One of our favourite newspaper columns (and subjects) in the Archive is the one called ‘Strange Superstitions’.

We could spend ages reading these regular features – especially the columns that highlight the more exotic superstitions.

In the first article below, the emphasis is on superstitions associated with animals. In particular, we love the belief that a cat washing itself is a sure sign that visitors are coming.

From the second article, all manner of strange beliefs (from all over the world) are reported on. Our favourite topic from this article is the various interpretations of what a falling star represents – it’s fascinating to learn about all the diverse beliefs that exist in different countries for this celestial phenomenon.

There are scores of articles in the Archive about weird and wonderful superstitions – just do a search on ‘strange superstitions’ to find them.

Coventry Evening Telegraph – Monday 17 March 1902

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000337/19020317/040/0003

Hampshire Telegraph – Saturday 02 September 1893

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000069/18930902/050/0009