Signs of Good and Bad

The Story Behind Superstitious Beliefs

Why does a witch fly on a broom and a why does the Devil have his horns? Why is a rabbit’s foot taken as a lucky charm and number seven as a lucky number? This book takes you into the colourful and enchanting world of superstitious habits – ones that you usually don’t even notice to exist. You may knock on wood or spit on a black cat without knowing what made you do so.

If you claim not to be superstitious, you should probably take a look in the mirror and think again. None of us is a sensible creature, since we are blessed with feelings and imagination. That is why even the most hard-headed rationalist is bound to follow at least some superstitious rituals, even if he despises them. Some habits and gestures are so customary that we simply don’t remember that superstitions have a history. Sometimes we grow so attached to certain habits without knowing why.

In the seven ”lucky” chapters Ari Turunen peaks into the cultural history of superstitions and reveals some astonishing but common beliefs. Ear rings, to take just one example, were originally worn to protect the wearer from evil forces.

Superstitious rituals provide a meaning to life but more than anything, they bear an element of safety. Man is the only animal that consciously tries to control his own destiny. These attempts are evident in our superstitious habits – as signs of both good and bad.