Many superstitions date back to beliefs and practices few of us remember anymore. Today is Friday the 13th. Why does that fact carry a certain connotation that, say, Tuesday the 10th does not?

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American Ed Note: Our foray into the spooky and ...

A recent study provides important new insights into the psychology of superstition. Considerable work over the years has examined the causes and characteristics of superstitious beliefs (e.g., Vyse ...

Superstitions like Spain's grape-eating, Scotland's first footing, Greece's onion-hanging, and more, are steeped in history and tradition. They range from bringing good luck, growth, and fortune to ...

Humans can’t help it, we’re a superstitious bunch. From fear of black cats crossing our path, being afraid of Friday the 13 th, to picking up pennies for luck, we seem to adhere to common ...

Superstitions may seem irrational, but research suggests they have benefits. These age-old rituals may be part of an evolutionary trait. If breaking a mirror actually brought bad luck, surely the ...

At the initial stage of my six-year involvement in uplifting society through skill-based initiatives, particularly by ...