Very Superstitious: Roman Roots of Modern Irrationalities

This Friday 13th, many of us will be feeling on edge with no rational reason why. We all have superstitions; things we do or believe with no reasonable explanation or cause. Many of us would also be at a loss to explain these beliefs when questioned. Why is Friday 13th considered unlucky? Well, we can trace many of these commonplace cultural practices back to the Romans, and some to even before that. Here are some examples:

Superstition: Breaking a mirror causes seven years’ bad luck 

Origin: Some sources say the Romans developed this superstition intentionally - as a scare tactic, because mirrors were not cheap. Other sources say that the Romans adopted this belief from the Greeks, who used to consult mirrors as fortunes, in a practice known as catoptromancy. A distorted reflection would prophesize ill health. As the Romans believed that people’s health renewed in seven year cycles, the broken mirror to them came to represent seven years of ill health. 

Superstition:  Werewolves

Origin: This is actually another Greek story adopted by the Romans. In the Roman version, King Lycaon of Arcadia fell in love with Fortuna, Jupiter’s daughter. He tried lots of things to impress Jupiter and get his blessing to marry Fortuna, but nothing worked. Jupiter was rude to Lycaus and ridiculed him for being mortal. Lycaus lost his temper, and had his cook serve Jupiter human flesh (an unclean meal) disguised as steak. Recognizing the trick immediately, Jupiter transformed Lycaus into a wolf as punishment. Later that evening, Juno, Jupiter’s wife, appeared to Lycaus - who was feeling very sorry for himself. She turned him back into a man, but warned him that every time he lost his temper, he would turn into a wolf again. 

Superstition: Lightning being a sign from the gods, or a “smiting” 

Origin: It’s not surprising that the ancients attributed the frightening natural phenomenon of thunder and lightning to the gods. The Greek god Zeus (Roman version Jupiter) was the god of sky and lightning. His symbol was a lightning bolt, and lightning strikes were viewed as symbols of his displeasure or anger.  

Superstition: Friday 13th considered unlucky 

Origin: This one has roots in Roman Christianity; Judas was the 13th person at the table for the last supper - and went on to betray Jesus, who was then crucified on a Friday. The double-whammy of both Friday and a 13 has remained with cultures around the world ever since as an unlucky day.