Merriam-Webster defines superstitions as "beliefs or practices resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance." Many superstitions came about as a way to explain natural phenomena that science had yet to explain. While many superstitions have since been disproved
as the result of
advancements in science and technology, we still carry some with us into the 21st century. For instance, you have likely heard of the idea that seeing a black cat will bring bad luck.
In the gallery, take a look at some of the most popular superstitions of our 19th-century ancestors that
have been lost over the years. Are there any that you already knew?