Superstitions | 10 Question General Multiple Choice Quiz

Answer: break a leg

There are a number of theories as to how the phrase got started. One can be traced back to Lincoln's assassination. According to his diary, John Wilkes Booth reportedly broke a leg while jumping onto the stage after he assassinated President Lincoln. Another explanation is that during Elizabethan times, when one approved of a performance, that person would bang a chair on the ground until the leg of the chair broke. I prefer the explanation that asking a performer to break a leg just before going on stage will outsmart the evil spirits who expect that person to wish the performer good luck instead.

Answer: fingers

According to the superstition, bad luck is trapped at the point where the fingers are crossed, thereby allowing good luck to happen. "I'll keep my fingers crossed" is said in response to someone who is hoping for a positive outcome.

Answer: you'll break your mother's back

It was once believed that stepping on a crack would disturb the spirits in the underworld. Years ago parents admonished children not to step on any cracks lest they be chased by a bear. Since no one I know has been chased by underworld spirits or bears after stepping on a crack, it is safe to assume that this superstition is not what it's cracked up to be.

Answer: clover

The significance of finding a clover with four leaves has many explanations. It is believed that the four leaves represent fame, love, health and wealth and the owner will be blessed with all of these. The Druids believed that carrying a four-leaf clover would protect them from evil spirits and bad luck.

Answer: mirror

The Romans were the first civilization to create glass mirrors. Along with other civilizations such as the Greeks and Chinese, it was believed that if a mirror broke or shattered then that person's soul would be trapped inside of it. At the very least, you could end up with some nasty gashes from the broken glass.

Answer: salt

Since salt was once a precious commodity, spilling it would entice bad spirits into the home. As a remedy, one could throw a pinch of salt over the left shoulder to ensure that the evil spirits couldn't take away the salt. Why the left shoulder? According to folklore, that was where the devil or evil spirits lurked and throwing salt would blind them.

Answer: June

Although couples nowadays get married any time of the year, the month of June at one time was the most popular month for weddings and for good reason. The Romans believed that Juno, goddess of women, blessed couples who married in her month, June.

Answer: cover the mouth

Many superstitions seem to be based on evil spirits lurking about. Covering the mouth while yawning was supposed to keep the spirits from entering the body. Nowadays covering the mouth is just a polite thing to do, especially after eating garlic.

Answer: acorn

Oak trees are long-lasting and sturdy. Superstition dictates that carrying around an acorn will bring long life to the one who carries it. The Druids believed that oak trees contained special powers and depending upon where the acorn was placed it would prevent old age, bring good fortune, or keep a marriage faithful.

Answer: whistling

If a miner whistles while he's underground, it could disturb the spirits that live there. Unhappy spirits could cause a cave-in. Actors should avoid whistling backstage because years ago theatrical riggers used whistling as a cue to signal scene changes. No one wants a chair removed while still sitting on it.