An entertaining, light-hearted approach to over 1,000 superstitions? this book uncovers the complexity and sometimes ridiculousness of human nature and behavior through the ages. Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? Why do we knock on wood? Why do we cross our fingers for good lucky? It may not be logical, but underlying these irrational notions are centuries of beliefs?and many affect us still. In fact the most important aspects of people?s lives have been influenced by their superstitions both at work and at home particularly?their health, marriage, children, and prosperity. Superstitions is a chock-full compendium of more than 1,000 of the world?s most common folklore beliefs. For centuries people have been changing their behavior to bring themselves good luck and it is believed that some people perform better when they follow personal rituals. This informative and thoroughly amusing reference will give you all the answers to how many long-standing, long-believed superstitions actually came about. Written in a clear, accessible manner and extensively researched, this illustrated, entertaining reference guide brings us the most compelling superstitions, plus provides the fascinating answers to the geographical, religious, and social origins of these often bizarre beliefs.