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Beyond Luck: The Surprising Historical Roots of Everyday Superstitions
Manage episode 476389733 series 3616806
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What ancient beliefs make us toss salt over our shoulders or avoid black cats on our paths? We've all heard these superstitions, but their origins reveal fascinating glimpses into human history, fear, and the endless quest for control over our fate.
Join Christine and Kacie as they unpack the surprising historical roots of common superstitions. Their conversation takes you from biblical connections behind Friday the 13th to why black cats became symbols of evil after once being revered. You'll discover how the Last Supper with its 13 attendees and subsequent crucifixion on Friday created a perfect storm for superstitious fear.
The journey continues through prehistoric European water worship, where archaeological digs have uncovered thousands of offerings in sacred lakes—revealing how our modern coin-tossing wishes connect to ancient deity worship. You'll learn why salt was so precious throughout history that Romans used it as currency (giving us the word "salary"), making its spillage a true economic disaster rather than just bad luck. And the protective Evil Eye amulet? It spans continents and millennia as humanity's defense against the universal fear of jealousy and malevolent gazes.
These superstitions aren't just quirky behaviors—they're windows into our collective past, connecting us to ancient Rome, medieval witch hunts, and prehistoric worship practices. Whether you're superstitious yourself or simply curious about these persistent beliefs, this episode reveals how deeply these traditions have shaped our cultural psychology.
What superstitions do you follow without knowing why? Listen now and discover the surprising history behind the little rituals that still influence our modern lives.
Source: The Origins of 10 Ancient Superstitions We Still Follow Today - History Collection
https://witchinghour.buzzsprout.com
Chapters
1. Beyond Luck: The Surprising Historical Roots of Everyday Superstitions (00:00:00)
2. Welcome to Witching Hour Chronicles (00:00:32)
3. Friday the 13th: Biblical Origins (00:01:23)
4. Black Cats and Witches' Familiars (00:02:56)
5. Wishing Wells and Ancient Offerings (00:07:18)
6. The Evil Eye's Global History (00:11:32)
7. Spilled Salt: Wealth, Preservation and Devil (00:13:19)
8. Brooms, Feet, and Remaining Single (00:21:26)
22 episodes
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