Superstitions & Legends

The dark persona of the wolf long ago cemented its place in the world of folklore. The following are a few examples of both the practical and supernatural notions that revolve around one of the animal kingdom's most mysterious denizens.

Whether we eat to live or live to eat, food is something we can't do without. These snippets involve beliefs—some conventional and some not so much—that center around this basic life necessity.

In the world of superstitions and old wives' tales, nearly everything has a hidden meaning. The following are a few examples of everyday things that are not always what they seem. From the happiest of colors, to the rhythmic jingling of wind chimes, they all have a secret to tell.

The following snippets deal with a handful of somewhat bizarre notions pertaining to the inner workings of the human body. While some are outlandish, to be sure, others hold a grain of truth. Which is which is up to the reader to decide.

When you faintly smell tobacco and see the glow of embers near a giant tree, or feel the eyes of a large hairy beast upon you in the Philippine jungles, it might just be the Kapre. More bothersome than the Kapre, however, is the racial prejudice and religious bias that it originates from.

The following are six superstitions that revolve around various creatures, great and small. From snakes and rats to goats and fish, each has a role to play in the world of lore.

Looking for, or being in love, is not always as easy as it seems. The following are a few snippets involving the dos and don'ts of love as dictated by superstition. While not always practical, these bits of wisdom do make one wonder how much of our lives we control, and how much is left up to fate.

While most stories of lore are relatively tame, there are some that are quite frightening in their implications. The following are six examples of these sometimes disturbing beliefs that—if they hold the slightest grain of truth—are enough to send chills down the spines of the bravest of souls.

There is no denying the unbreakable bond that exists between humans and their canine companions. Perhaps due to their almost magical personas, dogs hold a special place in the world of superstitions. The following are a few examples of the lore surrounding these remarkable creatures.

In this day and age, most of us are aware that those who practice witchcraft most often do so with the purest of intentions. In the past, however, these practitioners were often persecuted for their beliefs. The following are a few of the superstitions that arose from those dark times.

Over the centuries, countless superstitions centered around funerals and cemeteries have emerged. The following are a few examples of these somewhat creepy notions.

With their secretive natures, felines are the perfect fodder for tales of lore. These mysterious creatures reveal only what they want us to see and can be both whimsical and mystical, depending on their mood. What follows are seven far-fetched notions that revolve around the always intriguing cat.

Few can deny that the majority of mothers live and breathe for their children. The following are a few superstitions—some more disturbing than others— that deal with the often bizarre notions that revolve around pregnancy and motherhood.

It would seem that there is a superstition for nearly every aspect of life. The following are seven examples of these somewhat disturbing beliefs that center around our humble homes.

Anyone who has spent time on a farm knows that those who work the land often believe strongly in superstitions and live their lives accordingly. The following are six examples of some of the creepier bits of folklore that were popular among the farmers in my extended family.

Some superstitions, if taken seriously, can be downright frightening. Others, such as the ones you are about to explore, are meant only to bring goodwill to those for whom fate smiles. The following snippets remind us that, in the world of superstitions, anything is possible.

While some superstitions tiptoe around the darker side of life, others address it head-on. The following are a sampling of the latter, some of which you may be hearing for the first time. A few are fairly tame, while others border on the macabre.

The animal kingdom figures heavily in the world of folklore and superstition. These non-human beings are sometimes seen as angels in disguise, while on other occasions, they are harbingers of doom. Their appearance can also bring luck—both good and bad.

Superstitions are usually somewhat benign offerings that are meant to be taken with a grain of salt. Some, however, border on the macabre. The following are six such bits of lore that teeter on the edge of darkness.

Superstitions can be both amusing and disturbing—often at the same time. The following seven bits of lore illustrate this point. While some are more familiar than others, they are all interesting in their own way.

Old wives' tales—those pearls of wisdom uttered to keep us from making grave mistakes—are interesting to be sure. But have you ever wondered what they really mean? If you have, look no further. What follows are three of these bits of lore and the stories behind them.

A group of men gathered in New York to form an organization to banish superstition.

For centuries, stories have circulated about clusters of rats whose tails are inextricably knotted together.

This obscure creature from Irish folklore was believed by some to be the cause of mysterious thinning illnesses and abdominal pain. Crawling into its victim's mouth while they are asleep by a stream, this being makes a home in their host's belly and feeds on any meals they should eat.

The death of an Irish woman in the late 19th century had strong ties to the occult.

From moon-eating beasts to lunar deities, this article covers how the moon shows up in folklore and mythology from the Philippines.

If you want to learn more about some superstitions associated with body parts, read on.

Discover lucky signs and symbols from all over the world. Some symbols ward off evil and some items protect people from curses. Here are 50 of the most spectacular good luck symbols and charms from various cultures and regions of the world.

Like any country, Japan has many superstitions that have been passed down over time in order to protect their children, shape society, and instill teachings to build culture and improve behavior. Learning these superstitions can truly help one to understand Japan more clearly.

Growing up in a superstitious family, it seemed as though unseen entities bent on wreaking havoc were always within earshot. The following are a few examples of superstitions, including pictures falling off the wall and stepping on a grave, and their meanings.

The moon is believed by many to have an influence on our physical and mental condition; it doesn’t.

Why is the misguided belief that the Earth is flat on the increase?

Finnish mythology encompasses very deep, shamanic layers. Deities were known for their unique attributes and domains, each one ruling a different element. Which Finnish god are you?

The spear exists, but is the legend real? The Spear of Destiny has been sought by many who thirst for power. However, as legend states, they fail after obtaining it. Many mysteries surround this object's origin and purpose, as well as its validity. Is it just an ancient spear or more?

This chilling folktale from the Dales of Derbyshire in England describes a fearful character that preys on unwary travellers. Only the Fair Folk can save the day!

Count down seven powerful creatures from the ocean depths!

This is a Scottish folktale set during the times of Viking raids around the Western Isles—pitches Norse magic against that of the local Gaelic inhabitants.

The River Severn is the longest in Great Britain and it has its own goddess—Sabrina (also called Hafren, Habren, Habrenna, and Unla). In this article, we'll learn about the legends of this great river and its goddess.

Dragons sometimes take human form and beguile humans into a romantic affair. Dragons are generous and tender lovers; however, you must keep your promises. Enjoy three stories of dragon love.

Is it something sinister, a morbid rite of passage, or merely the figment of an overactive imagination? To the foreboding terror of many pre-teen girls, Bloody Mary is the reflection in the mirror.

Thoth—or Djehuti—is the ancient Egyptian God of writing, scholarship, and so many other things. Read on to learn more about this ancient and secretive deity.

Many people hold at least one superstitious belief. Do you? Find out the reasons behind our most paranoid practices.

Vanishing ships, government conspiracies, and science that sounds a lot like fiction, the Philadelphia Experiment is full of mystery and intrigue.

I remember a scene in the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" when a lady named Ruth passed away from cancer. A superstitious character named Sipsey covered the mirror in the room and stopped the clock. But why? Here I share what I learned when I explored superstitions surrounding death.

What does it mean when your left or right eye twitches? Superstitions from around the world differ greatly. Or is it simply due to lack of sleep? You be the judge.

This list includes 17 superstitions that many Filipinos believe. They range from knowing the gender of an unborn baby to planting root crops on an empty stomach to sweeping at dusk—and a lot more.

Discover the strange story of the Philadelphia Experiment,and the conspiracy to hide proof of time travel and teleportation.

Discover the stories behind three of the world's legendary canines—Anubis, Gaueko, and Shisa. One is feared, one protects, and one is worshiped—read on to find out which is which.

Throughout time, many cultures have worshiped the image and concept of a mother goddess. Find out how this goddess manifested in many cultures around the world.

An introduction to the Celtic goddess Danu, Mother of the Fairies.