Mythology: Superstitions and their Origins

Question 1

The number ___ is often associated with the devil and is considered unlucky.

Accepted Answer

666

Question 2

Where did we get the idea that spilling salt was bad luck, and that we should toss a pinch over our shoulder if we do?

Accepted Answer

The ancient Romans-- who believed that salt was sacred and pure, Medieval Europeans-- the pinch would distract Satan from the larger spill

Question 3

People used to fear black cats for all of the following reasons EXCEPT...

Accepted Answer

Black cats are the only species of cat that can balance on broomsticks

Question 4

We're not supposed to walk under ladders because in ancient Egypt...

Accepted Answer

triangular shapes (like when a ladder leans against a wall) were sacred

Question 5

What should you do to ward off the "Evil Eye"?

Accepted Answer

Wear a pendant with a blue and white eye

Question 6

Which ancient culture actually used to revere cats as sacred in their mythology?

Accepted Answer

The Egyptians

Question 7

We are afraid of Friday the 13th for all the following reasons, EXCEPT...

Accepted Answer

13 is the age which you could be sacrificed (on Fridays) in ancient Rome

Question 8

What other ancient culture believed breaking mirrors disturbed a connection to the spirit world, bringing misfortune?

Accepted Answer

Ancient China

Question 9

According to Indigenous American Folklore, you should never whistle at night. You may just attract...

Accepted Answer

shape-shifters known as “Skinwalkers” that respond to the call

Question 10

Where do Thai people typically place images or statues of Nang Kwak, the goddess deemed to bring prosperity?

Accepted Answer

In shops

Question 11

What is the "Evil Eye?"

Accepted Answer

A malevolent glare that causes misfortune

Question 12

According to Japanese folklore, what animal will you turn into if you lie down right after a meal?

Accepted Answer

A cow

Question 13

Which animal's foot amulet is considered to bring good luck in Brazil?

Accepted Answer

Rabbit

Question 14

There are many elevators in South Korea where we cannot find the button for the 4th floor. Why?

Accepted Answer

the Korean word for "four" sounds a lot like the Korean word for "died"

Question 15

What culture was last question's superstition from?

Accepted Answer

China: the myth of Nián the beast

Question 16

People in ancient Europe started hanging horseshoes over doorways for good luck because...

Accepted Answer

Horseshoes resemble the moon & were associated with old pagan lunar deities

Question 17

Some people today see crows and ravens as bad omens. They appear in all of the following mythologies EXCEPT...

Accepted Answer

African mythology: the god Anansi was turned into a crow for his misdeeds

Question 18

On the Lunar New Year, you can safeguard yourself by wearing what color underwear?

Accepted Answer

Red

Question 19

In Japanese folklore, a demon called Kasa-obake takes the form of an umbrella and likes to cause mischief. That's why...

Accepted Answer

We don't open umbrellas indoors

Question 20

Ancient Romans believed that mirrors held a piece of one's soul. Breaking mirrors not only damaged reflections, but...

Accepted Answer

Led to 7 years bad luck

Questions 20