superstition

The Witches Are Coming: Witchcraft, Misogyny, Politics, Gurnin’ & NI…

| Readers 2425
wall, art, mural

By Dr Victoria McCollum, Researcher & Educator: Cinematic Arts, Ulster University, Magee (Derry)  Widespread social interest in the supernatural, mystical, and magical is alive and well today. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a booster for supernatural belief, especially witchcraft and magic. A challenging and uncertain present, coupled to an unknown, scary future has sent us in droves to seek the divinatory prowess of mediums and fortune-tellers. And easier than ever before, one can book a fall-equinox ritual …

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Happy Setsubun! may all your Demons stay out, and Luck stay in…

| Readers 946

Superstitious? Me? Today is Setsubun, the day before Spring in the old Japanese calendar. Across the archipelago, households mark the end of winter with the tradition of Mamemaki. After dark, and with all the lights switched off, the occupants in unison shout ‘Oni wa soto!’ (Demons stay out!) while throwing dried soya beans out a door or window, and then ‘Fuku wa uchi!’ (Luck stay in!), this time throwing beans around the room. Every room is exorcised, including the smallest. …

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A referendum on pairing magpies: superstition and economic policy

| Readers 48

The Irish Independent is reporting that the: Government is to bring in a new licence-plate system next year amid fears that a ’13’ registration number would hit car sales. Cars registered between January and the end of June will have a ‘131’ registration. Those from July 1 to the end of the year will have ‘132’ on the plate. The decision is based partly on fears that superstition about a ’13’ reg would affect sales and partly in response to the …

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