British and American Superstitions

In one article, twenty people were asked to tell the readers six superstitions. The six most common answers were:

• Don't walk under a ladder.
• Don't cross on the stairs.
• The number 13 is unlucky: don't have 13 guests to dinner; don't take any chances on Friday 13th; don't stay in Room 13 or on the 13th floor of a hotel.
• Spilling salt drings bad luck: you must throw some over your left shoulder.
• A black cat crossing your path brings good or bad luck. (People didn't agree about that!).
• Breaking a mirrow brings seven years bad luck.

Then they were asked: "What superstitious things do you say?" To that question, the four most common answers were:

• "Bless you", when someone sneezes.
• "Touch wood", when you just mentioned something that you don't want to go wrong.
• "Fingers crossed", to make something happen.
• "Break a leg", said to actors who think it is unlucky to say "Good luck"!

There are many theories about the origins of these superstitions, but most od them are so ridiculous as the superstitions themselves.

So, what about you? What superstitions do you have? What superstitious things do you say?