This content explores 10 strange superstitions from ancient civilizations. It begins with the Ancient Egyptian superstition of the Curse of the Pharaohs, where disturbing a pharaoh’s resting place was believed to bring about a terrible curse. It then delves into Mayan superstitions regarding lunar eclipses as a bad omen and the Ancient Greek belief in the Evil Eye. Romans believed that opening an umbrella indoors would bring bad luck, while the Aztecs practiced human sacrifice for agricultural success. The Chinese avoided the number four, Norse people knocked on wood for good luck, and Native Americans had a taboo against whistling at night. Celts feared disturbing fairy mounds, and Babylonians believed breaking a mirror would result in seven years of bad luck. These superstitions offer insights into the cultural and religious beliefs of ancient civilizations.
10 Strange Superstitions from Ancient Civilizations
1. Ancient Egyptian Superstition: The Curse of the Pharaohs
The Ancient Egyptians believed that disturbing the resting place of a pharaoh would bring about a terrible curse. This superstition gained popularity after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, where several members involved in the excavation mysteriously died shortly afterward. Although scientists attribute the deaths to natural causes, the superstition continues to captivate our imaginations.
2. Mayan Superstition: Lunar Eclipses as a Bad Omen
The Mayan people believed that lunar eclipses were a sign of impending doom. They viewed these celestial events as a cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil. To protect themselves, the Mayans would make loud noises, banging pots and pans, to scare away the evil spirits responsible for the eclipse.
3. Ancient Greek Superstition: The Evil Eye
The Ancient Greeks believed in the concept of the Evil Eye, which was the belief that certain individuals possessed the power to cause harm or misfortune to others simply by looking at them. To protect themselves, the Greeks would wear amulets or display symbols, such as the “nazar,” to ward off the malevolent gaze.
4. Roman Superstition: Opening an Umbrella Indoors
The Romans had a superstition that opening an umbrella indoors would bring bad luck. This belief stemmed from the fact that Roman umbrellas were initially used as protection against the sun rather than rain. Therefore, opening an umbrella indoors was seen as an insult to the sun god, inviting his wrath and misfortune.
5. Aztec Superstition: Sacrificing Humans for Agricultural Success
The Aztecs believed that sacrificing human beings to their gods would ensure bountiful crops and agricultural success. This macabre practice was deeply ingrained in their religious beliefs, and victims were often chosen from conquered tribes. The Aztecs believed that the gods required human blood to nourish the earth and guarantee a good harvest.
6. Chinese Superstition: Avoiding the Number 4
In Chinese culture, the number 4 is considered immensely unlucky. This belief stems from the pronunciation of the number four, which is similar to the word for death. Many buildings in modern China omit the fourth floor, much like Western buildings often skip the thirteenth floor due to the superstition associated with the number 13.
7. Norse Superstition: Knocking on Wood
The ancient Norse people believed that spirits inhabited trees, so knocking on wood was a way to request assistance or show gratitude for good luck. This practice has survived in various cultures and is still prevalent today, even though most people may not be aware of its origins.
8. Native American Superstition: Taboo Against Whistling at Night
Many Native American tribes had a superstition against whistling at night. They believed that whistling would attract evil spirits or bring bad luck. This belief likely originated from the idea that whistling at night could communicate with supernatural beings that roam in the darkness.
9. Celtic Superstition: Fairy Mounds
The Celts believed that fairy mounds, also known as fairy hills or sidhe, were sacred places where fairies lived. They were cautious not to disturb these mounds or stray too close to them, fearing that they would be taken by fairies and never be seen again. The superstition surrounding fairy mounds is still prevalent in Celtic folklore.
10. Babylonian Superstition: Breaking a Mirror
The ancient Babylonians believed that mirrors had magical properties and breaking one would cause seven years of bad luck. This superstition likely arose from the Babylonians’ belief in mirrors as gateways to the soul. Breaking a mirror would, therefore, fracture the soul and bring about unfortunate consequences.
Superstitions from ancient civilizations remind us of the fascinating and mystical beliefs held by our ancestors. While we may view these superstitions as irrational today, they offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious tapestry woven by ancient civilizations.