Minis On The Edge Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 Napoleon feared black cats, Socrates feared the evil eye. Julius Ceasar Dreaded Dreams. Today, many superstitions still mold some people actions today. The question of the day is Where did the Good Luck Horse shoe originate? What were they used for? And where were they placed most of the time and why? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuttiwebgal Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 ok I know only part of the answers a hores shoe was used to shoe horses lol they are usually hung over a doorway upside down the u shape facing up like a u so it will hold the luck inside but I have no idea where the tradition started or by whom or why it is innterresting question. nutti ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniMadWoman Posted September 9, 2005 Share Posted September 9, 2005 Three theories about the origin: 1. St. Dunstan, a blacksmith by trade, encountered the Devil at his door. The Devil wanted to be "shoed." Dunstan, recognizing the "evil one," tied him up and went to work, inflicting great pain on his customer. The Devil screamed for mercy, and St. Dunstan released him, but only after the Devil promised never to enter a house protected by a horseshoe. 2. Witches rode broomsticks because they were deathly afraid of horses. Hence, a horseshoe is a good protective charm against witches. 3. Horseshoes are made of iron, a good-luck metal, and are crescent-shaped like the moon which is a sign of prosperity. In folk-magic it is used to keep away witches, fairies, the devil, demons and the evil eye. It is usually nailed over a doorway of a house, church, building or stable. The iron content was thought to prevent a witch from crossing the threshold. Placed in a chimney, it supposedly kept a witch from flying on her broom. Nailed over a bed it repelled nightmares and demons. To be effective the horseshoe must never be removed once installed. The horseshoe can also be used as a good luck charm; although, the same horseshoe cannot be used for both, a good-luck bringer and a demon-repellent. Used as a repellent the horseshoe should be positioned with its ends down; but, when used as a good-luck charm the ends should be up so the luck will not run out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wenlaine Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 Wow, nutti and Teresa, I'm amazed at your knowledge of folklore. Very interesting reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniMadWoman Posted September 10, 2005 Share Posted September 10, 2005 Well, I did have a little help from the internet! ;) Is that cheating?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minis On The Edge Posted September 11, 2005 Author Share Posted September 11, 2005 Great Correct Answers!! The horse shoe story started in 4th century Greece and is considered the most universal of all good luck charms. The greeks introduced the horse shoe to the western world during that time. The story By Dunstan was held in such high esteem that eventually the doorknocker came into effect because of the dual function of tailsman and door knocker. (Notice how the older ones are mostly shaped like a horse shoe). Christians once celebrated St. Dunstan's feast on May 19th with horse shoe games. ;) You do pretty good with this one. I'll do more superstition in October!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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