

They say that this sign is originally from India. Hindus believe that the woman absorbs the energy, and the man gives her. That is, if a woman walks with an empty bucket, then your energy will flow into her bucket. But if you met a man with a bucket, but the energy of his buckets will flow to you.
 

You can't pass things across the threshold

Know all about this belief, but few know where she went. The fact that in ancient times under the threshold buried the ashes of the dead. And any activities conducted through the threshold, could disturb their peace.
 

It is impossible to stop halfway and go back, the path will not be

This belief is also associated with the threshold of the house. Once again cross the threshold of the house – is to disturb the spirits of their ancestors, which can make your trip unsuccessful. Posmotrevshie in the mirror before once again leaving the house, you will neutralize negative energies reduce the probability of failures.
 

Scattered salt – to quarrel

In our days of ordinary table salt at the store is worth a penny, but in the old days it was almost at its weight in gold. And if someone spilled, it would indeed cause scandal.

There are other versions of the origin of the signs. So, the painting Leonardo da Vinci last supper Judas spilt salt shaker. However, some historians argue that the salt and before the advent of Christianity, was part of religious ceremonies. And the ancient Eastern leaders with salt bonded contracts: the Contracting parties had to taste the salt from the saltcellar. If salt is spilled, it symbolized hatred.
 

You can't eat with a knife

Considered: the one who eats with knife, will become evil and cruel. The reason is that cutting tools since ancient times endowed with sacred properties, used in various rituals. But to use the knife for food was a sacrilege: it could anger the spirits associated with him.

But if we ignore the mystique, we understand that, consuming food with a knife, you can cut the lips or mouth. So there is so dangerous from a physical point of view.
 

Breaking a mirror is bad luck

In most cases, this belief is associated with mystery: mirrors absorb the energy of the surrounding space and including people. But when breaking this energy is released and can negatively affect people.

But there is another explanation. In the old days, mirrors were very rare and were very expensive. They had at first only the rich. And if one of the servants broke the mirror, waiting for his severe punishment. Trouble was guaranteed. So with the mirrors I tried to do carefully.

Do not whistle – money will not

Traditionally it is believed that whistling indoors attracts evil spirits, which can arrange financial turmoil. But historians believe that the belief arose due to the sailors. In the old days, ships could not sail without a tailwind. So when the sea came a calm, the crew members began to whistle loudly, calling the wind to fill the sails.

But the wind, as it is known, has the property to sweep away everything in its path. That's why he was an unwanted guest: could blow the roof, blow the dwelling through cracks, and the owners "got" money, because everything had to be repaired and patched.
 

You cannot pass under the stairs

This sign is relevant in the world: if to the wall leaning against a ladder then under it is better not to go – it promises serious trouble.

People who are inclined to mysticism, you say, leaning against the wall the ladder forms a triangle. It is a sacred symbol and go under the stairs means to break the universal harmony.

But, most likely, the explanation is much more banal. If you pass under a ladder that is not fixed, it can simply fall on you and even hurt.
 

If knock on wood, it will protect from the evil eye

Even in our time, speaking about something good, we sometimes pronounced: "PAH-PAH, so as not to jinx it!"and try to hold onto something wooden.

What's the ritual? Some researchers believe that it originated in Russia in pagan times when people worshipped tree gods. If the person knocking on wood, could count on assistance and protection from this deity.

There is another version of the appearance of this superstition. As you know, Christ was crucified on a wooden cross. And among early Christians, the tree symbolized the cross. To touch it meant to cry out to Jesus.
 

Find a four-leaf clover – fortunately

Experts say that a clover with four histochemistry in nature very rarely – once per 10 000 flowers. So to find him would be huge.

In addition, in the old days every leaf clover attributed a certain value. Usually there are three of them, and they symbolized the hope, honor and love. Well, the fourth meant happiness…

Translated by «Yandex.Translator»