Superstitions: A Handbook of Folklore, Myths, and Legends from around the World

 Superstitions: A Handbook of Folklore, Myths, and Legends from around the World is your definitive reference to the history of superstitions, traditions, myths, and folklore from around the world.

Across all cultures and spanning centuries, superstitions rooted in cultural legends and myths have formed and influenced daily life. Superstitions: A Handbook of Folklore, Myths, and Legends from Around the World explains how and why these legends and the associated behaviours behind them developed, accompanied by beautiful illustrations. In this definitive reference, you'll learn the fascinating and often bizarre histories of a comprehensive range of superstitions from around the world.

For example, the belief that one will have seven years bad luck if you break a mirror is said to come from the Romans, who were the first to create glass mirrors. And in Japanese culture, cutting your nails at night is thought to lead to a quick death because the two phrases sound similar. You'll also find out why some superstitions vary from culture to culture. For instance, the "unlucky" number 13 is considered a bad omen in some countries, like the US, and "lucky" in other countries, like Italy-where the number 17 is considered unlucky.

The information is organized by country, so you can easily investigate the popular superstitions linked to your own or other specific ethnic heritage or cultural identity. Satisfy your burning curiosity with this complete guide to superstitions, folklore, and myths.

ISBN: 9781577151913
ISBN-10: 1577151917
Series: Mystical Handbook
Audience: General
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 192
Published: 26th May 2020
Publisher: Quarto US
Country of Publication: US
Dimensions (cm): 21.0 x 14.0  x 1.91
Weight (kg): 0.48