| 5. Riddles or American Superstitions |
稰谅尝る地ρ畍矗ㄑ |
American Superstitions
In the past the fear of the unknown led to a strong belief in unseen spirits. To appease these spiritsˇ power, people invented all sorts of charms and spells either to bring good luck or to ward off bad luck and, most importantly, dispel the fear of the unknown.
Some common superstitions that are important in everyoneˇs daily existence--- food, work, money, interpersonal relations are introduced here not only to help students understand the culture and English of the United States but also to provide a fun way to enjoy English and learn it at the same time.
Section 2.3:
Food for Thought
8. Saying ¨bread and butter〃 to avoid separation
Mary and Jenny were walking home from school together, just as they did every day. As they came to the mailbox on the corner, Mary moved to the left and Jenny to the right. Both girls laughed and said, ¨Bread and butter.〃 They believed they would be together forever.
Superstition has it this way: Bread that has been buttered can never be unbuttered. So when two people walking together are parted by something, they say ¨bread and butter〃 to be sure nothing separates their friendship. |
9.Never leave an eggshell unbroken
John: Dad, why do you break up the shells after you cook your eggs?
Mary:My father was a sailor. My mother always broke egg shells completely and said doing that helped protect him when he was at sea. He always came home safely, so Iˇm wishing sailors good luck.
According to an old superstition, once an egg is eaten, it is important to break up the shell completely. If you donˇt a witch may use the empty shell as a boat, set sail in it, and destroy ships at sea. |
10.Cure all ills with garlic
Mary: What is that terrible smell?
John: Itˇs me. My mother put this garlic around my neck.
Mary:Why would she do that?
John: She says Iˇve been sick so much lately that sheˇll try anything to keep me healthy.
People have long believed in the healing powers of garlic. It was often hung in a home to help a sick person get well. It was also worn around a healthy personˇs neck to protect against illness. |
11.Using pepper to get rid of an unwanted guest
Mary:How much longer is your brother going got stay? Heˇs been here two weeks already.
John: I know. Iˇm ready for him o leave, too, but I donˇt want to be rude. When he sits down for dinner, Iˇll put some pepper under his chair. Maybe heˇll take the hint.
One tradition says that putting a little pepper under the chair of a guest will keep him from visiting too long. |
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