THE HEX FACTOR
From walking under ladders to chucking coins in wells a new book reveals
the logic, or lack of it, behind our superstitions
By David Edwards

WE'VE all touched wood to ward off misfortune and few of us would
deliberately walk under a ladder. But where do such bizarre ideas come
from?

A new book, Black Cats And April Fools, examines the roots of some of
our favourite superstitions and old wives' tales. Here we look at 20 of
the age-old myths...

1 Walking under a ladder is considered unlucky not because of the risk
of being hit by falling objects but for religious reasons. The triangle
formed by the ladder, wall and ground suggests the Holy Trinity and
walking through it shows disrespect to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

2 Crossing your fingers to bring good luck is an attempt, dating back to
the 19 century, to replicate the Christian cross.

3The belief that touching wood when not wishing to tempt fate is usually
associated with seeking the protection of the wood of the cross or that
of benevolent, pre-Christian wood gods.

4 The idea spilling salt is unlucky dates from the 16th century with
every grain lost representing a tear to be shed later. The idea probably
came from when salt was a precious commodity.

5 Killing a robin is inviting bad luck, says an old wives' tale that
springs from the idea that it's a sacred bird. If you spot one singing
on top of your house, it's a sign a baby inside will die.

6 Breaking the wishbone after eating a chicken or turkey has been
considered lucky since the 17th century, probably due to the bone's
shape resembling a lucky horseshoe.

7 The number seven is thought of as lucky in Japanese culture and many
Western cultures too for a host of reasons. It was thought there were
seven planets, including the sun and moon, seven phases of the moon,
seven metals, seven ages of man, seven deadly sins, seven graces and
seven virtues.

8 Black cats have long been considered to have special powers. An
association with magic and the supernatural explains why in the past it
was considered to have the power to cure ailments. Folk remedies from
the 17th century often feature black cats. Rubbing its tail into the eye
was a cure for a stye while drinking its blood was believed to restore
health.

9 Although Saturday is the most popular day to get married, it was once
considered unlucky. An old rhyme advises tying the knot only in the
first half of the week: "Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth,
Wednesday best of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday
for no luck at all."

10 The idea that lightning never strikes twice is completely untrue,
with the Empire State Building in New York typically struck 60 times a
year.

11 Although it now refers to a holiday, the term honeymoon dates back
hundreds of years when newly married couples would drink a mixture of
mead and honey for the first 30 days of their marriage. Considered an
aphrodisiac, the month-long period corresponded to one full cycle of the
moon.

12 The expression "to tie the knot" dates back to ancient wedding
ceremonies where couples would bind together threads from their clothes.
Rather than tempt fate we have omitted unlucky 13...

14 Since Tudor times it's been considered bad luck to leave empty
eggshells intact. It was believed witches would steal them and then
float them in a tub of water to simulate rough seas that would magically
summon a real storm on the ocean.

15 Throwing coins into a fountain for luck is an ancient practice dating
back to days when water was thought to be inhabited by gods, spirits or
fairies. Offerings are meant to appease them.

16 It's said that cows lying down means rain on the way but the idea has
no basis in fact. Variations say cows lifting their tails indicate bad
weather or if they graze with their tails hitting a fence, warm weather
is due.

17 Superstitions surrounding roses including the notion that dreaming of
them is an omen of death.

18 A rabbit's foot is one of the best-known good-luck charms since the
creature is generally seen as a lucky creature with their ability to
breed rapidly regarded as a sign of prosperity and fortune.

19 Single women can discover the profession of their future husband by
keeping an eye out for the first bird they see on Valentine's Day,
according to legend. A robin indicates a sailor while if they see a
sparrow, they'll wed a farmer. The woman who spots a goldfinch will
marry a rich man.

20Tuesdays are, apparently, unlucky for women. On this day they are more
accident-prone and should avoid potential dangers such as fire and sharp
objects.

21 If you're having a bad day, you can improve it by turning your pants
inside out, according to one myth. If a single woman borrows underwear
from a married woman, it's said she's likely to get married within a
year.