You may be surprised to learn that behind closed doors, lots of people are knocking on wood, holding their breath when driving past graveyards, or avoiding crossing paths with black cats. In one YouGov poll, only 13% of respondents claimed to be superstitious—but almost three times that many believed that finding a penny brings good luck. Superstition inveigles itself on even the most logical minds: According to research published in Nature, many scientists watch their experiments obsessively in the hope This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-Eight Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 27 Dead of Night Fey and fearful: the superstitions of the witching hour. Arts & Culture Issue 44 Hannah Traore The art world's next big thing is a gallerist. Arts & Culture Issue 44 The False Mirror Compositions inspired by the iconic clouds—and surrealist sensibilities—of René Magritte. Arts & Culture Issue 44 Boaz Nechemia Meet Jerusalem’s favorite weatherman. Arts & Culture Issue 44 Fredi Otto One scientist's mission to prove the link between extreme weather and climate change. Arts & Culture Issue 44 Ghostlore Four questions about supernatural studies.
Arts & Culture Issue 44 The False Mirror Compositions inspired by the iconic clouds—and surrealist sensibilities—of René Magritte.
Arts & Culture Issue 44 Fredi Otto One scientist's mission to prove the link between extreme weather and climate change.
