20 Surprising Origins of Everyday Habits

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Many of the habits and rituals we practice daily have deep historical roots. From knocking on wood to blowing out birthday candles, the origins of these customs often stem from ancient beliefs and superstitions. Dive into the fascinating backstories of 20 everyday habits.

Knocking on Wood

This superstition comes from ancient pagan cultures that believed spirits and gods resided in trees. By knocking on the wood, they hoped to earn their favor or prevent jinxing themselves.

Crossing Fingers for Luck

Early Christians would cross their fingers to invoke the power of the Christian cross for protection or to wish for good luck.

Saying “Bless You” After a Sneeze

This habit dates back to ancient Rome. It was believed that sneezing could release evil spirits, so saying “bless you” was a way to protect the sneezer.

Shaking Hands as a Greeting

This gesture began as a way to show that neither person was carrying a weapon in their hand.

Throwing Salt Over Your Left Shoulder

In ancient times, salt was a valuable commodity. Spilling it was considered bad luck, and throwing a pinch over your left shoulder was meant to blind the devil, who was believed to lurk there.

Blowing Out Birthday Candles

This tradition has its roots in ancient Greece. Candles were placed on cakes as a tribute to the moon goddess, Artemis. Blowing them out was a way to send prayers to the gods.

Wearing a Wedding Ring on the Fourth Finger

Ancient Romans believed that the “vena amoris” or the “vein of love” ran directly from the fourth finger to the heart.

Breaking a Bottle on a New Ship

This tradition dates back to ancient civilizations, where they would sacrifice to appease the gods and hope for safe voyages.

Tossing Coins into Fountains

This comes from ancient Rome, where people would drop coins in springs or wells to please the gods and hope for good fortune.

Saying “Cheers” Before Drinking

This was done in ancient times to ensure the drink wasn’t poisoned. By clinking glasses, some of the drink would spill into the other person’s cup.

Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold

This dates back to ancient Rome, where it was believed that brides were susceptible to evil spirits through the soles of their feet.

Wearing Black at Funerals

In many ancient cultures, it was believed that the color black would ward off evil spirits from the deceased.

The “Thumbs Up” Gesture

This gesture has its origins in ancient Rome, where it was used in gladiatorial combat to signal life or death.

Clapping to Show Appreciation

This began in ancient Rome as a way for audiences to show their approval or disapproval of performances.

The Tooth Fairy Tradition

This has roots in Norse culture, where children were paid for their lost teeth, which were believed to bring good luck in battle.

Avoiding the Number 13

This superstition comes from Norse mythology, where the 13th god, Loki, caused chaos during a banquet.

Carving Jack-o’-Lanterns

Originating from an Irish myth about a man named “Stingy Jack,” people began carving scary faces into turnips to ward off evil spirits. This later evolved into pumpkins in America.

Hanging Mistletoe

Ancient Druids believed mistletoe had healing powers and would bring good luck. Kissing underneath it was a way to receive its blessings.

The Easter Bunny

This symbol of fertility comes from pagan festivals celebrating spring. The hare was a symbol of the moon and fertility.

Wearing White on Your Wedding Day

This began with Queen Victoria in 1840. Before that, brides simply wore their best dress.

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