Crystal M.

Superstitions. Yeah, we’ve all heard them. Some are kind of silly, while others are downright spooky!  But how many do you really believe? Which ones are total nonsense and which do you think might have a little truth to them?

In this piece, we’ll dive into some of the most well-known superstitions and spooky legends.  Ones so vivid and unsettling, they might just send a chill down your spine. And who knows? A few of them might hold more truth than you’d expect.

Cats.   Some believe that cats are symbols of misfortune, and there’s a long-standing superstition that if a black cat crosses your path, it brings bad luck.

Cats have a long history of being not only beautiful but also majestic. In ancient Egypt, they were considered sacred and treated with great reverence.  They were believed to symbolize specific deities, especially Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protection.

Because of their mystique and independent nature, cats later became the subject of suspicion in medieval Europe. Some people viewed them as witches in disguise or companions to witches, thought to harbor bad intentions.  Especially black cats.

In modern times, movies have certainly helped fuel the lingering suspicion some people feel toward cats. From unsettling stares to supernatural powers, there are a few feline characters out there that will give you a run for your money!

Of course, the superstition that cats are evil or magical beings has never been proven as fact. Still, it might be easier to believe if you’re someone who’s naturally unsettled by their mysterious mannerisms.

Say Their Name Three Times.  Say the name Bloody Mary three times while looking into a mirror, and legend says she will appear before you.

This chilling tale is often linked to Queen Mary I of England, who ruled in the mid-1500s and earned the nickname “Bloody Mary” for executing hundreds of Protestants during her reign. While early versions of the legend suggested her ghost might appear, the story has evolved into something far more sinister.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, young women would gaze into mirrors in dark rooms, hoping to glimpse the face of their future husband.  This was a form of romantic divination. Over time, this ritual may have merged with the legend of Queen Mary, transforming into the modern superstition.

Today, it’s said that if you chant “Bloody Mary” three times in a dark bathroom mirror, she may appear in various terrifying forms: a blood-covered woman, a ghostly figure, or even a malevolent spirit capable of harm.

The Candyman legend is eerily similar. Popularized by the 1992 horror film, it claims that saying “Candyman” five times in a mirror will summon him; and he’s not coming in peace.

While partially inspired by the Bloody Mary myth, Candyman has roots in a real-life tragedy. The character himself is fictional, but the story draws on real events and themes of racial injustice and urban fear.

Real or not, this is one superstition I won’t be testing anytime soon. Way too scary!

The Creature in the Appalachian Mountains. If you ever hear a whisper, a strange sound, or even your own name echoing through the stillness of the Appalachian Mountains, it’s best to not respond!  Locals say those who have followed the voices have vanished, never to be seen or heard from again.

There are real-life accounts that lend chilling weight to this legend. Despite investigations and speculation, no one has ever been able to explain what truly lurks in the shadows. Is it just superstition, or something more?

Many believe it’s real. And if you find yourself alone in those mountains… it might be best not to look back.

Shadow People / The Man in the Black Hat. They appear as figures cloaked in black.  Faceless silhouettes with clearly defined body shapes. These shadow people are eerily silent, yet unmistakably present. Among the most reported is the Man in the Black Hat.

From my own experience, he doesn’t speak. He simply stares. Tall and imposing, dressed in a trench coat and a wide-brimmed black hat.  His presence is chilling. Seeing him in the middle of the night is truly unsettling!

Many believe his appearance is a warning; an omen of something unseen. The realism of these encounters makes them hard to dismiss as simply someone’s imagination. Especially to those of us who have seen him with our own eyes.

Chupacabras: The Goat Sucker.

Known as El Chupacabras, Spanish for “goat sucker”. This bloodthirsty creature has long haunted the edges of folklore. Said to be responsible for mysterious livestock deaths, it allegedly strikes in the dead of night, leaving behind animals drained of blood with near-surgical precision.

Descriptions vary, but many claims say that  it resembles a dog-like beast with bird-like features; sometimes even wings. Its glowing eyes and stealthy movements only add to its terrifying reputation.

Some believe the Chupacabras is an alien hybrid, a creature not of this world. Others see it as a cryptid born from fear and myth. Real or imagined, its legend continues to spread across the Americas, leaving behind a trail of questions and unease.

Break a Mirror, 7 Years of Bad Luck. This superstition reminds us to tread carefully. Literally and mentally. After all, no one wants to deal with shattered glass, let alone the curse that supposedly comes with it.

The origin of this belief stems from the ancient idea that mirrors are more than just reflective surfaces; they’re portals to the soul. Breaking one was thought to fracture your spirit and invite misfortune. The Romans believed the soul renewed itself every seven years, which is why the bad luck was said to last that long.

Whether you buy into the superstition or not, one thing’s for sure: nobody wants to hop on the bad luck wagon. So be gentle around those mirrors just in case.

It’s Raining and the Sun Is Out. This weather oddity has sparked some colorful explanations over the years. I’ve heard a few:

1. The Devil is beating his wife.
2. Good and evil are fighting.

As wild as those sound, they almost feel believable when you’re caught in that surreal mix of sunshine and rain. Scientifically, it’s just a fascinating phenomenon, caused when rain falls from one part of the sky while the sun shines through a break in the clouds.

Still, it’s eerie enough to make you want to stay inside until it passes. Folklore or physics, it definitely grabs your attention.

Superstitions: Real Roots or Just Folklore? Right or wrong, superstitions never truly fade away. Many of these legends have been passed down through generations, and I believe some may have originated from real encounters.  They may have evolved into stories over time. Or have they?

I’d love to hear what superstitions you’ve come across. Which ones do you believe and which ones give you chills?