Superstitions, myths and legends

Halloween is traditionally the time when common superstitions, folklore, myths and omens carry more weight to those who believe. Superstition origins go back thousands of years. Beliefs include good luck charms, amulets, bad luck, fortunes, cures, portents, omens and predictions, fortunes and spells.

According to Webster’s dictionary, superstition is any belief that is inconsistent with the known laws of science or with what is considered true and rational.

Whether or not you’re feeling superstitious during this Halloween season, sometimes it’s interesting to see what lengths people go to in order to protect themselves from unsavory bad luck. Here’s a look a few of them.

Superstitions and Bad Luck Omens

Black Cats


Broken Mirrors



In the days before the gallows, criminals were hung from the top rung of a ladder and their spirits were believed to linger underneath. Common folklore has it to be bad luck to walk beneath an open ladder and pass through the triangle of evil ghosts and spirits.


If an owl looks in your window or if you see one in the daylight bad luck and death will be bestowed upon you.





Unlucky Number 13

The fear of the number 13 is still common today, and avoided in many different ways. Some buildings still do not have an official 13th floor and many people avoid driving or going anywhere on Friday the 13th.

Common Myths and Folklore


If a bird flies through your house, it indicates important news. If it can’t get out, the news will be death.



A bat in the house is a sign of death.

If a bird flies towards you, bad fortune is imminent.


If a person experiences great horror, their hair turns white.

A hat on a bed will bring bad luck.


Information taken from Halloweenweb.com.