Understanding superstitions on items & objects

Presentation on superstitions for English from 2

1. SUPERSTITIONS
ON
ITEMS
UNDERSTANDING
By: Raiyan, Aqib, Ryadh, Ahmad &
Hakimi

2. What exactly are superstitions?
A superstition is any belief or practice considered by non-
practitioners to be irrational or supernatural, attributed to
fate or magic, perceived supernatural influence, or fear of
that which is unknown. It is commonly applied to beliefs and
practices surrounding luck, amulets, astrology, fortune telling,
spirits, and certain paranormal entities, particularly the belief
that future events can be foretold by specific unrelated prior
events. Today we will be presenting about superstitions on
items.

3. 1. “Rabbit's Foot”
Origins: Ancient Roman, English,
AmeOrigins: Ancient Roman, English,
American
rican
Origins: Middle Ages
Let's begin with one of the most iconic symbols of
luck: the rabbit's foot. Despite its cute appearance,
this superstition has a dark history. It rose to
popularity in 1584 when people would carry a
rabbit's foot to spare themselves from arthritis.
The common belief that the rabbit's foot is
associated with the Christian holiday Easter is a
misconception. But how did this practice begin?
Surprisingly, it has roots in the Middle Ages:
Common criminals would be hanged, and a lucky
member of the public would acquire the
criminal's severed left hand.
The commoner would then pickle the left hand for
good luck.
It is thought this practice paved the way for the
belief in the rabbit's foot.
Ironically, rabbits were often seen as symbols of evil
during the Middle Ages, adding an intriguing layer to
this superstition.

4. 2. “Lucky Horseshoe”
Origins: Ancient Roman, English,
AmeOrigins: Ancient Roman, English,
American
rican
Origins: Ancient Roman,
Celtic/British Isles, Europe
.As with pennies, metal being seen as both
valuable and magical, iron in particular was
thought by early Europeans as something capable
of warding off evil spirits. And, as with the Romans
and the lucky number seven, horseshoes
frequently featured seven nail holes.The most
famous story of a horseshoe bringing good luck,
however, refers to the story of Saint Dunstan,
who apparently worked as a blacksmith prior to
attaining sainthood. The story goes that, one day,
the Devil rode into Dunstan’s shop requesting new
shoes for his horse. Dunstan, recognizing the
Devil, played it off nonchalantly, and, rather than
nailing the shoes to the horse, nailed one to the
Devil's foot instead. In agony, the Devil agreed
never to enter a house with a horseshoe nailed
above the door if Dunstan would simply agree to
remove the shoe.

5. 3. “Four-Leaf Clover”
Origins: Ancient Roman, English,
AmeOrigins: Ancient Roman, English,
American
rican
Origins: Early Ireland
Another well-known symbol of luck is the
four-leaf clover. Its origins can be traced
back to the Middle Ages when it was
considered lucky by many Celtic groups.
But this little green leaf had more to offer
– it was believed to help people see fairies
and ward off evil spirits.
The four-leaf clover's reputation as a
harbinger of good fortune can be found in
writings dating back to the 1600s, with
John Melton noting that finding one meant
"finding some good thing."

6. The idea that finding a penny would bring
good luck also originates in folk beliefs—in
this case based on the idea that metal,
regarded by many ancient cultures as
quite valuable, was sent by the gods to
protect those whom they favored. Pennies
being made from metal, find them and you’ll
have good fortune. But, be careful: some
say the luck could break either way, and
that if you find a penny tails up, you should
turn it over and leave it for the next
person or you’ll actually have bad luck.
4.“Lucky Pennies”
Origins: Ancient Roman, English,
AmeOrigins: Ancient Roman, English,
American
rican
Origins: Ancient Roman, English,
American

7. 5. “Lucky Dice”
Origins: Ancient Roman, English,
AmeOrigins: Ancient Roman, English,
American
rican
Origins: World War II
Today, it's common to see fuzzy dice
hanging from car mirrors, a symbol of
luck. This tradition has its roots in
World War II.
Pilots during the war would put
objects they considered lucky in their
aircraft to keep them safe. Many
soldiers in the military would keep a
pair of dice that seemed particularly
good at winning in their planes.
After the war ended, this tradition
spread and became a symbol of luck
for many people.

8. 6. “Dream Catcher”
Origins: Ancient Roman, English,
AmeOrigins: Ancient Roman, English,
American
rican
Origins: The Ojibwe Tribe
Now, let's explore the mystical world of
dream catchers. These intricate designs
originated with the Ojibwe people and have
since been adopted by many other tribes.
The legend of the dream catcher traces
back to Asibaikaashi, also known as the
Spider Woman. She played a crucial role as
the custodian of Ojibwe infants and adults,
weaving magical webs to protect them. As
the Ojibwe people spread and expanded
their tribe, these dream catchers were
believed to have powerful protective
powers.
These charms would hang over children's
beds, capturing bad dreams and evil spirits
that dared to disturb the child's slumber.

9. 7. “Wishbone”
Origins: Ancient Roman, English,
AmeOrigins: Ancient Roman, English,
American
rican
Origins: The Etruscans
Have you ever participated in the tradition of
breaking a wishbone for good luck? The origins
of this superstition date back 2,400 years to
the Etruscans.

The Etruscans believed that fowls could
predict the future, depending on the grains
they chose to eat. This unique belief led to the
creation of the wishbone tradition.
When the fowl was killed, its collar bone was
considered sacred. It would be left to dry in
the sun and then, in a circle, the Etruscan
people would make a wish as they pulled the
bone apart, hoping for good luck.

10. 8. “Keys”
Origins: Ancient Roman, English,
AmeOrigins: Ancient Roman, English,
American
rican
Origins: Far Eastern
Keys, which are believed to bring good
luck as a gift, have roots in Far Eastern
cultures. They were often given as gifts
on 21st birthdays, symbolizing that one
had reached an age to be a key holder to
their family home.
Wearing a key around one's neck is
thought to "open" physical, intellectual, or
spiritual barriers.

11. Any
Questions?