Folklore • Omens • TraditionsFolk Beliefs
Folk Beliefs
Across Cultures
Documented superstitions, omens and traditional beliefs, with attention to their places, sources and cultural variations.
Browse Beliefs by Topic
Recurring themes in folklore and traditional belief.
Animal OmensAnimals, birds, encounters and traditional signs.
Body OmensItching, ringing, twitching and bodily signs.
Household BeliefsDoors, candles, objects and traditions of the home.
Love & CourtshipRomance, divination and future-partner traditions.
Sleep & DreamsDream omens, sleep customs and bed beliefs.
Travel & RoadsJourneys, roads, crossings and signs along the way.
Money & ProsperityCoins, fortune, trade and prosperity customs.
Wedding & MarriageCeremony customs, marriage signs and traditions.
Featured Beliefs
Beliefs with documented variations and historical context.
Itchy Palm Superstitions
Left- and right-hand meanings vary across historical and regional traditions.
Eye Twitching Across Cultures
Side, eyelid and time of day can change the meaning recorded in different traditions.
Ear Ringing Folk Meanings
Historical interpretations include conversation, news, praise, criticism and other signs.
Crow Calling Omens
Recorded meanings range from visitors and news to warnings, luck and death omens.
Explore Beliefs by Country
Locations connected with documented folklore records.
Beliefs, Omens and Traditions
Browse the collection by topic, documented location and recurring folklore theme.