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Good
luck symbols |
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The Horseshoe There is good reason to believe that the crescent form of the horseshoe links the symbol to the Moon goddess of ancient Europe, and that the protection invoked is that of the goddess herself, or, more particularly, of her sacred vulva. In regions where the horseshoe is placed facing upward, folks believe the horseshoe must point up "or the luck runs out." In places where it is hung facing downward, they say exactly the opposite - "it must point down so the luck can pour onto you." However, when it is placed over the doorways of barns and stables, the horseshoe usually points downward, and it is said that Ono witch will pass under it. |
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Rabbit's
foot
The belief that a rabbit's foot is lucky is common in American culture, but at one time in the past, this belief was considered a superstition, especially one of Afro-American origin. In earlier decades, it was only the left hind foot of the rabbit that was considered lucky and the wearer had to rub it to bring on good luck. This was because people noticed in amazement that when a rabbit ran, its hind feet went ahead of its front ones. Therefore, the hind feet were considered lucky. Some people also believed that the rabbit's foot was a source of protective magic. |
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Four-leaf Clover All plants and clovers have leaf arrangements in sets of three. A four-leafed clover is a very rare occurrence and therefore considered lucky. One who finds a four-leafed clover is believed to be lucky. The clover must be plucked and kept for continued luck. |
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The Wishbone The hen and the rooster were popular in ancient bird lore. Since the hen cackled when she laid an egg and the cock crowed at the beginning of the day, it was believed that these fowls had special powers and could answer human questions. After the hen oracle was performed, the fowl was sacrificed to a special god. Its collarbone was saved and hung in the sun to dry. The person seeking an answer from God made a wish on the bone, which gave it its name - the wishbone. Afterwards two people snapped the dry bone, each making his own wish. The person holding the longer end was believed to be granted his wish. |
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The Use of Salt In Greek superstition salt is considered to have great powers as a purifying force. In such, it can be used to ward off demons and evil spirits by throwing it over your left shoulder. Similarly a new house can be purified by sprinkling it with salt to remove any demons or lurking evil spirits. Salt can also be used to remove an unwanted guest, or a guest that has overstayed their welcome from your house. To remove an unwanted guest, salt can either be sprinkled on the chair of the unwanted guest, or thrown behind them. It is said that if the guest sees you throw the salt the power of the salt is weakened, and is not as effective. Watch out if they see you! In some areas of Greece, another superstition tied to salt is that it should be covered in the darkness of the night. If the moon or the stars shine upon it, it is believed that the carrier of the salt will develop warts or a rash on their body. Salt and the darkness of the night do not interact well with one and other, as a result of this it is believed a rash will occur on the salt holder's body. Source |
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