Irrational Fears & Superstitions

One of my pet hates is that of irrational fears or superstitions that are in my opinion one of the biggest load of cobblers that many people seem to live their lives by. Over the coming months I intend to publish as many factual explanations of all type of superstitions, fears, legends etc. as possible.

Spilling Salt - When salt was first being used it was considered a "sin" to spill it as it cost so much. It was therefore decreed that by throwing a pinch of salt over your shoulder you would blind the devil that may have been tempting you to spill the salt in the first place.

Broken Mirrors - When mirrors were first invented it would take the average person 7 years to save up enough money to purchase a mirror so if you broke one it would take another 7 years to save up for a replacement.

Friday 13th - On Friday 13th during the times of the Knights Templars & Crusades, The Pope decreed that because the Knights Templars (an organisation of noblemen from around Europe that donated their riches to the organisation for distribution to the poor) were richer that the Catholic Church that a secret edict was issued to the puppet French King to capture, torture and try all known members of the Templars Order and seize their riches. However, on the eve of Friday 13th the order got wind of the impending edict and all the riches which allegedly included The Holy Grail were taken away in a fleet of ships never to be seen again. Naturally the Pope was furious about this and set about torturing all members to try and find out the location of the treasures but to no avail. There are various stories about the atrocities given out by the Catholic Church such as members of the order being tried after having their feet hacked off and being partially burned.