First published 1974
Alvin Schwartz examines the curious world of folk beliefs that people carry about life's most important moments. He catalogs superstitions surrounding romance and weddings, financial fortune and misfortune, physical health and remedies, journeys near and far, weather patterns, and mortality itself. Schwartz approaches these beliefs not as quaint relics but as living practices that reveal how people attempt to control uncertain outcomes. The book presents dozens of specific superstitions, from the familiar to the obscure, explaining their origins where known and their continued practice in modern times. Rather than dismissing these beliefs, Schwartz treats them as windows into human psychology and cultural transmission. The collection shows how superstitions provide comfort in the face of life's unpredictability, offering readers insight into the persistent human need to find patterns and meaning in chance events.
Genres: psychology, folklore, non-fiction, superstition
Vibes: informative, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: cultural-exploration, informative
160 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins Children's Books