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Celestial warning -

The appearance of Halley's Comet over England in 1066 was seen as an bad omen. Later that year, Harold II died at the Battle of Hastings and William the Conqueror claimed the throne. A representation of the comet is embroidered onto the Bayeux Tapestry.

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Fearing the number 13 -

The belief that the number 13 is cursed or a symbol of bad luck largely had a religious reasoning in the Middle Ages. It was noted that 13 people had attended the Last Supper. Therefore, it was believed that 13 individuals at a gathering was a sign of ill fortune.

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First to leave, first to die -

Furthermore, many believed that if a party was held for 13 people, whoever was the first to get up would be dead within the year. This assumption was based on Judas being the first to vacate the table at the Last Supper, only to later betray Jesus.

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Bad luck breaking a mirror -

The superstition surrounding breaking a mirror started with the Romans, but was greatly reflected throughout the Middle Ages. Seven years of bad luck would befall anyone unfortunate enough to shatter the glass.

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Replaced with a changeling -

Medieval superstition suggested that if a child was born with a deformity, it could be taken and replaced with a changeling.

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Black Death -

The Black Death of the 14th century, the most fatal pandemic in recorded history, was thought of by many as an expression of God's will, an omen of Judgment Day.

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Superstition at sea -

A "Jonah," based on the biblical prophet Jonah, brings bad luck to sailors at sea.

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Medieval omens today -

Medieval omens, both good and bad, are still recalled today. Here are some of the most endearing portents of doom, gloom, and occasional enlightenment.

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Howling dog -

If a dog howls in a home, someone in the house will soon become sick or die.

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Magpie on roof -

If a magpie crows on the roof of a house, a visitor will soon arrive.

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Finding a lucky horseshoe -

If someone finds a horseshoe or an iron key, they will be well that day.

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Crossing paths with a priest -

If someone meets a priest or a monk on the road, they will find danger or misfortune on their journey.

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Spilling salt -

Spilling salt is akin to cursing the land, the mineral making soil barren for a lengthy period of time.

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Crying cuckoo -

If someone hears a cuckoo cry five times, that means they have five years to live.

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Hare on a highway -

Meeting a hare on the road signifies that a bad thing will happen.

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Toad on a road -

On the other hand, encountering a toad on the road means that a good thing will happen!

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Stormy weather -

If you hear thunder in December, there will be abundant crops, peace, and agreement.

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Warning of war -

If you hear thunder in January, there is still likely to be abundant crops, but with strong winds and war.

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Forecast of calamity -

If thunder sounds from the east, there will be great bloodshed in the coming year.

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Medieval pennywise -

If you find a halfpenny or a needle, you will have good luck. Dispose of it, however, and your good fortune will turn against you.

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Cockerel's crow -

As with the cuckoo, hearing a cockerel crow five times means you have just five years to live.

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Sunset prophecy -

A red sky at night is a shepherd's delight—a harbinger of good weather.

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Sunrise prophecy -

A red sky in the morning is a shepherd's warning: a storm is approaching.

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Raven's squawk -

If a raven croaks a certain number of times, there will be a change in the weather.

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A dark shadow across the Earth -

An eclipse of the Sun announces impending disaster and destruction.

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God blesses after a sneeze -

Sneezing gives Satan an opportunity to enter the body. Only by saying "God bless you" will the devil be exorcised.

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Symbol of black magic -

A black cat walking across the path of a person represents an omen of misfortune and death.

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Christmas Sunday -

If Christmas falls on a Sunday, there will be a good winter, a windy Lent, and a dry summer.

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Good luck charm -

If you receive a good luck token on New Year's Day, you will have good fortune all year.

Sources: (History is Now Magazine) (Britannica) (Look and Learn)

See also: Good luck charms, bad luck signs!

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