Superstitions have been part of human culture for millennia, influencing everything from daily routines to life-or-death decisions. While many superstitions are harmless (like knocking on wood to ward off bad luck), some have led to tragic consequences. These beliefs often reflect deep cultural fears or misguided interpretations of the world, and throughout history, they’ve caused the deaths of countless individuals. Here are ten disturbing superstitions that led to death and suffering.
1. The Witch Hunts
One of the most infamous superstitions in history is the belief in witches and witchcraft. From the 16th to 18th centuries, tens of thousands of women (and some men) were executed under the suspicion of being witches. People believed that witches had the power to harm others using dark magic, and the death penalty was often the result of accusations. Trials like the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 led to the execution of 20 people, many of them innocent. In Europe, the infamous Malleus Maleficarum (“Hammer of Witches”) book fueled witch hunts that lasted for centuries.
2. Bloodletting as a Cure
During the Middle Ages, bloodletting was believed to balance the body’s humors and cure a range of illnesses. This superstition persisted well into the 19th century. Physicians would use leeches or make cuts to drain blood from the patient, often leading to shock, infections, and even death. The most famous victim of bloodletting was George Washington, who died after a series of bloodletting treatments intended to cure him of a severe throat infection in 1799. The practice didn’t officially end until the late 1800s, when science finally proved it was harmful.
3. The Power of the “Evil Eye”
The superstition of the “evil eye” a malevolent glare that causes harm or bad luck has spanned multiple cultures throughout history. In ancient Greece and Rome, people would wear amulets or perform rituals to ward off the evil eye, believing that certain glares could bring about misfortune, illness, or even death. In some cultures, accusations of casting the evil eye led to violence and even killings, as people believed that anyone with a “malicious” gaze could be responsible for deaths and misfortunes in their community.
4. The Curse of the Pharaohs
When the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922, rumors spread about a curse that would kill anyone who disturbed the tomb. Lord Carnarvon, the British explorer who funded the excavation, died shortly after the tomb’s opening, fueling the belief that a deadly curse had been unleashed. Although modern archaeologists dismiss the idea of a curse, many of those connected with the tomb’s discovery met untimely or suspicious deaths. The superstition of the curse led to fear and paranoia, and even to the abandonment of some archeological digs in Egypt.
5. The Fear of the Full Moon
The full moon has long been associated with strange and disturbing events, from werewolves to madness. People once believed that a full moon could turn people into dangerous creatures, or trigger psychotic episodes. In medieval Europe, it was believed that certain ailments could be cured or worsened depending on the phase of the moon, leading to irrational behavior and even deadly consequences for those suspected of being “moon-struck.” Even today, many people are still convinced that the full moon affects behavior, health, and accidents, despite the lack of scientific evidence.
6. Superstitions Surrounding Black Cats
Black cats have long been associated with bad luck, particularly in the West. In medieval Europe, they were believed to be witches’ familiars or even shape-shifters in disguise. This superstition led to thousands of black cats being killed or abandoned, especially during times of widespread witch hunts. Even today, black cats are often associated with Halloween and are sometimes subjected to cruelty because of these long-standing beliefs about their “evil” nature.
7. The Danger of Walking Under Ladders
Walking under a ladder is considered bad luck by many, but this superstition originates from ancient Egypt. Triangular shapes were considered sacred, and a ladder leaning against a wall created a triangle that represented the trinity of life, death, and rebirth. By walking under it, people believed they would disturb the balance of life and invite misfortune. This superstition is relatively harmless today, but in the past, it was thought to bring about death, particularly if the ladder was part of a religious or spiritual ritual.
8. The “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s
In the 1980s, the United States experienced what was later known as the “Satanic Panic.” Fueled by fears of Satanic rituals and the belief that devil worshipers were secretly abusing children, a series of investigations and moral panics led to false accusations, wrongful convictions, and even deaths. The belief in Satanic rituals was widespread, and it led to tragedies such as the McMartin preschool trial, where allegations of child abuse based on the idea of Satanic cults led to years of legal battles and innocent lives destroyed.
9. The Superstition of the “Hanged Man” Tarot Card
The tarot card known as “The Hanged Man” has long been linked to death and misfortune in some superstitions. People who pulled this card during readings were often thought to be marked for death or impending doom. The superstition surrounding the card led some people to go to extreme measures, including altering their lives or even taking their own lives, in an attempt to avoid the perceived curse. In reality, the card often symbolizes suspension or transformation, but the association with death led to tragic consequences for some individuals.
10. The “Suicide Superstition” of Japan
In Japan, there is a disturbing superstition related to the Aokigahara Forest, also known as the “Suicide Forest.” For centuries, it was believed that the forest was haunted and that spirits of the dead resided there. This belief, combined with the cultural taboo surrounding suicide, led to a tragic number of suicides in the forest. Superstitions about the forest have caused it to be seen as a place where the dead are drawn, leading to countless fatalities over the years. The forest is often visited by those seeking to end their lives, in the belief that the spirits will guide them to their final rest.
Conclusion
Superstitions, no matter how irrational, have shaped history and, tragically, led to many unnecessary deaths. While many of these superstitions no longer hold the same sway over society, they serve as a reminder of how fear and ignorance can lead to terrible consequences. The ten superstitions listed above show just how deeply these beliefs were rooted in cultures and societies throughout history. As we continue to challenge and question outdated ideas, it’s important to remember the lessons of the past and prevent further harm from superstitions.
Additional Experiences with Superstitions
Throughout my own experiences, I’ve encountered superstitions that seem harmless on the surface but have profound impacts on individuals’ lives. A friend of mine, once obsessed with the superstition of breaking a mirror bringing seven years of bad luck, became so anxious after a minor incident with a mirror that it affected her mental health. She eventually sought counseling to deal with the fear and anxiety. Similarly, I’ve heard stories of people moving out of houses because they believed a ghost or curse was attached to the property. These superstitions not only impacted their decisions but caused them undue stress and heartache. It’s a powerful reminder of how deeply these beliefs can shape a person’s life, even today.
