How Superstitions Work

Описание: Knock on wood, don't walk under a ladder, throwing spilled salt over your left shoulder. All these superstitious things we do might actually help keep away bad juju. But don't take our word for it, it's all backed by science! Guest host Annie Gaus explains.

Read More:
Bad Luck? Knocking On Wood Can Undo Perceived Jinx, Study Suggests
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/...
"Knocking on wood is the most common superstition in Western culture used to reverse bad fortune or undo a "jinx." Other cultures maintain similar practices, like spitting or throwing salt, after someone has tempted fate. Even people who aren't particularly superstitious often participate in these practices."

Why Do We Knock on Wood?
http://mentalfloss.com/article/50079/...
"Traditionally, when you speak of your own good fortune, you follow up with a quick knock on a piece of wood to keep your luck from going bad."

Why do we say 'bless you' or 'gesundheit' when people sneeze?
http://people.howstuffworks.com/sneez...
"Many people have become accustomed to saying "bless you" or "gesundheit" when someone sneezes."

Plague
http://science.nationalgeographic.com...
"Plague is a bacterial infection found mainly in rodents and their fleas. But via those fleas it can sometimes leap to humans. When it does, the outcome can be horrific, making plague outbreaks the most notorious disease episodes in history."

The Black Death
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Death

Spilling Salt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spilling...

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