A Little ‘Sticious

Story and photos by Ava Nicholas

Some people believe seeing a certain number will bring them good luck, others believe in throwing salt over one shoulder to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. Regardless of the form or culture of origin, many superstitions are thought to deal with matters of luck, life and death. Next time you avoid crossing beneath a ladder or say “Bless you” after a friend sneezes, consider what fate you may be trying to avoid. This visual journey only touches on a small number of superstitions; many more lurk unnoticed in the folding fabric of our greater cultural diaspora. As you wander, perhaps you’ll notice something familiar.

Twin dandelion stems gently brush against one another, swaying in the cool breeze. It’s a common belief that blowing away a dandelion’s seeds might grant you a wish, perhaps these two would double your chances.

Crouching in the verdant green grass outside Western’s Performing Arts Center, Western student Emma Bishop aids in the tedious search for a four-leaf clover. The little good-luck charms are a pain to find, yet so satisfying to hold.

Many people believe that black cats are a symbol of bad luck. Little Benedict, a young black cat lurking beneath his home coffee table, seems to hold onto the antiquated belief that cameras can steal your soul.

As springtime slowly overtakes Western’s campus, two deer nibble on a wayward bush on an out-of-the-way path. While the sight of a grazing deer is a passing amusement for most students, some hunters believe catching sight of one before the hunting season begins brings bad luck. But really, that’s all a matter of perspective. (or, if both are used) Nearby, two more deer chomp on the leaves of a bush lining the path. Soon, they are joined by two more hungry deer, all taking chunks out of the bush’s bulk. Perhaps the sight of a deer is more bad luck to a groundskeeper than an off-duty hunter.

 My mother, Kathi Nicholas, cups her hands to hold three shiny dimes for my camera to capture. This wouldn’t be the first time members of my family take pictures of dimes we find by happenstance, as many of us in my mother’s family believe them to be signals from the other side. My late grandfather's little signals let us know he’s with us. Not-quite-pennies from heaven.

Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, all members of the infamous “27 Club.” While that particular urban legend is prevalent in the modern American zeitgeist, a lesser-known offshoot, centered around disposable white lighters, developed around the same time. Finn Niehoff, not yet 27, sparks a green disposable Bic lighter against the end of a cigarette. Luckily for them, true white lighters are seemingly impossible to track down in local convenience stores.

 “A good evening is one spent in good company,” the cheerful fortune cookie shares. Granted, it’s less of a fortune and more of an adage. The origin of fortune cookies is debated, but their long-lived popularity is undeniable. You’d be hard pressed to find a Chinese buffet restaurant lacking some sweet and crunchy predictions.

The dirty, well-worn rungs of a waiting ladder extend into the middle distance. (Or: I chose the high road, keeping the dirty, well-worn ladder beneath my feet rather than above my head) Whether or not the inception of the superstition arose from ancient Egypt or early Christianity, either way, when walking beneath one, there’s still the danger of an old ladder toppling onto your head. Better not to risk it.

If you look a little closer at the sidewalk outside of The Bagelry on Railroad Ave., you’ll spot some rusty horseshoes embedded in the cement. While these horseshoes were planted there by John Kastner, a pioneer day blacksmith, horseshoes hung above doorways are said to bring good luck. Who knows, maybe that’s why The Bagelry’s baked goods are so delicious.