One of the most terrifying and long-believed of all superstitions is that breaking a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck. In ancient Greek, Roman and Chinese cultures, many people held the belief that a mirror reflected a person's soul. If the mirror was broken, the soul would be harmed too; and the person would be frightened out of their wits.
Black cats have long been linked to luck. In continental Europe, the animals were thought to be shape-shifters, or witches' minions. If one crossed your path, it was sure to bring you ill fortune or even death. But, in the UK and Ireland, it's generally considered to be a sign of future prosperity if a black cat crosses your path.
Superstitions have been found in a wide range of cultures for thousands of years, but research suggests that that many of these beliefs can still be found in modern societies. Dr Kevin Foster, from Harvard University, believes it is an example of humans interpreting and reacting to threats. "Natural selection can readily favour making all kinds of associations," says Dr Foster, "including many incorrect ones."
So, if these threats are likely to be 'incorrect', why are people still so superstitious? Well, it seems many people would prefer to be better safe than sorry.
Grammar Which animal is closely associated with both good and bad luck?
Black cats
What phrase is used to mean 'very frightened'?
Scared stiff
Which superstition mentioned in the article has religious roots?
Walking under a ladder
Is the following statement true, false or not given? Spilling salt is considered to be extremely unlucky.
Not given.
What phrase from the article means 'bad luck'?
Ill fortune
Glossary 词汇表 black cat黑貓 scared stiff嚇呆了 lucky幸運 dare敢（做什麼） dabbling with death涉足死亡 evil spirits惡靈 opening an umbrella打開雨傘 bring bad luck帶來厄運 numerology（數字）命理學 walking under a ladder從梯子下走過 tempt fate玩命，藐視命運 take the risk冒險 terrifying可怕的 breaking a mirror打碎了一面鏡子 frightened out of their wits被嚇得驚慌失措 shape-shifters可移形換影的人或動物 minions僕從，奴才 ill fortune厄運 beliefs信仰 better safe than sorry寧可事先謹慎有餘，不要事後追悔莫及
