{"id":5298,"date":"2026-03-14T05:33:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T05:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velkeholky.org\/?p=5298"},"modified":"2026-03-13T19:38:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T19:38:56","slug":"patek-trinacteho-cerna-kocka-a-ta-rozsypana-sul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/velkeholky.org\/en\/patek-trinacteho-cerna-kocka-a-ta-rozsypana-sul\/","title":{"rendered":"Friday the 13th, the black cat and the spilled salt"},"content":{"rendered":"

I admit, I'm superstitious\u2763 Somehow instinctively. As if something deep inside me was whispering: be careful, just to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What annoys me a little \u2013 wearing it \ud83d\ude07<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I am a smart, educated, experienced woman. I have seen a lot in my fifty-odd years. I have survived relationships, careers, crises, an entire pandemic. And yet \u2013 yet! \u2013 when a black cat crossed my path this morning, I slowed down for a split second, and I have two black cats at home. Somehow instinctively. As if something deep inside me was whispering: be careful, just to be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then I thought \u2013 well, okay. So am I superstitious? Or am I just\u2026 human?<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You know what \u2013 almost half of Czechs feel the same way. Surveys repeatedly confirm this: 47, and some say up to 72 percent of us believe in superstitions or rituals<\/a>. And these are the people who would look you in the eye and say: I certainly don't. But then they knock on wood. Or they put a carp scale in their wallet. Or \u2013 like me \u2013 they slow down for the cat, even though they know exactly that it's nonsense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where do we actually get it from?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psychologists have an answer that fascinates me and comforts me a little. We hear superstitions from childhood. They flow into us with our grandmother's voice, with the smell of Christmas carp, with our mother telling us not to open an umbrella in the apartment. It's not about whether we "believe" them in the rational, adult sense of the word. It's about them becoming a part of us. Part of the layer where instincts, emotions and memories reside \u2013 and reason is of little help there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stuart Vyse, psychologist,<\/strong> who has been dealing with superstitions his whole life, defines it as \u201eaction that contradicts science.\u201c But he also admits that in the modern world, where we don\u2019t have everything under control \u2013 and who among us does, hand on heart? \u2013 superstitions become a kind of little reassurance mechanism. They reduce anxiety. They give hope. And that, girls, is a pretty strong argument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ko\u010dka,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The black cat and her dark career<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You know what I like? Cats once had it tough. The ancient Egyptians worshipped them \u2013 they were sacred animals, symbols of protection and strength. Nordic tradition celebrated them. And then came the 13th century and Pope Gregory IX, who clearly had a personal problem with cats, declared black cats to be servants of Satan. And it was painted. Literally and figuratively \u2013 a mass extermination of cats across Europe followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historians smile a little mischievously and note that this decision may have contributed to the spread of the plague in 1348. Without cats, rats multiplied. Rats carried fleas. Fleas carried the plague. So basically\u2026 a superstition that discredited cats may have indirectly killed millions of people. An unexpected lesson from the history of superstition, don't you think?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, in Great Britain and Scotland, a black cat is a good omen. In France, it is said to help find treasures. So it just depends on where you are from \u2013 and what your culture has programmed you with. We are still behind our bad luck. Typically Czech.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirteen, Judas and the Cursed Salt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Friday the 13th<\/strong>. I remember waking up that day as a little girl with the feeling that I had to be careful. No specific reason, just the atmosphere \u2013 the adults smiled, but somehow cautiously. The origin of the superstition lies in the Last Supper: thirteen guests, Judas as the thirteenth, and the crucifixion on the second day. The number 13 thus bore the label of betrayal and misfortune for all eternity. Done, decided, no appeal. I really like the number 13 today and the heel just as much! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And spilled salt? Judas too \u2013 in the painting of The Last Supper, he is said to have knocked over the salt shaker. Since then, spilled salt has been a symbol of bad luck. But folk wisdom has come up with a nice remedy: throw a pinch over your left shoulder. This is said to blind the devil. I feel good about it, even though I can't see the devil \u2013 the movement is just big enough for the brain to register that we have taken care of the situation. The ritual is complete. Peace of mind restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luck in superstitions \u2013 it really works!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

But watch out, because here's where something interesting happens. Psychologists conducted a study with golfers - they told one group that their clubs were lucky. The result? They were 35 percent more successful. Thirty-five percent! Just because they believed in the slightly magical properties of the club. The superstition increased self-confidence, and self-confidence improved performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So maybe we're not stupid when we put a carp scale in our wallet. Maybe we're pretty smart - because we know how to help ourselves psychologically. And that's, let's face it, a pretty sophisticated approach to life. Call it the placebo effect, call it superstition - the result is the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rituals, talismans and the chimney sweep in the rearview mirror<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you have a figurine in your rearview mirror? Or a rock in your pocket that you always carry, even if you can't remember exactly why? You're not alone. Most of us have some kind of talisman or ritual\u2014and we'd never call it one. \u201e"superstitious".<\/strong> There is a certain irony in this, but also a beautiful humanity. We say to ourselves: I know this is nonsense. And at the same time, we don't take the piece out of our pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to legend, the chimney sweep as a symbol of good luck was created by Maria Theresa herself. She met the court chimney sweep, ran her hand over his clothes \u2013 and got dirty with soot. The chimney sweep did not lie, he did an honest job. The monarch is said to have said only: you are lucky. And it was decided. To this day, people say: the chimney sweep brings good luck, grab the button. I like stories where coincidence creates a tradition for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the four-leaf clover? Eve from Paradise is credited with it \u2013 she supposedly took it as a souvenir when she was expelled so that she would never forget the Garden of Eden. Today we look for it in clover fields with the concentration of a child. By the way \u2013 scientifically speaking, it occurs with a frequency of approximately one in ten thousand. So it is truly rare. So if you find it, you are simply lucky. Even without superstition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about you \u2013 is it knocking inside you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I think at a certain age we stop pretending to be purely rational beings. That's one of the gifts of being fifty and beyond \u2013 we finally allow ourselves to be a little complicated, a little contradictory, a little mysterious even to ourselves. I believe in data, scientific studies and common sense. And at the same time, I'm knocking on wood when I boast about good news. Both at the same time. No problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Superstitions are part of where we come from \u2013 from families, from culture, from childhood.<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

They are little threads that connect us to our grandmothers, our great-grandmothers, all the women before us who also slowed down for a black cat. And I think that connection is worth more than a dismissive wave of the hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So \u2013 does it ring a bell for you too? I bet you do. What do you believe in the most or how superstitious are you?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Classic Czech superstitions \u2013 just to be safe \ud83d\ude0a<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc08\u200d\u2b1b A black cat crossing your path \u2013 brings bad luck. If you also get a utility bill, be sure: it's her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf34\u00a0 Knocking on wood<\/strong>\u00a0 \u2013 necessary every time you praise yourself. Without knocking, the universe works like a spring \u2013 whatever you say, it turns. So knock twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd22\u00a0 Friday the 13th\u00a0<\/strong> \u2013 the worst day of the year.<\/a> At least according to people who otherwise don't believe in anything. But just to be on the safe side, he doesn't go out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\uddc2 Spilled salt<\/strong>\u00a0 \u2013 bad luck guaranteed. Solution: throw a pinch over your left shoulder. The devil will theoretically go blind. The floor doesn't notice it that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf40\u00a0 Four-leaf clover brings luck<\/strong>\u00a0 \u2013 rare, genetically mutated, one in ten thousand. So basically\u2026 nature rewards you for your patience. Or just for bending over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50\u00a0 Shooting star and wish<\/strong>\u00a0 \u2013 Ptolemy believed that the gods were looking down. So make a good wish. But hurry \u2013 the star doesn\u2019t wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udfeb\u00a0 Square channel<\/strong> = bad luck \u2013 round is good, square is not. Whoever came up with this must have survived something really bad in the sewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc88 Broken mirror<\/strong> = 7 years of bad luck \u2013 the soul inside is said to suffer. Consolation: after seven years it will be fully restored. You can do it while you are still young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\uded1 Go under the ladder\u00a0<\/strong> \u2013 it will violate the Holy Trinity. Or a bucket of paint will fall on your head. Both unpleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udd42 Don't cross your arms when clinking glasses\u00a0<\/strong> \u2013 death within a year. Honestly, this is a superstition that comes in handy as an excuse for impolitely turning your back on your cousin at a party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"p\u00e1tek<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The world is big and everyone guards their own superstitions \ud83d\ude01<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

And now \u2013 hand on heart \u2013 you probably smile at these foreign superstitions and say to yourself: that's nonsense. Yeah. Exactly the way foreigners look at you when you knock on the table.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea Germany<\/strong> \u2013 to tap water = to wish for death \u2013 never tap a glass of soft drink. In Germany, this is to wish death on everyone present. So, at a family celebration, it is better to drink wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9 Italy<\/strong> \u2013 Friday the 17th instead of the 13th \u2013 the number XVII in Latin translates to VIXI = my life is over. We have thirteen, the Italians have seventeen. Different countries, the same anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 United Kingdom<\/strong> \u2013 greet a magpie \u2013 if you see a magpie, you must greet it politely. Good morning, Mr. Magpie. Yes, seriously. Out loud. On the street. With a stony face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Spain<\/strong> \u2013 12 grapes at midnight \u2013 one grape at each stroke of the clock on New Year\u2019s Day. Good luck for 12 months. And a dentist for January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddfa Russia<\/strong> \u2013 handbag on the floor = money will run away \u2013 never put your handbag on the floor. Money will run away from there. We have experience with this even without superstition. \u2013 Yes, I know that and I'm sticking to it!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 Japan<\/strong> \u2013 chopsticks vertically in rice \u2013 this is how food is offered to the dead. It is very inappropriate for living people. And doubly so for your mother-in-law at lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf3 China<\/strong> \u2013 number 4 as death \u2013 four sounds like the word for death. In floor numbers, rooms, gifts \u2013 they consistently avoid it. We, on the other hand, call four the worst number on the bus for a different reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 Turkey<\/strong> \u2013 chewing gum after dark = flesh of the dead \u2013 chewing after dark is taboo. Chewing gum is said to turn into flesh of the dead. Honestly\u2026 that\u2019s the best advertisement for quitting chewing gum I\u2019ve ever heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddf7 Brazil \/ Russia<\/strong> \u2013 handbag on the floor (again!) \u2013 two cultures, one conclusion: handbag never on the floor. Women all over the world don't actually do it. So maybe we're all right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"kabelka<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\udded Philippines<\/strong> \u2013 don't go straight home after the funeral \u2013 stop somewhere else first so that death doesn't follow you. Coffee on the way home from the funeral suddenly takes on a completely different meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 Netherlands <\/strong>\u2013 singing at the table \u2013 do you sing while eating? You sing for the devil. This would be very pleasing to all those who survive family dinners with relatives with a compulsive need to sing along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the conclusion? No matter where you are from \u2013 everyone is afraid of something different. And everyone deals with it in their own way. You knock on the table, a British woman greets a magpie, a Japanese man doesn't cross his fingers. We are all simply human. Superstitious, reasonable, and all of these things at the same time.<\/strong><\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Friday the 13th: why are we still afraid of it (and should we?)<\/a><\/blockquote>