What do you think?
Rate this book
Bizarre Superstitions: The World's Wackiest Proverbs, Rituals and Beliefs
In the same irresistible format as the wildly popular Famous Last Words and Foolish Words, this worldwide compendium features the most way-out superstitions, from the backwoods of the Ozarks to the foothills of Kilimanjaro, with explanations on how some of these beliefs developed.
Every culture has its own special superstitions, strange beliefs, quirky omens, baffling maxims, and unique proverbs. A good many of them are collected here in this small, handy, and attractive book, along with interpretations of their meaning and fascinating background on their history. The entries come from almost every country and include such subjects as Seafarers, Armies, Tradesmen, Historical Figures, and Animals. For example, Icelanders believe that you must wear a new item of clothing on Christmas Day, or you could fall victim to the dreaded Christmas Cat. Koreans don’t like even numbers, so forget buying a 6-pack; go for the 7. And the Chinese wisely note that “an ant may destroy a whole dam”—or a small problem overlooked can become a big disaster. the Top Ten U.S. Superstitions, including the one that Americans believe above all others.
The #1, most popular superstition is that walking under a ladder is unlucky!
Every culture has its own special superstitions, strange beliefs, quirky omens, baffling maxims, and unique proverbs. A good many of them are collected here in this small, handy, and attractive book, along with interpretations of their meaning and fascinating background on their history. The entries come from almost every country and include such subjects as Seafarers, Armies, Tradesmen, Historical Figures, and Animals. For example, Icelanders believe that you must wear a new item of clothing on Christmas Day, or you could fall victim to the dreaded Christmas Cat. Koreans don’t like even numbers, so forget buying a 6-pack; go for the 7. And the Chinese wisely note that “an ant may destroy a whole dam”—or a small problem overlooked can become a big disaster. the Top Ten U.S. Superstitions, including the one that Americans believe above all others.
The #1, most popular superstition is that walking under a ladder is unlucky!
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 10, 2022
A completely enjoyable anthology. Bringing proverbs, ritual, and superstition together has a superficial sense which doesn't survive deeper scrutiny - proverbs may seem like superstition, but they have more wit in at least two senses, and are more useful, to boot.
June 30, 2010
I liked the proverbs best. Some of the rituals were just down right bizarre. I have heard of the Burning Man ritual that takes place in the Nevada desert. Strange stuff. The print in the book was sometimes very difficult to read. Some of it was in white. It was hard on the eyes. I'll leave you with this one.
In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats. I guess that's why I like dogs.
In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats. I guess that's why I like dogs.
February 9, 2012
Very funny. Sort of a trip down a culture's memory lane.
February 5, 2011
A recommended read for any trivial fact buffs out there.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews