Huldufólk, or hidden people, are elves that some Icelanders still believe in. Road construction is often halted or altered to avoid disturbing the homes of these elves.
In Taiwan, coconut Kuai Kuai snacks are put next to computers to prevent hardware from malfunctioning. The word “Kuai Kuai” means obedient in Mandarin. They are often part of the supply chain for many IT companies.
The origin of bridesmaids comes from Ancient Rome, where female attendees were used as guards for the bride. They would dress in attire similar to the bride to confuse evil spirits and ward them off.
The tradition of wearing costumes on Halloween comes from the Celtic holiday Samhain. Some people dressed up in animal heads and skin to disguise themselves as spirits to either blend in with the spirits or go knocking on doors asking for offerings of food.
Southeast Asia share similar folklore of vengeful female ghosts who were victims of sexual violence and gender inequality. Feminists and horror writers today have been using these ghosts to address the gender inequality prevalent in Southeast Asia.
The domovoi is a house spirit from Slavic religions. He is considered the man of the household and should be respected by keeping your house clean and leaving treats for him. If he feels like he’s a part of the family, he will help you with chores when you’re not home.
Buildings in Hong Kong have holes built into them called dragon gates. They are designed to prevent the paths of dragons traveling to and from the mountains from being blocked.
A nazar is an eye shaped amulet used in many cultures to protect against the evil eye. In Turkey, it can be spotted anywhere from jewelry to storefronts and can be bought at many tourist attractions.
Point Pleasant used to be a small town but through the popularization of Mothman a lot of small business have taken advantage of it. Through Mothman, a small 19th century style town has become a popular spot for cryptid enthusiasts.
Modern Superstition
“Modern Superstition” challenges the idea of modernity by illustrating superstitious beliefs that have been ingrained in modern societies, showing that supernatural elements can coexist in a modern world that operates on rationality and science.
