Russian folk omens and superstitions. Folk signs and beliefs for different life situations

The mystery and incomprehensibility of life situations and coincidences are of interest to any sane person. Many people, laughing at superstitions, say that they do not believe in omens. And at the same time, having spilled salt, they automatically throw its grains over their shoulders or go around the place where a black cat recently ran. It is believed that a sign does not work if a person does not know about its existence. And sometimes it happens that you need to attract money to yourself or learn about tomorrow.

Superstitions and signs arose from the desire for a calm, prosperous life and the desire to protect your home, your loved ones and yourself from unknown and unexpected troubles. In all countries, there are various signs and the human perception of magical powers is significantly different. Superstitions most vividly show people's attitudes towards the supernatural and show how these fears and fears have developed in accordance with historical events.

A simple enumeration of the most popular superstitions already gives an idea of ​​the strangeness and incomprehensibility of using some observations of the behavior of animals and people:
1. Do nothing on Friday the 13th
2. Do not pass anything over the threshold,
3. Do not return halfway,
4. Do not give a watch as a gift,
5. Not celebrating a birthday at forty,
6. Before a long or difficult road, sit down,
7. Do not eat with a knife,
8. Do not lift anything at the intersection,
9. Do not walk in one shoe,
10. Do not take out the trash in the evening,

Here is a short list of the most common superstitions and signs. If we analyze each sign separately, it turns out that they are not so ridiculously explained and each has a full explanation and justification.

For example, believing that troubles and misfortunes should be expected on Friday the 13th, superstitious people remember and interpret relatively freely Old Testament, according to which it is believed that it was on this day that Cain killed Abel. In addition to this misfortune, the first time the Gospel speaks of the betrayal of Judas is in chapter 13. Yes, and in the last supper 13 participants feasted. Probably, it was with these events that the number 13 became a terrible sign of all sorts of misfortunes. Sometimes belief in the impact of a fatal figure reaches the point of absurdity. In hospitals they try not to make wards number 13, in some hotels there is no 13th floor and 13th room. It is believed that if thirteen children are born in a family, then one of them will definitely go down the criminal path. Even famous people believed in omens. Franklin Roosevelt, for example, never started traveling on the 13th.

The prohibition to pass something either through the threshold or to say hello also did not arise from scratch. The fact is that in ancient times, the ashes of their ancestors were kept under the threshold of the house, and it is considered very dangerous to disturb them in the afterlife. Another unpleasant superstitious prohibition is connected with the threshold. You can not sit on the threshold, as the threshold is a kind of border between the two worlds. This is where the division between the afterlife and the world of the living takes place.

It is highly recommended not to return if you have already left the house. This superstition continues the fear of transferring the afterlife through the threshold into the house. A person who is not completely confident in his abilities returns home halfway and, weakened by the lost goal of the campaign, crossing the threshold-border, can let the disturbed spirits of his ancestors pass with him. If you had to return unexpectedly, then it is necessary when leaving to look in the mirror. The intrigues of the other world are neutralized and strength and energy are doubled.

Why is it impossible to give watches, but it is necessary to take a nominal fee for them? This recent superstition spread from China to European countries. In the East, it is believed that the person who received the watch as a gift is invited to the funeral. In Europe, the ticking clock counts down the remaining life. Or they are measuredly reminding about the end of the term of friendship with this person. Also, the clock hands have sharp ends, and this is completely unacceptable for a heartfelt gift, because then the time for insults and quarrels will surely come.

It is strongly not recommended to celebrate a birthday at the age of forty. Gifts and congratulations in any form are considered inappropriate. In this superstition, there is a clear connection between the numeral "forty" and the other world and death. In the days of Kievan Rus, the dead were checked for incorruptibility and kept for forty days without burial. Hence the connection between the number forty and the funeral. There is also a reminder of the fortieth memorial day. In addition, this number in many religions is considered the number associated with death. Only the brave will dare to celebrate their own birthday at this time. Indeed, according to superstitious traditions, it is believed that the manifestation of disrespect for death and the dead attracts illness, life problems or even death.

Why is it recommended to sit down before a long journey? This is done in order to deceive the good household spirits, who are worried when they notice that a person is going on a long and long journey. And they build all sorts of intrigues trying to interfere with the plans of the outgoing tenant. Crouching before leaving the house, people try to deceive these spirits and go on a journey without their delays and control. If it also happens to return halfway, then the household spirits may be upset that they were deceived and do even more dirty tricks and troubles on the road. In practice, it turned out that it is always useful to sit down before a long journey and remember whether everything you need is packed in suitcases.

A sign forbidding eating from a knife speaks of the danger of embarking on the path of anger and quarrels. It is the fear of becoming angry people try not to eat with a knife. Here again, the matter is in a long and ancient tradition. The knife is one of the first weapons for defense and attack that appeared in the history of human development. The main task of manipulating a knife is to get food and protect against enemies, including fictional ones. The object that drove away all evil spirits demanded a respectful attitude towards itself and was used only after special ritual rites. To eat from an object that has a sacred meaning means to anger the spirits. The wrath of the spirits will immediately be transferred to the person who abuses their trust. The person will become angry and warlike. Perhaps all these passions are based only on the possibility of cutting yourself on a sharp blade.

It is strictly forbidden to pick up money or any thing useful for the economy at the crossroads. The mystical properties of the crossroads have long been known, although they are invisible. After all, it is here that several worlds intersect and it is from this place that you can expect a lot of all sorts of troubles and surprises. According to legend, it is not worth picking up anything at the crossroads, so as not to attract all other people's troubles and problems that were left at this crossroads. And it should be taken into account that the better and more expensive the thing found at the crossroads, the more serious the trouble reduced to this subject can be.

Walking in one shoe in search of the second was not welcome at any time. If a person appears in one shoe, then it is believed that he may soon become an orphan. Here the biblical postulate "Each creature in pairs" is clearly felt. Two shoes are an inseparable pair. The separation of this couple can lead to a rupture between the parents or even to the death of one of them. After all, if parents love each other, then only death can separate them.

Rubbish should not be taken out of the house after sunset. This ban is due to the fact that all the neighbors will think that your house has secrets that need to be hidden from prying eyes. And, of course, spirits. Eternal dispute between evil and good spirits. In order for good spirits to enter the house, it is necessary to clear the dwelling of garbage in advance, and under the cover of darkness it is absolutely not necessary to do this. There is also a belief that taking out the garbage from the house in the evening, thereby taking out luck and money from the house.

Objects and symbols that cause superstitious fear or give hope:
1. Black cat,
2. Evil eye or evil eye,
3. Salt,
4. Mirror,
5. Horseshoe,
6. Bucket,
7. Moon,
8. Money.

A small list of concepts and symbols that cause the most popular superstitions necessarily includes the traditional attitude towards the unfortunate black cat. If a person going on a journey meets a black cat crossing the road on his way, then he should refrain from traveling and return back. It turned out that such a superstitious attitude towards poor black cats originated in ancient Russia. In those distant times, people valued cats and considered them members of their family, so cats were almost never seen on the street. A cat running around the village meant that the owner had died and there was no one to look after the animal. Over time, the number of stray animals increased and only black cats began to be considered bad luck. Since that time, the poor black cat has been associated with the other world.

In addition to looking back at the behavior of a black cat, Russian people are incredibly afraid of the evil eye. Especially protect from the evil eye of newborns and small children. The main weapon against the evil eye is tapping with the knuckles on a wooden object. And it is believed that in this case, the trouble will pass by.

Any person is able to believe in signs if they begin to come true. Trying to put up protection and protect themselves from the influence of an incomprehensible world, people naively assume that everything in the world is predetermined. For example, signs associated with ordinary table salt. There is a belief that if you sprinkle salt, you will soon quarrel with loved ones. But it is worth throwing three small pinches over the left shoulder and the spell is removed. It is clear that such a belief is associated with the exorbitantly high price of salt in ancient times and with obvious quarrels with domestic ones.

There are superstitions that even have scientific justification. For example, a mirror that has at least a crack or has been broken is considered a harbinger of death or a serious quarrel. There are theoretical arguments of scientists that a person's negative energy is taken through a mirror. So they say that looking into a broken mirror a person begins to experience outbursts of anger, bad feeling, irritation and bad mood.

Not every superstition inspired fear and brought danger to the house. There are superstitions that bring good luck and joy. For example, any horseshoe. Nailed with the ends up to the door, it protects the house from evil spirits and is able to stop even the devil. It is believed that Satan walks in circles between the ends of the horseshoe and does not have the opportunity to go down. Thus, a nailed horseshoe stops evil spirits and protects the home from all evil spirits. A lot of superstitions are associated with such a simple object as a bucket. Be sure to go around the woman going to meet with an empty bucket and give way to a man carrying a full bucket, so as not to miss your own luck.

The moon has long attracted lovers to believe in the unexpected and the unknown with its mystery and constant cycles. It is believed that by handing her a wallet with money or a large banknote, a person thereby attracts monetary luck and multiplies his savings.

If you hold one coin in your hand and look at the young, just erupted month, make a wish, then the moon will provide cash flow for a whole month. If the young moon appears on the right side, then the month will be profitable and will be able to provide a regime of financial well-being for the whole family for a year. If the month is on the left hand, then nothing good can be expected. Only serious expenses are foreseen. It is recommended to borrow money only for a young month, and you should give it back at the end of the month on a flawed moon. And in this case, the debt should be repaid only in small money.

There is a whole culture of superstition associated with money. In the villages, of course, people remember much more signs than city dwellers. This is explained by the opportunity to discuss with neighbors being in a closer circle of communication than urban residents living in separate families.

About money, you can make a whole list of ancient and modern signs, and not all of them come true, but all attract people with their ease and accessibility to the desired enrichment.

The money that was lent on Sunday will never come back.
On Monday, you should also not lend.
You should not repay debts on Monday, there will never be money.
If you borrow money on Tuesday, then there is a chance to remain in debt for life
To be sure that there will always be money, you should not give it away in the evening.
To keep money, you should not put a hat, keys and gloves on the table.
Empty bottles on the table also lead to lack of money.
The broom must stand with the whisk up, otherwise it will sweep all the money out of the house.
Money grows where it already exists.
Faulty plumbing takes wealth out of the house with water.
You can't whistle in the house, you'll whistle your own income.
A trifle scattered in the corners attracts other money into the house.
In one house they do not sweep with different brooms.
The money tree-fad well improves the financial situation of the owner.
In the evening you can not clean the apartment, and especially sweep.
You can't throw anything out the window. You can throw away your own wealth.
Do not pick up trifles at the crossroads, as many diseases are diverted to trifles.
On an empty stomach, the money found cannot be raised.
If it so happened that the money still ended up in your hand, then you should spend it on good deeds.

A lot of good money will also accompany a person throughout life. For example, in order not to be left without money, you should not cut your hair yourself. The left palm usually itches for money and it must be scratched with raking movements. When repaying a debt, it is necessary to try to give the creditor money in smaller denominations than they were taken.

There is also such a sign as throwing rice on the bride and groom. Rice, as a symbol of fertility, should protect the newlyweds from evil spirits. There are many good signs and superstitions. Ants that have appeared in the house, broken dishes or a mole in an inconspicuous place have such a strong attraction of happiness that sometimes they overlap several negative signs.

What are signs and superstitions for?

Even in our advanced modern times, a person sometimes looks hopefully at a broken cup and hopes that an insignificant loss will be made up for by happy moments. After all, it often happens that nothing is able to return the former positive attitude in life and sadness settles in the human heart for a long time. This is where good omens can sometimes come in handy.

Often, a whole series of difficult problems arise from scratch, and when you begin to comprehend and compare what happened, you understand that you have already received a warning several times in the form of bad signs and have not been able to adequately prepare and take appropriate measures. The fulfillment of many desires is closely connected with signs and superstitions. Since a person, having paid attention to a sign, begins to act and thereby attracts good luck due to the removal of internal stress and increased peace of mind. This also explains positive influence amulets on a person who trusted their magical effects.

Naturally, even the most inveterate skeptic will not be able to neglect the superstitions that portend trouble. After all, even doubting the effectiveness of folk wisdom, it is always easier to do what is required than to reproach yourself for a long time for what has not been done. People who believe in God are sharply opposed to superstition and believe that only atheists and heretics can believe in omens. But if, having more positive intentions and pure dreams, a person will live with dignity and will not particularly bother with the negative influence, then there is nothing wrong with this entertainment. Since, the more faith in negative moments, the more often they occur. It should be remembered that human life is built independently and no otherworldly forces, light or dark, can affect the creation of a full and developed life. Not only his life, but also the life of his relatives, relatives and friends will depend on how a person builds his own future.

What does the word sign mean? Signs are a connection between two events, when one of them occurs as a fact, and the second as a consequence. At the same time, the phenomenon that actually happens is perceived as a sign that is interpreted in a certain way, and entails the events that follow it.

Where did it come from

Signs and superstitions have their roots in antiquity. Previously, people did not understand many phenomena, but they noticed a certain connection between some events. The very word "sign" comes from "notice". This is how the human brain is arranged to look for cause-and-effect relationships everywhere and try to somehow predict the future. If people noticed that some event was followed by a certain incident, and this happened more than once, then it was further interpreted as a sign. What is the meaning of the word "sign"? It is explained as a harbinger of some event, good or bad. Signs and superstitions are so firmly rooted in the human mind that, despite all scientific and technical progress, they continue to be passed down from generation to generation, and many people believe in them just as they did in ancient times.

Signs are good and bad. Some people can manage themselves (for example, getting up in the morning on the right foot - so that the day is a success, or in case of forgetfulness and the need to return to the house - look at yourself in the mirror to avert failure). And some occur regardless of human will (a bird hit the window, crows croaked over the house, etc.).

good omens

Belief in helps a person tune in a positive way, because they are interpreted as the help of light forces that protect and protect from evil. Many people in modern world understand that the so-called good sign"- does not always promise 100% luck. But when, for example, a person sees a rainbow, which is considered a harbinger of happiness, then even for a split second, hope will arise in the soul.

Good omens are a kind of opportunity to perceive the world around you more optimistically, reading certain “signs” and believing that they will bring good luck. People in general have a need to believe in something good, otherwise life will not be joyful.

Signs for the fulfillment of desires

There are a number of signs that promise good luck. For example, if a tricolor cat crosses your path, this is good. Or if you see a bug in flight on the road - also a good omen. However, the most significant period of time for performing rituals for the fulfillment of desires is the meeting of the New Year. It is believed that on this magical night, if you make a wish under the chiming clock, it will certainly come true. Like it or not, but from year to year, most people do just that. Some still write their desire on paper and burn it, believing that this will bring success.

bad omens

It is human nature to quickly forget the good, taking it for granted, but at the same time focus on unpleasant events. Therefore, in the world there are many signs "not good." Bad omens are when certain phenomena are perceived as signs that portend negative events. The danger of believing in bad omens is that a person programs himself for failure in advance, interpreting some event as a bad sign. If you set the setting to negative, it is quite possible that the trouble will actually happen, and the omen will not be to blame for this, but the strong belief that something bad must definitely happen. What we attract to ourselves is, as a rule, what we receive. Therefore, do not pay too much attention to any signs that promise trouble.

animals and insects

Everyone knows the sign about a black cat.

It is so firmly rooted in the minds that some people to this day curse the poor animals who dared to cross their path. It’s not clear what they deserved this, because every person in his life has already had several dozen cases when a black cat that crossed the road did not bring any trouble, and the day passed as usual. However, this sign does not lose its relevance. There are also bad omens associated with birds and insects. It is considered a very bad omen if a bird hits a window and dies. Killing a spider is also considered a bad sign. Among animals, the bat is also notorious. If she flew into the house - it's not good. These are just some of the bad omens associated with birds, animals and insects. In fact, there are many more.

household signs

There are many signs associated with everyday life. Such signs are a collection of signs that can be observed in everyday life from day to day. For example, there is a belief that spilled salt will certainly lead to a quarrel.

This is one of the most common household signs. There is also a superstition that after sunset you can’t sweep the house or take out the trash - well-being will leave the house. Of the well-known signs, there is still a belief that keeping broken or broken dishes at home means attracting trouble. There is also a large number of less common superstitions: to give loved ones a watch - to a quarrel, to put the keys on the table - to lack of money, and others. There are also household signs that are interpreted in a positive way. For example, an accidentally broken cup or other utensil is fortunately; accidentally pour tea - to a pleasant surprise, etc.

weather notes

Many signs are also related to weather conditions. They are for bad weather, rain, or, conversely, for good weather. For example, a quiet forest - to a thunderstorm; crows and jackdaws cry - to the rain; and if in the evening mosquitoes swirl in a flock - this is favorable weather. There are signs associated with the months of the year. For example, a mild autumn portends a long winter; if thunderstorms often occur in September, it means that autumn will be warm; if there are a lot of acorns on the oaks, it will be snowy before Christmas. Almost every day of any month has its own beliefs. Many people believe that folk omens and their meaning help predict the weather for the coming seasons. Like it or not, it is difficult to judge. On the one hand, people have accumulated this experience for centuries, on the other hand, beliefs do not always come true. It follows from this that it may not hurt to know signs about the weather, but you probably should not rely on them entirely.

Controversy will take

What are signs and superstitions among different peoples? The same events in different countries can carry the exact opposite meaning. There are practically no universal signs that would be interpreted the same way all over the world. The same notorious black cat, which we do not favor, in England, for example, brings good luck and prosperity.

Sailors also believe that absolutely black cat on the ship will make swimming successful. This suggests that belief in omens is completely subjective. It's just that in every country the indigenous people have their own remnants of the past, some customs and beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation. And there is no objective connection between certain events, there is simply a need to believe in something and a tribute to traditions.

The opinion of the clergy about superstitions

The Church in no way encourages belief in all sorts of signs. And that's why. What is a sign, according to the Church? The clergy believe that superstition has its roots in paganism, when people worshiped not only God, but invented idols. Not knowing how to explain certain events, people endowed various physical phenomena, inanimate objects with supernatural abilities. There were whole rituals on how to make it rain, how to appease the spirits of the harvest, and so on. After the Messiah came to earth and gave humanity the true faith, it is sinful to continue to worship idols. Superstition is a belief in vain, empty, something that has absolutely no meaning. You need to believe only in Divine protection and rely only on the Creator.

What is an omen? This is what you can believe in and what you can ignore. Everyone chooses for himself. However, you should always remember that it is not worth becoming a hostage to superstitions and building your life on signs alone. This can develop into a phobia and a painful addiction. Compliance with empty rituals, as well as expecting something bad after seeing "signs" can significantly poison life and bring considerable harm. It is better to always believe in the good, and hope for a favorable outcome of any business.

Through the centuries, folk signs that were used by ancestors in the old days have come down to our days. It is characteristic that the word sign comes from the phrase "note." The centuries-old experience of predicting events in life according to various natural and everyday phenomena still helps us bring success closer and prevent failure. Some grandmother's signs are outdated, and there is simply no place left for them in the modern world, but there are also those that are passed down from generation to generation, despite social progress.

household signs

Over the millennia, an abundance of signs has accumulated that warn a person against unkind actions and portend the beginning of a good day:

• in the morning you need to get out of bed on your right foot;
• sneezing at breakfast means the day will be successful;
• before an important trip, you can not wash your hair;
• a fly that has fallen into food or a cup of drink - fortunately;
• I saw a spider before sunset - good news awaits in the morning;
• you can’t sweep the house in the evening and take out the trash after sunset - well-being will leave;
• salt spilled on the floor for a scandal, sugar for a good event;
• took the dishes - return the full one, prosperity will come to you;
• a woman deprives herself of happiness if she takes bread with a fork or knife;
• to make the guest come faster - you need to pull the edge of the tablecloth;
• do not put the keys on the table - money leaves the house;
• tea was accidentally spilled - a comforting surprise;
• knives are removed from the table at night so as not to bring trouble into the house;
• accidentally break the dishes - for good luck;
• you can’t keep broken dishes in the house - this attracts trouble;
• for a housewarming party, you need to go around the house with bread and salt - to attract well-being;
• do not put a headdress on the table - lack of money awaits;
• hiccups began - someone remembers;
• ears itched - to the news;
• accidentally bit the tip of the tongue - they remember not a kind word;
• you can’t eat from a knife - you will soon be angry;
• you can’t give watches to loved ones - to a quarrel.

Particular attention was paid to signs that foreshadowed the birth of a child. Grandmothers sought to recognize what the birth would be like and find out the sex of the child:

• pregnant girls should not step over a log or step over a log - childbirth will be difficult;
• if the family could not conceive a child, a woman was presented with pearls as a gift - this foreshadowed an early pregnancy;
• women in labor were guessing with a needle and thread over the stomach, if a suspended needle described a circle - there will be a boy, swings like a pendulum - a daughter will be born;
• a woman sleeps on her left side throughout her pregnancy - to the heir;
• a pregnant woman often complains of headaches - a boy will be born;
• the skin on the hands has become excessively dry - to wait for the son;
• rock an empty cradle - for an early pregnancy.

weather signs

In modern society, you can find out the weather through the Internet, and our grandmothers determined what it would be like. new day or season according to atmospheric phenomena, which also indicated the beginning of work in the field and harvest:

• it rained, the air temperature dropped - expect clear weather the next day;
• evening mist heralds a warm day;
• a spider weaves a web - by a clear day;
• salt saturated with moisture - to rain;
• there is no dew in the evening, it will rain in the morning;
• sparrows splash in the sand - to bad weather;

According to the habits of pets and changes in the surrounding nature, it was often determined what kind of weather to expect in the coming season:

• in spring, flocks of migratory birds fly low - summers are hot and dry;
• the top of the birch turns yellow early in autumn, which means waiting for a warm spring;
• bunches of mountain ash full - for a cold winter;
• late harvest of mushrooms - by a long autumn;
• the nightingale's trill is heard all night - the day will be clear;
• if the cat hides his nose and lies down in a warm place - expect a cold snap.

Notes for all occasions

The main thing in signs is that they, one way or another, help in difficult life situations. Most of the superstitions that came to us from previous generations are still a complete mystery, but they work correctly. An ordinary sewing thread can serve as a talisman, get rid of illness and is a powerful magical attribute. With the help of a thread, grandmothers healed warts on the body. It is enough to tie a knot around the growth that formed first, and then remove it and bury it in the ground where it is always damp. The wart will pass as soon as the thread rots.

For some, the observance of old signs seems like naive fiction, but for many they give confidence and reassurance:

1. Prosperity will always reign in the house if three thin church candles are lit every Sunday yellow color. At the same time, it is necessary to open windows and doors so that negative energy leaves. It is better to take cinders and bury them in the ground in a place where people rarely visit.
2. Going on a journey, the ancestors always took with them a bag with their native land. And in modern society, it is customary to have a homemade trinket or souvenir with you, so it is easier to endure separation from home.
3. After meeting with an unpleasant person at home, after his departure, it is recommended to throw three handfuls of salt out the door without crossing the threshold. This is how the bad energy of the house is cleansed.
4. You can remove the negative shell from yourself by taking a shower with salt. Dissolving in water, it washes away all the negative information that a person has accumulated over many years and suffers from it himself.

In the old days, grandmothers noticed simple signs and used simple talismans. For example, when a black cat crosses the path, you need to grab a button on your clothes and spit three times on your left shoulder. Or, in order to protect themselves from the evil eye, the ancestors kept a bar of soap in their bosoms, and were not afraid of unfriendly glances.

At the present time, the table is an ordinary piece of furniture, and earlier it was considered a talisman of the hearth. At the wedding, around the table, the parents circled the newlyweds three times - for a happy family life. Going on a long trip, they always held on to the corner of the table in order to return to their native walls.

Signs for home well-being

According to the superstitions of the ancestors, even ordinary garbage in the house has magical powers. When moving to a new place of residence, the old people were advised to pick up garbage after themselves in order to avoid damage. It was also believed that in this way the family moves the brownie to new walls.

The cat is the most popular pet. Before the housewarming, she is the first to be allowed into the house, then the owners enter. But it is believed that the brownie also chooses a cat, if they do not make friends, the animal will leave forever, and if they become good friends, there will be comfort and tranquility in the house. It has been scientifically proven that a cat has a strong biofield, and it has a positive effect on humans. For several millennia, these animals have accompanied people, and the ancient Egyptians considered them sacred creatures. Curiously, cats sense danger. The most common signs associated with animals:

• a tricolor cat, white, red and black, attracts good luck and luck;
• a striped cat in the house is wealth;
• a black cat drives away evil from the home;
• if the cat is affectionately received by the guest, then he has good intentions;
• there is no prosperity in the house, it is necessary to shelter a stray cat - money and luck will return;
• a homeless kitten came to the yard - do not drive him away, for the residents such an act will result in failures in life.

To believe in superstition or not is a personal matter for each person, but in most cases, grandmother's signs work even now if our beliefs are strong and sincere.

Folk omens and beliefs

Since ancient times, people have been watching environment, some unusual phenomena, which could affect the mood, the fertility of the earth or the change in the weather. They usually analyzed what they saw, systematized and drew appropriate conclusions.
Phenomena and typical signs that were repeated from time to time were isolated and memorized. Then they used them, warning others against possible undesirable consequences, or vice versa - consoling them with a joyful prediction, which was soon to come true.
This is how, grain by grain, our customs, signs, beliefs and superstitions were born. They covered all spheres of human activity, the entire life path - from birth to death, as well as the entire animal and plant world.

We have learned to spiritualize phenomena and objects, seeing in them the existence of mystical spirits: good ones that helped a person in life, and evil ones that harmed in every possible way, inviting misfortune.
The spirits themselves and their characteristic signs of good and evil, faith in their supernatural abilities and capabilities, gradually formed among the people their understanding of the world and life wisdom. This is how the culture of our people was created, which was passed on to the descendants.
A sign, in the popular understanding, - feature someone or something by which one can know or predict what may soon happen, happen or comprehend someone.
Belief is called a kind of faith (belief) in someone or something, which is perceived unquestioningly and passed down from generation to generation - according to tradition. Most often this refers to those phenomena and objects that go beyond ordinary life, causing the impression of some incomprehensible mystery and mystery.
We can conditionally divide signs and beliefs into two parts - those that bring happiness, and those that portend trouble or grief. Many people, for example, are frightened by the cry of an owl, the howl of a dog, a cat running across the road, a meeting on the street with a priest or a monk.
In addition, there are many specific things that are associated with many signs and beliefs. We will consider the most famous beliefs and signs and try to understand them, giving a logical explanation.

Sign - broken mirror

Today it is fashionable to talk about human energy, which we hear about almost daily. Energy from a person, as you know, can be taken not only by people, but also by things. Probably, most of all beliefs among people are connected with a mirror. On the corresponding religious holidays, the girls guessed with the help of a mirror, and they still do it today.

It is also known that one should not look into a broken mirror, a mirror with a pattern, mirror tiles and other surfaces that seem to break, crush the surface. All this destroys energy, which affects, first of all, health.

But a mirror in your pocket will protect you from the enemy, because it reflects all bad thoughts and intentions, and, consequently, all the negative energy directed against you.

An accidentally broken mirror is considered extremely bad luck. To break a mirror means to live in poverty for seven years or not to see a husband (not to get married). In addition, it is believed that it can cause death of relatives. There were no rumors about this sign, although it can be explained.
The root of this superstition reaches back to the Middle Ages, when the first glass mirrors were made in Venice. Of course, they were very expensive. And in order to force the maid to handle an expensive thing with care, the owners invented this sign: whoever breaks the mirror, misfortune awaits him.

Then in the technology of manufacturing mirrors for coating reverse side products used a thin layer of mercury, instead of silver amalgam. Therefore, one should not be surprised that a broken mirror brought misfortune, because mercury, evaporating, poisoned people. Hence the malaise and even death of all who lived in the house.

Why can't you sit on the corner of the table

Everyone knows that, according to the sign, you can’t sit on the corner of the table. It is believed that the angle draws energy from a person. This can lead to certain troubles in personal life, harm health and material well-being. That is why mothers always warn their daughters against sitting on the corner so that they do not remain unmarried.

Sign - pass over the threshold

It is a well-known belief that nothing can be passed over the threshold. The threshold is an energy barrier that separates the two worlds. An invisible border makes it difficult to establish contact: things, energy transferred from one world to another are considered lost for both worlds.

Therefore, the energy connection between two people is destroyed.

This may explain the belief that one should not return if a person has already left the house. After all, crossing the threshold is a transition to another world, for which you need to spend energy, that is, a person loses strength.

If you had to return, you need to sit down (borrow strength from your house), look in the mirror (return energy), and then move on.

Sign - sprinkle salt

Regarding food, most of all superstitions are connected with salt, which in importance can be compared with bread. In particular, guests are greeted with bread and salt at various celebrations. And, for example, sprinkle salt - to a quarrel.
Sprinkle salt on the table - to a small quarrel, on the floor - to a big one. Belief was born from the life experience of our ancestors. Salt was once very expensive. It is clear that in poor families, its loss led to serious contention: eating without salt is not tasty, but there is no extra money.

There is even a proverb among the people: "Food, although fatty, is lean without salt." But the paradox: from a fallen salt shaker, you had to immediately take three more pinches and throw it over your left shoulder, saying: “Let a quarrel befall me then when someone collects this salt.”

According to another version, this is a kind of offering to the brownie: after all, he keeps order in the house, including ensuring that family members do not quarrel. And if a woman salted her food, they say that she fell in love. Obviously, during the period of falling in love, a woman's body feels a shortage of salt - that's why she overdoes it.

Salt cannot be bought on Monday or Saturday. At night, the salt shaker should be closed - this will help to achieve success the next day and make sleep more restful.

Sign - an empty bucket

There are many superstitions about things that are used daily in the home. One of those things is a bucket. It is impossible for someone to cross the road with an empty bucket. But a full bucket is good. You can not eat food from a pan or from a knife. It is known that you can not beat a person with a broom, because she will become as thin as a broom.

Signs - money

Enough will accept among the people associated with money. For example, a penny found is fortunately and money. There is also a belief that other people's found money should not be taken, because they can be so-called extortions, or slander.

They say that beggars should not be given alms directly into the hand, because in this way you give away your energy. You need to throw it into a vessel or a hat.

Folk signs about animals

The beliefs and superstitions associated with various animals are also well known. The most dangerous among them, no doubt, are cats. It is believed that a cat feels a person best of all, can read his thoughts, is a very cunning creature.

It was cats that became the main characters of many horror films. There are stories in almost every village about cats that caused the death of their owners. And the most popular sign is rightly considered a black cat who crossed the road to a person.

It is also known that black birds portend misfortune. Unfortunately, the birds that accidentally flew into the house. If a dog howls with his head up - to change the weather, with his head down - to someone's death.

Signs - itchy hand

Many signs are associated with different parts of the human body. If it itches left hand, then the person will count the money. If a right hand- will greet acquaintances or friends.

There is an opinion that the most terrible human disease - cancer - is a consequence of the human worldview. We can often hear: "He is already sitting in the liver." Such a person can get liver cancer. If a woman is very angry with a man, then she will probably have cancer of the female organs.

Signs and embroidery

No less signs associated with human actions. Previously, almost every woman knew how to embroider. Obviously, it is with this that many signs regarding this are connected. You can’t embroider from top to bottom, only from bottom to top: embroidery will go easier and you won’t prick with a needle.

You can’t embroider water (waterfalls, rivers, lakes) and keep such pictures in the house in the future, because money will flow out of the house like water. You can’t embroider a crucifix - this is unfortunately and a big disaster. You can not embroider with a pair of needles, because someone will die.

Wedding and omens

Signs of family rituals go in a separate cycle. Many of them are associated with weddings, births, and funerals. It is well known that the groom should not see the bride before the wedding.

You can’t go to the registry office or the church along a straight road, you need to choose difficult paths, try to confuse evil spirits. Cemeteries should also be avoided. But loud car horns scare away evil spirits.

Signs that we took from foreign films have become fashionable today. For example, the bride's clothes should be old, new, borrowed and blue. Rain is a good omen on your wedding day.

If a strong wind blows, the life of the young will be windy. Snowy weather - to a prosperous prosperous life. And if you want clear sunny weather on your wedding day, invite cats to the wedding: your own and those you meet.

Wedding rings are made smooth, without notches, carvings, and stones, so that the life of the bride and groom is smooth. Massive wedding rings - to prosperity and wealth. To marry with parents' wedding rings is to repeat their fate. The wedding ring during the wedding falls to treason. The bride's bouquet should not fall either - this is unfortunately.

Try not to break Wedding Dress on a holiday, but if this has already happened, you do not need to sew it up. After the wedding, the dress is not sold, because you will sell your happiness. And the most important condition for a happy marriage is to create a family with a beloved and dear person.

A large number of superstitions are associated with pregnant women and a newborn baby. For example, an unborn child cannot buy things or clothes.

Numbers and superstitions

People associate many beliefs with numbers. We all know the numbers 13 or 666. If a person's age is divided by three, then you can start a new business, if by seven, you can radically change your life. Details in the article "The meaning of numbers in human life"

Signs and funeral

You should not put a glass of water (or vodka) covered with a piece of bread near the portrait of the deceased. According to legend, the soul of the deceased will never come to this glass, but only demons will come.

While the deceased is in the house, there is no need to arrange laundry. This is considered a bad omen. Also, one should not allow someone to sit on the bed of the deceased while the coffin with him is in the house.

The coffin with the deceased, as well as the lid from the coffin, cannot be carried to the relatives of the deceased.

When the coffin lid is hammered, care must be taken to ensure that the shadow of a living person does not “get into the coffin”.

Nothing can be taken from the cemetery! Including shawls and towels that are removed from the cross or wreaths.

The national traits of the Russian people imply the preservation of the traditions of their ancestors, which have come down to the current generation in the form of signs and beliefs. More common is the veneration of signs. The word "sign" comes from the word to notice or observe. In a broad sense, signs mean the transfer of accumulated observations from the older generation to the younger.

Signs contain a great deal of practical knowledge related to the life of people, observations of the weather and nature. They preserved the traditions of the ancient folk holidays and all of them, one way or another, affect our lives since ancient times. Russian folk omens have something in common with the omens that exist in other countries, which once again confirms the commonality of human civilization contained in cultural traditions.

A similar situation develops with the category that is usually attributed to beliefs. If we compare signs and beliefs, then the latter are not just short remarks about life, but sometimes entire folk traditions are concentrated in them. Beliefs are associated with mysticism, which is present in the world around people and affects their destinies. Therefore, in beliefs, as a rule, there is a deeper meaning than in signs. However, they equally concern various aspects of human life, and the examples given will reveal the depth and completeness of their influence on the current state of affairs.

Signs and beliefs regarding brownies

When a person builds a house, he hopes to become the sovereign master in it. But the fact is that the main owner, Russian people since ancient times considered a little man with an affectionate name Domosedushka. No one knows exactly where he lives in the house, and what appearance he has, but according to popular beliefs, sometimes he can take the form of some kind of animal.

You need to live in harmony with the brownies, since he is considered the protector of the hearth, and he is very active in the sense that he can express his discontent. For example, when they say that a cat is not in the yard, this may mean that the brownie did not accept the animal. It's connected with popular belief about what is in new house let the cat out first. This was a kind of ritual of sacrifice, where the cat plays the role of a sacrificial animal that saves a person.

According to legend, the first to cross the threshold of a new house, or spend the night in it, will also die first. Following the rules of bioenergetics, a cat is able to identify places in the house with positive and negative energy. Choosing unfavorable points, the cat contributes to their neutralization, but the dog will indicate favorable places in all respects suitable for placement, for example, bedrooms.

According to beliefs, the brownie becomes visible before the approaching misfortune, and his wife, the brownie, can cry loudly at night before that. The brownie family includes many of their relatives and assistants, such as the yard, haystack, cowshed and others. The story of their appearance says that they were the ugly children of Adam and Eve, whom Adam wanted to destroy for their ugliness. Eve begged him not to kill them, but to hide them from human eyes where no one would see them. Since then, they have been hiding from people and “working” as brownies.

Signs for housing

Continuing the theme of signs and beliefs associated with human habitation, it should be noted the great role of such a necessary household item as a broom. According to folk traditions it is under it that the residence of the brownie is located. Therefore, it is recommended to take the old broom with you when moving to a new home together with the owner, who will preserve family well-being. In order for the broom to protect the house from witchcraft intrigues, it is necessary that it stand in the corner in the position of the whisk up. It is worth noting that this also has a purely practical meaning: this way it will wear out less and last longer.

A sign that forbids whistling in the yard and in the house is associated with monetary or material losses, losses. It is also not recommended to clean the house, sweep and mop the floors immediately after the guests leave. This is due to the fact that in this way you can wash away their traces, which will block their path to this house.

Great importance in the system of Russian signs is given to the threshold. It represents the boundary between inner world home and the outside surrounding the home. It is not customary to greet each other and say goodbye on the threshold, because, firstly, this is contrary to the rules of etiquette, and secondly, signs say that this can lead to a quarrel and open access to the house for evil spirits rejoicing in your troubles. And the sign that it is impossible to sweep dirty linen across the threshold of the house is also well-known, and is reflected in the well-known saying "do not wash dirty linen in public." In fact, it is forbidden to take out the garbage from the house after sunset, because this is fraught with losses and poverty.

Bread and salt

People have always had a special relationship with bread. This is reflected in the notes. It is believed that bread subtly feels the mood of the hostess who bakes it, therefore, in order not to offend him, you need to be in a good mood. It was impossible to get out until the bread was baked, this promised the flow of wealth. For the same reason, a knife cannot be stuck into a loaf. In no case should bread be thrown away if it is not fit for food, it is better to give it to animals or birds.

An indispensable companion of bread - salt is also the heroine of signs. Evil spirits beware of her powers, the so-called Thursday salt is used in various rituals. The well-known sign that sprinkle salt to a quarrel has a practical background. Since in Russia salt was quite expensive, so it was highly valued.

Everything connected with signs today is perceived by people at a subconscious level. They may remember them automatically, often just as a joke. Many refer to them as superstitions, however, they switch sides as soon as they notice a black cat, or knock on wood so as not to “jinx” anything. Russian signs and beliefs have always been distinguished by sincerity, some researchers have noted their poetry. But the most important thing is that people still believe that their performance will help protect themselves from evil forces in our high-tech, but so fragile world.