Superstitions & Legends

Fear of flying is no joke, as many who suffer from this phobia will tell you. Rather than leaving their destiny up to chance, some people allow their superstitious nature to take over before embarking on a flight. Discover nine unconventional practices people employ to help ensure a safe trip.

The story of Sawney (Alexander) Bean has been used to scare generation after generation. Today, Sawney Bean is still regarded as Scotland’s most famous cannibal. Did he exist or is he an urban legend?

Some people believe that the Universe tries to communicate with us through our fingers. Read on to learn about superstitious understandings of what itchiness in various fingers could mean.

It is said that the dangerous Vault B—situated inside the famed Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the state of Kerala in India—is protected by a powerful ancient curse. Whoever tries to open it forcefully could unleash a terrible catastrophe upon mankind.

Two respectable academics, Charlotte Anne Moberly and Eleanor Jourdain, claimed to have seen Marie Antoinette in 1901, more than 100 years after her death.

As in most cultures, the people of Thailand have various superstitions. Some are rooted in Buddhism, while others are similar to Western superstitions. Read on to uncover 13 superstitious practices of the Thai.

In the heart of a rural jungle on one of the islands of the Philippines, there is a dazzling city of light. It bustles with futuristic automation and locals who are all beautiful and happy. But you won't find this place on any map because it doesn't really exist except in hushed tales. Or does it?

Discover one of Thailand's most famous and eeriest ghost stories—the legend of Mae Nak.

The Nuno sa Punso—or Mound Dweller—is an elemental spirit from the Philippines that incites fear because it is easily angered and will seek retribution against those who damage or disturb its mound. But is it an ancestor, a demon, or something else?

There is a strange, disappearing island from ancient times that sits in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is called Hy-Brasil and has been included on multiple maps dating as far back as 1325. However, this mysterious island has never been visible to mortals.

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.

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 fairly 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.

What was the Thirteen Club? A group of men gathered in New York to form an organization to banish superstition. Read on for the full story of this group.

Uplifting stories and prayers to all who wish to conceive

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 slept by a stream, this being made a home in its 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 to protect their children, shape society, and instill teachings to build culture and improve behavior. Learning these superstitions can 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 examples of superstitions, like 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, and each one ruled a different element. Which Finnish god are you?

With origins tracing back to pre-colonial times, Maria Makiling is the most popular fairy figure in the Philippines. Read on to explore how this legend survived the colonial invasion and continues to be worshipped in many ways to this day.

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!

A solar eclipse was once seen as a portent of doom that indicated the end of the world was near! We look at some of the superstitions around this astronomical event.

Young men were warned, but many didn't listen. The Rusalki is out there waiting in the depths of some river ready to lure the unsuspecting into the raging torrent and certain death.

The Emerald Tablets are not easy to comprehend, and the internet contains many misconceptions about the meaning of the Tablets. I will try to explain more about its contents, including the meaning behind the Halls of Amenti.