The Superstitions in Britain
Очень интересный топик Суеверия в Великобритании повествует о самых распространенных британских суевериях. Например, нельзя открывать зонтик в доме, нельзя проходить под лестницей, а в «пятницу 13-го» лучше вообще не выходить из дома. Самое большое несчастье может обрушиться на того, кто разобьет зеркало, ну что ж, может быть в таком случае стоит дотронуться до дерева - на счастье?
There are many superstitions in Britain. But one of the most widely-held is that it is unlucky to open an umbrella in the house. It will either bring misfortune to the person that opened it or to the household. The person who opens an umbrella in fine weather is very unpopular. It's very unlucky to walk under a ladder. If you must pass under a ladder you can avoid bad luck by crossing your finger and keeping them crossed until you've seen a dog.
The number 13 is said to be unlucky for some. And when the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday, many of the people prefer to stay at home.
The worst misfortune that can befall you is breaking a mirror. That will bring you seven years of bad luck. This superstition is supposed to have originated in ancient times, because mirrors were considered to be tools of the gods. And at last there is a superstition of touching wood for luck. This measure is most often taken if you have said or done something wrong or stupid.