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 City Guide The Standard, High Line Setting a high standard in the Lower West Side. Arts & Culture Food Issue 46 At Work With: Deb Perelman The little blog that could: An interview with Smitten Kitchen’s unflappable founder. Arts & Culture Issue 46 Word: Wintering When to withdraw from the world. Arts & Culture Issue 46 Brock Colyar An interview with a professional partygoer. Arts & Culture Issue 46 Studio Visit: Yoko Kubrick In the studio with a sculptor of monuments and mythologies.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 46 At Work With: Deb Perelman The little blog that could: An interview with Smitten Kitchen’s unflappable founder.
Arts & Culture Issue 46 Studio Visit: Yoko Kubrick In the studio with a sculptor of monuments and mythologies.