On the sidelines of Halloween, a parade of mysterious superstitions follows, near and far, this popular tradition which honors the spirits of the deceased. Despite the rationalist culture of society, irrational beliefs – mystical or supernatural – remain present in our imaginations and, even more surprisingly, in our daily lives, in a more or less expected manner. Born from fear, they also offer the illusion of control. It is an easy response to the feeling of helplessness and the multiple worries that constantly surround us. As if by establishing a causal link, even if the facts have, in reality, no contingency relationship, all the little mysterious coincidences of life become less frightening.
According to an Ifop study dating from June 13, 2023, 59% of French people share an occult belief: 24% say they believe in ghosts, a handful prefer witches while others are convinced of the existence of the devil. Regardless, the results of the survey prove that superstitions can still affect our intuitive and emotional thoughts… especially on Halloween. So below we highlight the five most widespread superstitions and their meanings.
The number 13
The number 13 has a strong symbolic influence. Catalyst of luck or bringer of misfortune, its meaning varies depending on the events and the people who attach relevancy to it. According to Ifop, nearly 31% of them still believe in its positive impact (a percentage which explains why Friday the 13th is a favorite date among lottery fans). However, many people see it as a sinister omen. Some people fear eating at a table of thirteen, while others even go so far as to develop triskaidekaphobia (the exact term for the phobia of the number 13).
This concern, more or less great, has several origins. The number can first of all be thought of as a simple source of imbalance, arriving after 12 which itself symbolizes perfect accomplishment (there are twelve months in the year, corresponding to the twelve constellations of the zodiac, there are twelve hours during the day and as many at night, etc.). The 13th arriving later, it marks a fatal change towards chaos. In Christian culture, an interpretation of the Last Supper also recalls that thirteen guests were gathered at the meal of Jesus, who suffered a tragic death following the betrayal of one of his apostles, Judas. The fate and sufferings of Christ were then associated with this episode, and more precisely with the number thirteen. Even today, we see remains of this dated superstition: some buildings do not have a thirteenth floor, many airports do not have boarding gate 13 (and many airlines do not have seat 13 on board), hospitals do not have a thirteenth room, cinemas do not have a thirteenth room, and so on.
Black cats
Black cats do not leave everyone indifferent. Coming across a black cat would be a bad omen, especially when it crosses the road in front of you. However, this vision has not always existed. In ancient Egypt, it symbolized Bastet, the protective goddess of humanity, the home and women, but also of music and dance. Distrust of black cats dates back to the Roman Empire, when Christianity was established as the state religion. The cat then lost its divine power and became a perverse and evil creature associated with witchcraft – a being of sin that must therefore be hunted in the same way as witches in the Middle Ages. This superstition feeds popular legends and influences writers, such as Edgar Allan Poe who dedicates one of his short stories to it. In the fantastically inspired story, the black cat is described as demonic.
Despite this negative image full of anguish, the black cat still remains the friend of witches in popular culture today. In film, he is Madchat, the Machiavellian companion of Doctor Gang in Inspector Gadget (1983-1986), and Salem, the faithful sidekick of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996-2003) and who is still present in The New Adventures of Sabrina (2019) on Netflix.
Break a mirror
The mirror, another odd and interesting item. It shows the reflection of those who look at it, as bowls of water and other reflective surfaces did before, and sometimes even the soul, according to ancient stories. This is why the mirror was especially used for the art of divination, then called catoptromancy or reading the future. Yet the mirror is hazardous in many ways to those who believe in its threatening powers. Indeed, urban legends from the Middle Ages suggest that evil spirits take refuge in glass. When it breaks, they free themselves and can carry out their misdeeds. Some believe that it is the soul of the person looking at themselves that is directly infected when the mirror breaks. Regardless, it is said that the next seven years will be unhappy.
Spilling salt
Another superstition, according to which one would be subjected to seven years of misfortune: when one accidentally spills salt. This belief dates back to the time when salt was still used as currency, representing a precious material (sometimes nicknamed white gold), a symbol of hospitality or friendship depending on each person’s beliefs and rites. According to the Bible, Judas also spilled salt on the table during Christ’s last meal. We still regularly hear the custom of not passing the salt shaker from hand to hand, but of placing it directly on the table. Behind this is a hidden warning against the evil eye, poverty or even an argument with the person at the table in front of you.
Salt, however, takes on positive connotations when you throw a pinch over your left shoulder. This is particularly what superstitious people recommend doing if, through a clumsy gesture, you drop the salt shaker. Among the superstitions linked to food, the threat represented by upside-down bread also remains an illogical belief… and yet anchored in our daily habits. The reason is that this gesture would attract the devil. Less known, but just as alarming: placing crossed knives on the table.
Walking under a ladder
The fear of going under a ladder or scaffolding also comes from the Christian religion. Leaning against a wall, the ladder forms a triangle recalling the image of the Holy Trinity (i.e. the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). Crossing it can therefore be perceived as a desecration. Then, in the Middle Ages, it was more connected with death by hanging. After allowing the rope to be attached to the gallows, the ladder was still present on the scene, the condemned having to pass under it to access the pillory.
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