18 Strange Old Wives’ Tales and the Truths Behind Them
Ever heard that cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis, or that swallowing gum takes seven years to digest? These are just a couple of the bizarre old wives’ tales we’ve all grown up with. Despite sounding completely off-the-wall, some of these tales have been passed down through generations as gospel truth.
But how many of them actually hold water? We’re diving deep into the origins and realities behind 18 of these claims to separate fact from fiction. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a kernel of truth in your grandma’s odd advice, keep going as we debunk these myths and reveal the truths behind them.
Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck
Mirrors have always held a mystical significance in various cultures, often seen as gateways to another world or as tools reflecting one’s soul. This deep-seated belief is why the idea of breaking a mirror being an omen of bad luck has persisted through the ages. The specific duration of seven years of misfortune comes from ancient Roman times. Romans believed that life renewed itself every seven years, so breaking a mirror would corrupt the soul it reflected for that period.
Despite its intriguing origins, there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that breaking a mirror leads to seven years of bad luck. The connection between mirror breakage and actual misfortune lacks factual basis, making it more folklore than reality.
Itchy palms mean money is coming
Itchy palms have long been associated with folklore predicting financial fortune or loss, depending on which hand itches. The tale suggests that you might receive money soon if your right palm itches. Conversely, an itchy left palm implies you’ll lose money. Despite the widespread belief in this superstition, there’s no scientific evidence to support any connection between the itchiness of your palms and impending changes in your financial situation.
Common causes of itchy palms include skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, allergies, or even dry skin. These conditions are far more likely explanations for itchiness than the anticipation of monetary gain or loss.
Step on a crack, break your mother’s back
The saying “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back” traces back to early 20th-century playground chants. Kids would often recite this as part of a game or superstition while walking to and from school. The origin of this phrase is more about rhyme and rhythm than a genuine belief that stepping on cracks could cause harm.
Interestingly, this superstition highlights how children’s games and sayings can evolve over time. Despite the ominous warning, there’s no evidence to suggest that stepping on pavement cracks has any impact on anyone’s health, let alone causing such drastic consequences as harming one’s mother.
Knock on wood for good luck
Knocking on wood for good luck is a practice with deep historical roots in pagan cultures. These ancient societies believed that spirits and deities resided within trees, making wood a sacred material. When people knocked on wood, they were essentially seeking the protection of these spirits or showing gratitude for good fortune already received.
This tradition was also thought to ward off evil spirits or prevent one from jinxing oneself after making a boastful or hopeful statement. The physical act of knocking was believed to catch the attention of benevolent spirits living in the wood, ensuring their continued favor or protection against bad luck.
Today, the action persists more as a cultural habit than a genuine belief in its power. People might tap their knuckle against a wooden table or their own head as a playful gesture after making a hopeful comment, linking back to the idea of invoking protection or good luck.
Black cats are bad luck
Black cats have long been entwined with superstitions, especially in medieval Europe where they were often seen as companions of witches. This belief led to the widespread notion that black cats are harbingers of bad luck, a myth that has persisted into modern times. However, this perception is not universal. In many cultures around the world, black cats are actually considered symbols of good fortune and prosperity.
The origins of this superstition can be traced back to times when witch hunts were common, and anything remotely linked to them was deemed unlucky or evil. Sadly, this has had a real-world impact on black cats today, particularly when it comes to their adoption rates. Shelters have reported that black cats are often the last to be adopted due to these lingering superstitions.
Friday the 13th is unlucky
The fear of Friday the 13th, known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, blends history, culture, and superstition. Its origins are a mix of biblical references—Judas was the 13th guest at the Last Supper—and Norse mythology, where Loki caused chaos as the 13th god. This fear is deeply embedded in Western culture, influencing everything from building floor numbers to wedding dates.
Despite its notorious reputation, there’s no concrete evidence that Friday the 13th is unluckier than any other day. Studies have failed to show a significant increase in accidents or disasters on these dates. This lack of statistical backing suggests that the dread surrounding Friday the 13th might be more about human psychology than actual misfortune.
Don’t open an umbrella indoors
The superstition of not opening an umbrella indoors hails from ancient times. Originally, umbrellas served as a shield against the sun rather than rain. Thus, unfurling one inside was deemed an affront to the sun god, inviting misfortune.
Beyond mythology, there’s a practical basis for this belief. Swinging open an umbrella indoors can lead to accidents. It’s easy to knock over items, break objects, or even cause injury to people nearby. This risk of unintended chaos adds a layer of truth to the idea that it’s bad luck.
However, there’s no scientific evidence linking the act of opening an umbrella indoors with actual bad luck or cold outcomes. The connection is more about social etiquette and safety rather than mystical consequences.
Wishing on eyelashes brings luck
Wishing on eyelashes is a tradition that many of us have participated in from a young age. This folklore suggests that if you find a fallen eyelash, place it on your fingertip, make a wish, and blow it away, your wish will come true. While the idea brings a smile to faces and encourages hopeful thinking, it’s important to note that there is no scientific evidence backing the claim that wishes made on eyelashes lead to actual luck or fortune.
This practice likely originated as a playful activity to bring comfort or hope, much like blowing out candles on a birthday cake. It serves as a reminder of the innocence of childhood and the human tendency to find magic in small moments.
Crossing your fingers for luck
Crossing your fingers for luck is a gesture deeply rooted in history, tracing back to early Christianity. Believers would cross their fingers to symbolize the Christian cross, seeking protection and divine support. This act has since evolved beyond its religious origins, becoming a universal sign of hoping for good fortune or success in one’s endeavors.
Today, this gesture is recognized globally, though its meanings can vary across different cultures. In some places, it’s a silent plea for one’s dreams and desires to come true, especially in situations filled with uncertainty or high pressure. It represents a mix of superstition and genuine hope, showing how ancient practices can find new life in modern contexts.
Walking under a ladder is unlucky
Walking under a ladder has been considered unlucky for centuries, with its origins deeply rooted in medieval times. This superstition is believed to stem from ladders’ resemblance to the gallows, where walking beneath one was seen as inviting death. The shape of a ladder against a wall forms a triangle, historically symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Thus, passing through this triangular space was thought to be blasphemous and an act of disrespecting sacred geometry.
The fear of bad luck from walking under a ladder also intersects with practical safety concerns. Ladders are tools of work, often associated with construction and maintenance activities where objects might fall, or the ladder itself could become unstable. Therefore, avoiding walking under them is as much about personal safety as it is about averting bad luck.
Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck
The saying “Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck” taps into a deep-rooted belief in the power of coins. Ancient cultures revered metals for their supposed ability to ward off harm and bring favor from the gods. This belief has evolved over millennia, transforming into the simple act of picking up a penny for a bit of luck.
In reality, the true charm lies not in the coin’s inherent magic but in the joy of discovery. Stumbling upon a penny can serve as a small yet pleasant surprise in one’s day, fostering an optimistic view of life. It encourages people to keep their eyes open for opportunities and delights in unexpected places.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Apples pack a punch when it comes to nutritional benefits, including essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These components are crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system, boosting the immune system, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” serves as a catchy reminder of the importance of incorporating fruits into our daily diet for health maintenance.
However, relying solely on apples or any single food is not advisable for overall wellness. A varied diet that includes a wide range of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains is essential. Studies have shown that combining healthy eating habits with regular exercise significantly enhances one’s health.
Carrots improve eyesight
Carrots have long been touted for their supposed ability to enhance eyesight, a belief that can be traced back to World War II propaganda. The story goes that this myth was propagated by the British government to mask the true reason behind their pilots’ improved night vision – the use of radar technology. In reality, while carrots are indeed packed with beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A essential for maintaining healthy vision, they don’t offer the miraculous sight-boosting powers folklore suggests.
Beta-carotene is crucial for preventing conditions like night blindness and maintaining overall eye health. However, it’s important to debunk the myth that eating carrots can significantly improve your eyesight or cure visual impairments. No single food has the power to dramatically enhance visual acuity.
Don’t swim after eating
The old wives’ tale that advises against swimming after eating has been a cautionary guideline for generations, often leaving kids waiting impatiently by the poolside. This belief stems from the idea that after consuming a meal, blood flow is directed towards the stomach for digestion, potentially reducing the amount of blood available to muscles used in swimming. The fear is that this could lead to cramps or drowning.
However, scientific evidence does not strongly support this claim. While it’s true that digestion requires increased blood flow to the stomach, our bodies are capable of multitasking—supplying enough blood to both the digestive system and muscles during activities like swimming. Most health experts agree that light to moderate swimming after a meal is generally safe. It might be wise, though, to avoid vigorous swimming immediately after a large breakfast or any heavy meal just to be on the safe side.
Eating crusts makes hair curly
Parents often use the tale that eating crusts makes hair curly as a playful way to encourage kids to eat their entire slice of bread. However, this claim doesn’t stand up under scientific scrutiny.
The truth is, hair texture is determined by genetics, not by what we eat. The shape of your hair follicles, which is coded in your DNA, decides whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly. So, no matter how many crusts you munch on, it won’t change the natural texture of your hair.
Despite its charm, there’s absolutely no scientific evidence linking the consumption of bread crusts to changes in hair curliness. This old wives’ tale is just that—a tale without any factual basis.
Toads cause warts
The belief that toads cause warts is a classic example of a myth that has been debunked by modern science. In reality, warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), not by amphibians or their bumpy skin. This misconception likely stems from the rough, wart-like texture on toads’ backs, which visually resembles the warts found on humans.
Touching toads cannot transmit HPV or lead to wart development in humans. The virus responsible for warts spreads through human-to-human contact or through shared objects like towels and door handles.
Garlic wards off vampires
Garlic has long been celebrated in folklore as a powerful deterrent against vampires and other malevolent entities. This belief likely stems from garlic’s strong aroma and its historical use in various cultures to ward off evil. While the notion of garlic repelling vampires is a staple in old wives’ tales and horror fiction, it’s important to recognize there are no real vampires for it to ward off.
The true power of garlic lies not in its vampire-repelling abilities but in its significant health benefits. Garlic is packed with nutrients and has been proven to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of heart disease. Its inclusion in spicy food not only adds a burst of flavor but also contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in morning, sailor’s warning
The saying “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in morning, sailor’s warning” finds its roots in the way weather patterns and atmospheric conditions influence sky color. This adage hinges on scientific principles, where a red sky at night suggests stable air coming from the west, indicating good weather ahead. Conversely, a red sky in the morning implies that stable air has passed, with potentially stormy weather approaching from the west.
Sailors and farmers have leaned on this tale for centuries as a rudimentary form of weather prediction. It offered them a simple yet somewhat reliable way to forecast the next day’s conditions based on the sky’s color at dawn or dusk.
However, while there’s truth to this old wives’ tale due to its basis in meteorological observations, modern weather forecasting tools now provide far more accurate predictions. These tools analyze vast amounts of data to predict weather changes with high precision, rendering traditional methods like sky observation more of an anecdotal tool than a necessity.
