Black Cats & April Fools - Origins of Old Wives Tales and Superstitions in Our Daily Lives by Harry Oliver

Author:Harry Oliver [Oliver, Harry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-11T15:53:28+00:00

Bowlers are reluctant to stop a run-up once it has started, since restarting is reputed to be unlucky for the fielding side. Cricketers are superstitious about many other things, too. A batsman’s pads must be put on the correct legs, or he will be out for a duck, and thirteen is an unlucky score to be avoided at all costs. Two teammates will not wash their hands at the same time, since, as with many other old wives’ tales involving two people doing the same task, it is said to bring bad luck. It is not only players who observe superstitions, though. The well-known umpire David Shepherd had a dread of the number 111, or ‘nelsons’. If the score stood at this total, he would famously raise one leg as the ball was bowled. At ‘double nelsons’, or 222, he would hop so that both feet left the ground when the bowler delivered the ball!

Blowing on dice for luck

Before rolling dice, it is common to hold them in the hands and blow on them in the hope of throwing the desired number. Other superstitions state that rubbing them on a ginger-haired person may achieve the same effect.

The left football boot should be put on first

Many footballers will put their left boot on before their right as one of a number of prematch superstitions designed to avoid bad luck. Others include a changing-room ritual of bouncing the ball between the oldest and youngest players on the team. Goalkeepers can be seen touching or kicking their posts just before the match starts, and the player about to kick off will usually bounce the ball three times on the centre spot before beginning play. Some grounds are considered luckier than others, and Derby County’s Baseball Ground is said to be cursed by gypsies who were moved from it. The Italian team Napoli have possibly the most superstitious fans, who throw salt on to the pitch and bang drums and cymbals before play to scare off evil spirits.

Hunchbacks are lucky for a gambler

A gambler who sees a hunchback on the way to the casino may be in for a winning streak, but one who sees a woman should probably turn round and go home, according to gaming superstition. Gamblers also take the idea of ‘beginner’s luck’ seriously, and hold that a first-time player is likely to win. They are reluctant to lend money to an opponent or to play on polished tables, although the latter rule may originate in the idea that someone’s cards could be seen reflected in a polished surface by other players. Someone on a losing streak should try walking around the table for luck, or perhaps sitting on a handkerchief. On no account should they sit cross-legged or pick up their cards with the left hand.

Nine of diamonds is an unlucky card

A card player dealt the nine of diamonds may feel that he will not have the best of luck. The card is known as the ‘curse of Scotland’ after

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