We look on the calendar, and find that it’s Friday the 13th. Even if we claim that we are not superstitious, there is something about that day that we just don’t like.

The truth is, that unless you were a Knights Templar, living in 1307, you are as safe on the 13th as any other day. On October 13th, 1307, many of the Knights Templar were arrested, tortured, and killed. It is thought that the dread Friday the 13th superstition stemmed from that event.

Most superstitions most likely came from some isolated occurrence that happened to someone, and, the community connected it with something wrong that they had done.

All it really takes is one person to suggest that something or someone caused them to have a bad day, and the superstition is up and running. And, of course, by the time several hundred years have passed, no one remembers the initial reason anymore.

A few superstitions are just common sense.

Walking under a ladder is pretty obvious. Either the ladder fell on someone, or, something fell off the ladder. At any rate, it isn’t a good idea, superstition or not.

Spilling salt was always bad luck. In Medieval times, and earlier, salt was hard to come by. Spilling this precious substance, would not make you very popular with your family.

Don’t put your hat on the bed. Back in the day, when bed bugs and fleas were common guests in homes, laying your hat on the bed, and then putting it back on your head, was not a good idea.

Black cats have gotten a really bad rap through the ages. Ever since witches were invented, these poor creatures were associated with the black arts, so having one cross your path is a bad sign. In some areas, however, it is only bad if the cat has a short tail. A lot tailed black cat is good luck. Your guess is as good as mine.

Some other notable superstitions are, singing before breakfast, obviously an annoying thing, wearing an article of clothing that you had accidentally put on inside out, and, walking around with one shoe on.

Of course, most of us are way too sophisticated to pay any attention to superstitions in the 21st century, but, just the same, I always find that it’s a good idea to only pick up a penny if it’s head side up. You may have to kick it around a little before this happens.