The numerous folk beliefs about black cats, and cats in general, are often contradictory. Superstitions surrounding black cats are almost certainly some of the most prevalent even today, along with the number thirteen and walking under a ladder.
Concealed shoes
Shoes hidden in the fabric of a building have been discovered in many European countries, as well as in other parts of the world, since at least the early modern period.
Devil’s door
Blocked-up door in the north wall of a church, once believed to have been an escape route for the Devil when he left a child as a result of the sacrament of baptism.
Egyptian days
Days of the year that are considered to be unlucky to carry out any important undertaking.
Hagstone
Pebble pierced by a naturally occurring hole, believed to possess magical properties.
Mandrake
One of 2500 species of plants belonging to the Solanaceae family. Its psychoactive effects have been known to physicians since ancient times.
Sortes Biblicae
Method of divination used by some Christians to foretell the future by interpreting randomly chosen texts from the Bible.
Toadstone
Jewel believed to be embedded in the head of toads, with the power to detect and counteract poisons.