Write a Story About Superstitions
Are you superstitious? Does this impact your life? Can you weave them into a short story?
A white cat on a marble tomb. Photo: Tanya Clarke 2002
Whenever an eyelash fell out and landed on one of our cheeks, my granny would take it and hold it out to us on the tip of her finger.
We knew to close our eyes and make a secret wish before opening them and blowing the eyelash away. That was important. Blowing the eyelash away with our breath was how to make our secret wish come true.
Everyone knows when a bird poos on you, it’ll bring you good luck.
Never walk under a ladder. Or step on the cracks in the pavement. That's bad luck. Aside from anything, the ladder might slip if not secure and fall right on top of you. And what would that be if not bad luck?
Don't open up an umbrella inside. Why would you? There's no rain in your house unless your house has no roof. But that open umbrella will signal bad luck to rain all over you.
Did you remember to salute the single magpie standing in your garden this morning?
When you're out on the deck of a ship, be careful not to start whistling. Your gentle melody might twist a small wind into a big storm. That storm might be more than the ship you're on can manage.
How long ago did you break a mirror? Two days? Two weeks? Two years? If seven years have gone by that's great news! Your seven years of bad luck are well and truly over.
Did you spill salt on the table last night while eating dinner? Did you take a pinch and throw it over your left shoulder? You need to get it right in the eye of the devil that's always sitting there.
Don't pass on the stairs or put new shoes on the table or have 13 guests at your dinner table.
Is a black cat crossing your path today lucky? Or unlucky?
Write a Story About Superstitions
You could have a character whose life is hindered by adhering to a handbook of superstitions. Or, your characters exist in a world several centuries ago when superstitions preceded religion. Or, your main character is the superstitious omen herself. What would happen then?
Superstitions vary around the world, bringing good luck, bad luck, fertility, health and good fortune. The list above contains the British ones I remember most. I've made many wishes on fallen eyelashes, told my daughters the bird poo on their jacket/shoes/hair is good luck but I'm always fearful of the number 13. I've never saluted a magpie but seeing a single one, I’m told, signifies sorrow. Find its partner and you’ll find joy.
I remember spending lunch breaks lying on my stomach in the school field on a hot, dry summer day, searching for a four-leafed clover in the grass. I only needed one for good luck. I’ve since learnt you might find only one four-leafed clover in a 10 000 batch of three-leafed ones. I did find one or two. I'm not sure they brought me good luck though. I just enjoyed the challenge.
Do you believe in superstitions? Can you write a story with them? Are you interested in making up some of your own?
Have fun :)
