All The Luck In The World - Elise Pederick

ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD

By Elise Pederick

SOME OF

INTRODUCTION...

Stevie Wonder said "superstition ain't the way." Matt Goss, from Bross, admitted that he had stopped believing in superstitions after listening to Stevie Wonder's song. Whatever your stance on superstitions, it's a topic that divides many but has been a part of our culture for centuries. I hope you enjoy learning more about the weird and wonderful rituals humans have acquired for luck.

ROLLING PINEAPPLES...

In china it's widely believed that you should roll a pineapple into a new house before you've moved in...

Where the pineapple stops is believed to be the prosperity spot...

To attract even more wealth, occupants will often boil the kettle and carry auspicious items when walking in: round fresh fruit is a popular choice...

THE ORIGIN Pineapples are prized fruits in China and are a symbol of prosperity. It's thought that this superstitious belief originates from the Hokkien Community and that rolling one into a new home will bring good fortune with it.

MAGPIES...

One for sorrow

In England, it's believed that the number of magpies you see will determine whether you will have good or bad luck.

Two for joy

Three for a girl

Four for a boy

Five for silver

Six for gold

It's thought that saluting and saying 'good morning' can reverse the bad luck brought by a single magpie.

ORIGIN The belief of magpies bringing bad luck is thought to stem from the story of Noah's ark.

It's believed that the magpie was the only animal to not board the boat and instead chattered from afar. Secondly, magpies are known to mate for life - seeing one on its own implies its partner has died.

LUCKY PENNIES...

Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you'll have good luck!

ORIGIN One theory as to why finding a penny is meant to be lucky is that some folklore stated that metals, like copper, were gifts from the Gods. It was thought that they were sent to protect people from evil - therefore finding one was lucky!

Another reason, however, is that finding any sum of money lucky! It's likely that when the superstition first originated, 1p was worth more than it is today.

IT'S RUDE TO POINT...

In Singapore it's believed to be bad luck to point directly at the moon.

If you do, it's thought that your ears will be cut off in your sleep.

THE ORIGIN It's stated that pointing at the moon with an index finger is disrespectful to the Chinese Goddess of the moon, Chang E. The origin of this superstition is unknown, however it's likely to have stemmed from folklore.

FOUR-LEAF CLOVERS...

THE SUPERSTITION It's believed that if you find a clover with four leaves you'll have good luck! The leaves on a four-leaf clover are thought to represent faith, hope, luck and love.

THE ORIGIN Celtic priests in Ireland believed that when they carried a three-leaf clover, also known as a shamrock, they could see evil spirits coming. Four-leaf clovers were rare and seen as Celtic charms. They were thought to offer magical protection and used to keep bad luck at bay.

TORTOISES AS PETS...

In China keeping Tortoises as pets is thought to bring bad luck...especially in the work place.

1 WEEK LATER...

ORIGIN It's believed that the uneven patterns on tortoise's shells bring too much yang energy. Particularly for businesses, this is believed to be detrimental as it will slow business down and potentially even end in closure!

CHILLIES AND LEMONS...

In India it's common to see chillies and lemons hanging outside shops and houses, to keep bad omens and spirits at bay.

THE ORIGIN There are two origins behind this superstition.

One is that it stems from Indian mythology. It's believed that the goddess of misfortune, Alakshmi, brings bad luck to shop owner's. According to the myth, Alakshmi likes spicy and sour foods and that's why lemons and chillies are hung, so she can eat the food and leave without entering the property.

The second reason is more scientific, the cotton thread used to tie the chillies and lemon absorbs the acid from the lemon whilst it's fresh. This works well to keep insects away from shops and houses.

BLACK CATS...

In a lot of European countries it's believed to be bad luck if a black cat crosses your path.

In Japan, however, it's believed that you'll have luck in love if you see one!

Black cats were believed to be good luck in ancient Egypt as they resembled Bastet, the Egyptian Goddess.

In Ireland and Britain, sailors believe that taking a black cat on a voyage will ensure a safe trip.

ORIGIN In the 13th century black cats were killed as they were thought to be witches is disguise. Today they've become a symbol of witchcraft and are often seen on decorations and as costumes around Halloween.

FRIDAY 13TH...

Many people believe that Friday 13th will bring bad luck. Some even refuse to go outside!

ORIGIN It's believed that this superstition has biblical origins and stems from the last supper. It's stated that there were 13 guests at the last supper and it occurred on Maundy Thursday; the night before the crucifixion on Good Friday.

Another potential contribution to the number 13 being unlucky is that traditionally, there were 13 steps down to the gallows.

POLKA DOTS ON NEW YEARS EVE...

In the Philippines it's thought to be good luck to wear polka dots on new years eve...

NOT IDEAL

PHEW, GOOD LUCK ALL ROUND!

THE ORIGIN It's believed that polka dots represent coins, which symbolise good fortune. Whoever wears garments with this pattern on is said to have good luck in the new year!

NOODLES...

THE SUPERSTITION Often, in China people will eat long noodles on birthdays instead of birthday cake! The type of noodles are called yi mein and are eaten for longevity: these shouldn't be bitten or cut. If they break it's a sign of bad luck and it's thought that your life will be cut short.

ORIGIN The origin isn't known for this superstition, however its likely to have stemmed from Chinese folklore. Longevity is believed to be one of the ultimate blessings in Chinese culture. Emperors and kings even used to take tablets for immortality!

FISHING...

Pouring wine on the deck of a boat is believed to be good luck!

Fishermen state that you should throw the first catch of the day back into the water, for a lucky day of fishing.

Flowers are forbidden on a lot of fishing boats as they're believed to be unlucky.

Bananas are thought to be another unlucky object to take on a fishing boat. One theory states that if you have a banana on board, you won't catch any fish!

ORIGIN Many origins of maritime superstitions are unknown. The banana superstition, however, is believed to have derived from bananas being transported on wooden boats. The fishermen would have to move quickly to ensure they were delivered without rotting.

The fast pace would mean they'd struggle to catch any fish on their way.

"SUPERSTITION AIN'T THE WAY" - STEVIE WONDER Superstitions have been around for centuries. Perhaps you're superstitious yourself and that's why you've picked up this book? Or maybe your friend is set on saluting a magpie every time they see one? Have you ever hunted for a four leaf clover and wondered why a strange, rare mutation of a plant is meant to bring you good luck?

Perhaps you've shrieked when you've seen your deadline date is on Friday 13th?

'BUT WHY DO WE DO THESE THINGS?' I hear you cry...

Look no further, All The Luck in The World is a guide to understanding different superstitions across the globe and their origins. Learn why people wear polka dots on new years eve in the Philippines and how to have the best luck when on a fishing trip!