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,
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Cristiane
Team Englishclass101.com
In India, It is believed that black cats crossing a person's path is a bad omen.