Learn the superstitions about walking under ladders and horseshoes
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| INTRODUCTION |
| Becky: Hello and welcome to Culture Class: American Superstitions and Beliefs, Lesson 3. Walking Under Ladders and Horseshoes. Becky here. |
| Eric: And I'm Eric. |
| THE TWO SUPERSTITIONS |
| Becky: In this lesson you’ll learn about two common superstitions in the U.S. The first superstition is about bad luck. What are we going to talk about? |
| Eric: First we’re going to talk about walking under a ladder |
| Becky: When you're in the U.S., make sure not to walk underneath a ladder. Instead go all the way around. |
| Eric: This probably became a superstition because it’s just dangerous to walk under a ladder. |
| Becky: Right, if someone or something is on the ladder, walking under it and knocking it could cause an accident. |
| Eric: But some people say it's because the ladder forms a triangle. |
| Becky: A triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity, so walking through it is breaking the Trinity. |
| Eric: So remember, it’s unsafe and blasphemous to walk under a ladder. |
| Becky: Now let’s talk about something that brings good luck... |
| Eric: How about a lucky horseshoe? |
| Becky: In the U.S., it's believed that hanging a horseshoe, especially above a doorway, is good luck. |
| Eric: Make sure to hang it so that it makes a "U" shape. Otherwise, all the luck will drain out. |
| Becky: Where does this superstition come from? |
| Eric: Well, people used to believe that iron kept evil spirits away. |
| Becky: Evil spirits couldn’t come near anything with iron, because it would cause them pain. |
| Eric: That’s why it’s especially lucky to put near your door. This way, evil can’t come into your house. |
Outro |
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| Becky: There you have it - two American superstitions! Are they similar to any of your country’s superstitions? Let us know in the comments! |
| Eric: Bye! |
3 Comments
HideIs there any similar superstition in your country?
Hi Prinkle,
Thank you for leaving the comment.
If you have any questions, please let us know.:wink:
Cristiane
Team Englishclass101.com
In India, It is believed that black cats crossing a person's path is a bad omen.