The Encyclopedia of Superstitions

Have you ever thrown salt over your left shoulder and wondered why? Richard Webster has traveled the globe collecting superstitions from every country and culture. Documented here are over 500 of the most obscure, curious, and downright bizarre superstitions of the Western world. This all-encompassing compilation features modern practices-blessing someone who sneezes, saving wedding cake, wearing St. Christopher medals while traveling-as well as centuries-old beliefs. Discover how Friday the 13th, the Bermuda Triangle, ravens, and black cats became so unlucky. And, why the number seven, pennies, robins, and rabbits' feet are associated with good fortune. Trivia fans and fun fact fanatics will adore this eclectic collection of superstitions and irrational beliefs surrounding holidays, births, funerals, weddings, colors, gemstones, trees, flowers, fairies, foods, sailing, the theater, the mystical, and more.