The United Kingdom is full of superstitions, many of which are deeply rooted in the country’s rural heritage and maritime history. As we want to help you improve your English, we bring you ten common superstitions that illustrate the blend of folklore and everyday life and bring you closer to understanding English culture:
It’s considered bad luck to place shoes on the bed, as it’s believed to invite misfortune into the home.
Horses have long been seen as sensitive to supernatural forces. This belief comes from their ability to pick up on changes in their environment, leading many to think they can sense spirits.
3. Eels and betrayal
Shakespeare referred to this superstition, highlighting the negative connotations surrounding eels in his works, suggesting that they were symbols of deception. Many believed that eels became entangled in knots and could only be freed by the sound of thunder, a notion reflected in Pericles (1608), where it is said that thunder kills eels.
4. Black cats
Seeing a black cat is often considered a sign of bad luck, especially if it crosses your path. However, in some regions, they are viewed as a good omen.
5. Knocking on wood
To avoid tempting fate, people often knock on wood after making a hopeful statement.
6. Friday the 13th
This day is feared by many, as it is believed to bring bad luck, particularly for starting new projects.
7. Spilling salt
Spilling salt is seen as bad luck unless you throw a handful over your left shoulder to counteract the misfortune.
8. Birds as omens
Different birds are thought to carry significant meanings. For example, seeing a single magpie can be viewed as a warning of bad luck, while spotting two magpies is often associated with good fortune. This belief reflects the deep connections between nature and human experience.
9. Brooms and doorways
Some believed that if a woman stepped over a broom before marriage, she would bear a child out of wedlock. In Yorkshire folklore, mothers feared for their daughters. They worried that naughty boys would leave brooms in awkward places.
10. Mirrors and reflections
Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck, a belief that dates back to ancient times when mirrors were considered portals to other realms.
Teaching students about these cultural details is an important part of language learning, as understanding both language and culture helps students gain deeper insights into the lives and perspectives of native speakers.