Why is a black cat lucky? What is the true origin of April Fool's Day? Why is it unlucky to walk under a ladder? Why does cracking a mirror bring seven years bad luck? Do carrots really improve your eyesight? We have all touched wood to ward off misfortune, or seen a bride throw a bouquet over her head at a wedding, but how often do we stop to think about where such customs come from, or why we still use them? The truth is that behind many of our daily rituals and beliefs lies a fascinating history of weird and wonderful notions, some rational, others fanciful, that provide a rich and entertaining addition to our lives. In this charming book, best-selling author Harry Oliver has delved into the stories behind our rich traditions to explain them to us with characteristic wit and flair.
- ISBN13 9781843581628
- Publish Date 29 September 2006
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 9 April 2024
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher John Blake Publishing Ltd
- Imprint Metro Books, London
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 258
- Language English