Spiders and Toads and Ears! Oh, My!

This post was inspired by two spiders who had the gall to be hanging around my home. They met their death via wads of paper towels and Beth’s heavy hand.

Premeditated murder? Yes. Remorse? No. But the massacre got me thinking about childhood superstitions.

Kill a Daddy-Long-Legs spider and it will rain the next day.

It didn’t rain the day after I killed these dudes. It didn’t even snow. However, the possibility crossed my mind. I allow these creatures to live unless they are invading MY SPACE.

Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.

As a kid I made a point of avoiding cracks in the sidewalk - even when I was mad at my mom for some idiotic reason. Too risky. My mother’s back is fine – unlike mine. Perhaps I should have pestered my kids more often as to stepping on those cracks and the possible consequences to my well-being.

Touch a toad (or frog?) and you’ll grow a wart on your hand.

I can debunk this myth with authority. While I’m not fond of toads and frogs, my eldest was (and is). He used to collect them as pets although he always let them go. He has no warts on his hands. Nor do I from the rare occasions he convinced me to pat one.

(As for kissing a frog and having it turn into a Prince – I’ve never tested this one.)

If you experience a body shudder/shiver, someone is walking over your grave.

I don’t believe this for a second BUT after that involuntary shiver, I do pause and wonder where my earthly remains will end up.

If your ears are red and feel hot, someone is talking about you.

What an ego to believe this one! Anyway, let them talk.

If you have an itchy nose, you’re going to kiss a fool.

I’ve kissed some fools in my time but never noted a connection between those experiences and my nose being itchy. But now that I think about it, I never actually looked for a connection. It could exist and would explain WHY I kissed those fools.


Totally inane post, right? But it is amazing what our brains retain - all sorts of superstitions, warnings, admonitions, etc.

Like this last one. Another gem from my mother. I’m sure you’ve heard it, too.

Always wear clean underwear. You never know when you’ll be in an accident and end up in the hospital.

Who wears dirty underwear!?? And what a depressing thought to have whenever you leave the house.

Not that I actually think of it….

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An Extra Tidbit

Sherry of Sage and Thyme passed along this little gem to me with the words, “…to those who could use a little lovin’ right now for one reason or another – or in some cases, just because.”

I think I fall under both categories. Thank you, my friend.

While I suspect everyone in the world could do with some extra love, I’m limiting my “pass along” to Trish of The Coffee Shop. (I am so bad at these award things….)

So there you go, Trish – with some love and a “just because.”