SUPERSTITIONS
In this activity we talked about Superstitions (esp... what people find lucky and unlucky) Below I have all the items for your activity....
On my white board I had two titles. Unlucky & Lucky. I would show one of the items and have them recognize it and tell me if it was lucky or unlucky. Once they decided I would tell them where it truly belonged or if they were right! And then share a little paragraph about that item! It was an absolute blast! They were so so smart! Turns out a lot of us are more superstitious then we let on!
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GOOD LUCK:
Human beings are by their very nature superstitious creatures. It is the explaining away of the unexplainable and, in many cases, the feeling that one has control over their outcomes. So it is only natural that when it comes to gambling in particular that charms, amulets and, yes, superstition are present. Some of the earliest known activities to ward off evil or bad luck can be traced back to 1500 B.C.E., and anthropologists confirm that early cave writings also indicate the desire of human beings to keep bad luck at bay.
Shamrock: Symbol of the Holy Trinity (father, son, and holy
spirit) each leaf while the stem godhead uniting. First used by St. Patrick in
an effort to convert the Irish king Leary to Christianity. 3 seems to have
always been lucky and held high in celtic tradition before Christianity.
Scholars believe that the shamrock was used in ancient fertility rituals in
which it represented a triad of goddesses. The green leaves were burned and the
ashes were sprinkled over fields to promote growth. The shamrock, Ireland’s
national flower, which grows green and in abundance all year long, is a regular
reminder of it’s Creator and the beautiful mystery of the Trinity.
It is easy to understand why a four-leaf clover would signify luck, as there are very few and they are very difficult to find. Today many people will wear amulets depicting the four-leaf clover symbol.
The shamrock was chosen Ireland's national emblem because of
the legend that St. Patrick had used it to illustrate the doctrine of the
Trinity. The Trinity is the idea that God is really three-in-one: The Father,
The Son and The Holy Spirit.
The Irish have considered shamrocks as good-luck symbols
since earliest times, and today people of many other nationalities also believe
they bring good luck.
Penny: “See a penny pick it up, all that day you’ll have good
luck. Find a penny let it lay, and all day long you’ll have bad luck.”
-Throughout Africa, people would carry with them lucky bags
of mojo for good luck. In the bag would be artifacts from loved ones, or items
that represented something good that happened in their past. To have some
“mojo” on you will only help to increase your chances of walking on the lucky
side of the street. Additionally, many people do not realize the difference
between amulets, lucky charms, and talismans.
Red Lanterns: Red is the color of good luck and prosperity in the East.
From prehistoric times, red has been associated with fire and blood. In the
church, red or rubrics are indicative of laws and guidance. So it is that red
lanterns are used to ward off bad luck and light the way for good luck and
positive energy to reign supreme.
Coins: Long before there was paper, plastic, or PayPal, there was
only one form of currency, and that was coins. They were commercial life-blood,
and those who had the gold had the power. Coins are a sign of good fortune and
prosperity.
Keys: In Japan, three keys worn together are a very powerful good
luck charm or amulet as they unlock the door that leads to love, health, and
wealth. Wearing one key signifies that you are opening the door to whatever you
seek. It is no wonder that dignitaries are given a key to cities, and no wonder
that those who hold the key can unlock the doors to a kingdom or a treasure
chest.
The Number Seven: Whether you are familiar with Japanese mythology and call
upon the Seven Gods of Fortune, or you are familiar with Judeo-Christian
traditional texts, you know that the number seven has a strong influence. It is
no surprise to see red sevens throughout a casino. But whatever you do, don’t
say the word ‘seven’ around any craps players!
Cat’s Eye: Those who carry a Cat’s Eye stone in their pocket in India
do so because they believe that one who carries this stone in their pocket will
never have their good fortune leave them. Cat’s Eye stones protect individuals
from unexpected loss, and guard financial decision making.
Turtles: In many Native American cultures, the turtle represents
fertility and a link between man and Mother Nature. Also, the idea is that
longevity and hope are nice to have when going up against the house.
Alligator’s Teeth: For lovers of chance in Africa, an alligator’s tooth is a
pretty important item to have in your pocket. Aside from the obvious fact that
having an alligator’s tooth suggests that you’re pretty lucky, they are also
said to bring wealth and good fortune.
Dolphins: Dolphins at sea are known to bring protection to wayward
sailors. Ancient sailors knew that riches were before them when dolphins would
begin to circle their ships, as it was a sign that land was near.
Horseshoe: A horseshoe is a symbol of protection and longevity for the
horses that are fitted with the strong iron attachment. When it comes to human
beings, those who wear the talisman or amulet are sure to capture any good luck
floating by, provided they remember to keep the open end up. Those who allow it
to hang upside down run the risk of losing all their luck to passers-by.
Buddha: Buddha Rubbing Buddha’s belly is known to bring great
positivity and good luck.
Bamboo: Bamboo is known for its longevity, vitality and
growth.
Cricket: Cultures around the world view the cricket as a
symbol of good luck. The Chinese believe crickets bring harmony and peace.
Elephants: Symbols of longevity, happiness, and prosperity.
Acorn: Acorns protect against loss and are an emblem of good
luck.
Pigs: are a sign of prosperity and good fortune in many
cultures around the world.
Rainbows: The sign of a new beginning. Associated with what
is at the end of the rainbow… a pot of gold, perhaps?
Rabbit’s Foot The story goes that the ancient Celts believed
that because rabbits burrowed underground, they were closer to the gods and
underworld, and thus carried l:uck with them.
Frogs: In China, the frog is a symbol of yin and considered
as good luck.
Horn: The horn of plenty is a sign of wealth, abundance,
power, and that a beast was defeated.
Bad Luck:
Black
Cat: Most of Europe considers the black cat a symbol of bad luck, particularly
if one walks across the path in front of a person, which is believed to be an
omen of misfortune and death. In Germany, some believe that black cats crossing
a person's path from right to left, is a bad omen.
Friday
the 13 triskaidekaphobia: Western superstition. Happens once a year up to 3
times a year paraskavedekatriaphobia.
Hanging
a horseshoe with the ends pointing down, as it is believed that the luck
will 'fall out'
Breaking
a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck. Idea that a mirror is a
projection of one’s appearance and one’s soul. Even in rivers.
Shoes on
the table: Another belief common in the North of England is that the
tradition relates to the coal mining industry. When a miner died in a colliery accident,
his shoes were placed on the table as a sign of respect
Ravens:
some believe they are ghosts of ppl murdered. And their presense mean ill omen.
Their taste for dead and loud calls. (Vikings believe it is presense of their
god)
Salt
shaker: A European superstition holds that spilling salt is an evil omen.
One widespread explanation of the belief that it is unlucky to spill salt is
that Judas Iscariot spilled the salt at the Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci's
The Last Supper depicts Judas Iscariot having knocked over a salt-cellar.
Throwing it over your left shoulder wards off the devil.
Opening
an umbrella: According to superstition, bad luck will "rain" on
you if you open an umbrella indoors. One explanation comes from the days when
umbrellas were used as protection from the sun; opening one inside was an
insult to the sun god.
Ladder: If the
dead wished, they could use the ladder and ascend upward. Ancient Egyptians
believed that both good and evil spirits were present in the space that formed
in the area between the ladder and the wall that it leaned against.When you
take a ladder and lean it against a wall it forms a triangle. Students of
esoteric knowledge are aware of that the triangle, as a geometric shape has
been regarded sacred since ancient times. Spirits resting in the a-rea between
the ladder and wall should not be disturbed. This was the reason why ancient
Egyptians avoided walking under ladders. This old belief, which soon became a
superstition spread to other parts of the world.
Stepping
on a crack: step on a line break your fathers spine. For some, stepping on
a crack also means freeing a spiritual entity that could break apartone's
family. Conversely, some believe stepping on a crack will break a witch's back
or the devil's back. A more light-hearted take on this superstition holds fast
to the notion that stepping on a crack will cause rain. Whatever the
consequence, the idea that stepping on a crack can change the future is an
enduring one
Yawning: Prevent devil from entering and soul from
leaving.
Chop
sticks: should not be stuck upright into food, especially rice. Chopsticks
are only stuck upright into rice in the bowl on the altar at a funeral or when
paying respects to the deceased. This is called hotokebashi.
Tails up:
