Do you know any superstitions? In this article, we will talk about 10 animals associated with superstitions.
Cats
Cats are associated with a lot of superstitions. For example, the belief that cats have nine lives dates back to ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians noticed that cats could survive falling from great heights.
The superstition about black cats being associated with bad luck is well-known. However, some superstitions about cats are less known. For example, it is believed that a woman who steps on a cat's tail should wait a year before she gets married.
Roosters
In the Middle Ages, it was believed that for a medicine to be effective, it had to be taken when roosters were crowing.
There is also a superstition aboutis the crowing of the rooster driving away the undead and vampires.
Rabbits
For sailors, rabbits were seen as cursed animals. If you pronounced their name on board a ship, you were doomed.
Back then, rabbits were accused of eating away at ships and causing terrible shipwrecks.
Ladybugs
According to superstitions, the presence of a ladybug is always a good omen. If a ladybug lands on your hand, it is seen as a sign of good luck!
In gardens, ladybugs feed on insects and parasites harmful to plants. Because of this, they were believed to keep away bad energy and hostile elements.
Dogs
Although superstitions about dogs are not as well-known as superstitions about cats, they still exist.
For example, it is said that a dog passing between two friends is a sign that an argument will happen between them. It was also said that cleaning yourself with dog's milk could make freckles disappear.
Another superstition states that at midnight, when a dog howls, it's because death is prowling around the house.
Horses
Horses are also at the center of a number of superstitions.
For example, it was believed that inhaling a horse's breath could cure whooping cough. Another superstition stated that braiding a horse's tail would protect it from witches.
There are even superstitions about horseshoes! It is a sign of good luck if you find one.
Lizards
If you wanted money to come your way, it was believed that you had to insert a lizard into your right shoe. We're not sure if the little reptile appreciated that!
Conversely, lizards were seen as ominous animals for brides. If a bride sees one on her way to the church, the marriage will be unhappy.
Tigers
According to ancient Chinese beliefs, tiger bones are a sign of good luck. They were believed to be able to cure rheumatism, malaria, and ulcers. This legend, which is still present in certain practices of tradition Chinese medicine, has strongly encouraged poaching.
Because of this, it has been prohibited to sell tiger carcasses since 1993.
Spiders
Despite arachnophobia being a common phobia, spiders are actually considered to be a good luck charm by some. Seeing a spider on its web is a sign of good luck and finding a spider on one's clothes means that money or a letter is coming.
Conversely, killing a spider is believed to bring bad luck. Think twice next time!
Wolves
Wolves have long inspired fear. For instance, numerous fables, tales, and legends describe wolves as cunning animals who always ends up devouring their victims.
Werewolves are believed to be men who change into wolf-like creatures at night. During full moon, werewolves were believed to run free with the aim of murdering those who came in their way.
Are you superstitious?
Originally written by Irène Dousset (Yummypets) and translated by Jennifer Eubank (Yummypets).
