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This week we are talking about everyday magic, the rituals and superstitions that are so ingrained in the everyday they are nearly invisible! Let’s get into it!

As I put my socks on for this morning’s run, I realized I do this a certain way because of a superstition I hold. I put on both socks, then both shoes before taking a single step. Even if the fire alarm went off, I wouldn’t budge. I’m not sure where I picked up this superstition that walking with only one sock on will cause a death in the family, but I live it. There are a myriad of others I have woven into my life. I always stir my morning coffee clockwise so that I imbue the brew with good luck for the day to come. I have a horseshoe hanging in the entryway of my home, there are others, too. Maybe I’d have some shame about my beliefs, except it seems I’m in good company. 

According to a YouGov study conducted September 2019, 69% of Americans self-report being somewhat to very superstitious. An older Gallup poll from 1996 says that 25% of Americans acknowledge they were very or somewhat superstitious; up 18% from 1990. This, regardless of advances in science and technology! I wonder how high the number would be after 2020? One thing that’s clear is that YOUNGER people tend to be MORE superstitious than older folks.

Sources and Materials:
https://www.statista.com/chart/21052/superstitious-unlucky-friday-13/

https://news.gallup.com/poll/2440/One-Four-Americans-Superstitious.aspx

https://www.quora.com/What-percentage-of-people-believes-in-superstitions?share=1

https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/how-superstitions-spread

https://www.thethings.com/heres-why-fans-think-the-glee-cast-is-still-cursed/

https://performerstuff.com/mgs/10-theatre-superstitions-and-where-they-come-from/

https://www.yourtango.com/self/common-superstitions-from-around-world-people-believe

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201410/why-were-so-superstitious

https://www.livescience.com/33507-origins-of-superstitions.html

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