Omens, Superstitions & Everyday Spells

This week we are talking about everyday magic, the rituals and superstitions that are so ingrained in the everyday they are nearly invisible! Let’s get into it!

As I put my socks on for this morning’s run, I realized I do this a certain way because of a superstition I hold. I put on both socks, then both shoes before taking a single step. Even if the fire alarm went off, I wouldn’t budge. I’m not sure where I picked up this superstition that walking with only one sock on will cause a death in the family, but I live it. There are a myriad of others I have woven into my life. I always stir my morning coffee clockwise so that I imbue the brew with good luck for the day to come. I have a horseshoe hanging in the entryway of my home, there are others, too. Maybe I’d have some shame about my beliefs, except it seems I’m in good company. 

According to a YouGov study conducted September 2019, 69% of Americans self-report being somewhat to very superstitious. An older Gallup poll from 1996 says that 25% of Americans acknowledge they were very or somewhat superstitious; up 18% from 1990. This, regardless of advances in science and technology! I wonder how high the number would be after 2020? One thing that’s clear is that YOUNGER people tend to be MORE superstitious than older folks.

Sources and Materials:
https://www.statista.com/chart/21052/superstitious-unlucky-friday-13/

https://news.gallup.com/poll/2440/One-Four-Americans-Superstitious.aspx

https://www.quora.com/What-percentage-of-people-believes-in-superstitions?share=1

https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/how-superstitions-spread

https://www.thethings.com/heres-why-fans-think-the-glee-cast-is-still-cursed/

https://performerstuff.com/mgs/10-theatre-superstitions-and-where-they-come-from/

https://www.yourtango.com/self/common-superstitions-from-around-world-people-believe

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201410/why-were-so-superstitious

https://www.livescience.com/33507-origins-of-superstitions.html

https://www.livescience.com/ancient-roman-superstitions

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/505112/25-bad-luck-superstitions-around-world

Show Social Links:
Art Director – Nora Hotes

Link to audio engineer—Aidan Conners

Curious Cat on Twitter

Curious Cat on Instagram

Host, Jennifer Hotes, on Twitter

We would be grateful if you like and review Curious Cat on your favorite streaming service!
Newsletter sign-up