Superstitions

Latest Episodes:

In the Mouth of the Wolf Jul 14, 2021

Show notes

To bestow good luck, an American might say “break a leg.” But in Italy, there’s a different phrase: “In bocca al bupo.” The problem is, if you say thanks in return, you might end up in the mouth of a wolf…

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Lucky Number 7 Jul 07, 2021

Show notes

If you look for it, you can spot the number seven everywhere. But of all the numbers, why did we pick this one to be the lucky one? And what happens when you rely on it too much?

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Sneezing Jun 30, 2021

Show notes

In many cultures, it's considered polite to bless someone after they sneeze. But this dates back to a much older belief, where if you sneeze without a blessing, your soul can fly right out of your body.

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Solstice Special: Twins Jun 23, 2021

Show notes

Gemini season is upon us, the season of twins. Which makes us ask: Are twins *really* telepathic? How do we explain the uncanny connection between the closest of siblings?

For more celestial stories, keep listening across Parcast Network for episodes on the Zodiac signs, constellations and more!

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Solstice Special: The Great Conjunction Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

When planets align, chaos can follow. For thousands of years, the movements of those heavenly bodies have been used to understand — and even predict — earthly upheavals. History is dotted with uncanny examples.

For more celestial stories, keep listening across Parcast Network for episodes on the Zodiac signs, constellations and more!

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Crossing Your Fingers Jun 09, 2021

Show notes

It’s so common that we hardly think of it as a superstition. Today, we use it to wish for luck and to excuse a broken promise or white lie. But throughout history, crossing your fingers has been used over and over to invoke the Divine.

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Your Future Grave Jun 02, 2021

Show notes

If you feel an inexplicable chill, you may be coming down with a cold… or someone just walked over the patch of earth where you’re destined to be buried.

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Opening Umbrellas Indoors May 26, 2021

Show notes

It’s not just bad luck. It’s an affront to ancient gods.

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Burying Bourbon May 19, 2021

Show notes

If you want a bright and sunny Southern wedding, there’s only one thing to do: One month before the nuptials, bury a bottle of bourbon. But take care to dig it up on your wedding day. If you don’t, you might suffer a thunderstorm… or worse.

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Owl Omens May 12, 2021

Show notes

When an owl speaks, death follows. But if they can bring doom, can they reverse it, too?

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