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In America, it is considered bad luck to wish someone "good luck" in a theatre. Prior to performances, it is traditional for the cast to gather together to avert the bad luck by wishing each other bad luck or cursing, the expression " break a leg " replaces the phrase " good luck ".
A superstition is "a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation" or "an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition."
The American playwright Bernard Sobel's 1948 The Theatre Handbook and Digest of Plays describes the theatrical superstition that "before a performance actors never wish each other good luck, but say 'I hope you break a leg. ' " [6] There are certainly several publications by the 1950s that explain the expression's theatrical meaning.
Here are some common superstitions associated with bad luck on Friday the 13th: Breaking a mirror : Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck, so handle glass carefully today.
The Tragedy of Superstition; or, the Fanatic Father, is a straight play by James Nelson Barker set in a Puritan village in Colonial America, specifically in "New England, about the year 1675." [ 1 ] Although feeling much like a melodrama , Barker himself identifies the play as a tragedy in the title.
"Superstitions come from traditions and your upbringing — people teach you superstitions; you're not born believing in Friday the 13th or that if you step on a crack, you'll break your mother's ...
The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people. This time, test your knowledge of miracle flights, theatrical triumphs and athletic aces.
A superstitious blacksmith and apprentice believe that the luck from the horseshoe will flow toward him or her, their tools, and eventually to whatever project they are working on. [15] Opening an umbrella while indoors [16]: 204, 267 On the Isle of Man, rats are referred to as "longtails" as saying "rat" is considered bad luck. [17] [18]