All at Sea? The Survival of Superstition
Alec Gill investigates how taboo has survived in Hull's fishing community - past and present.
The New Encyclopaedia Britannica concluded that 'superstition has been deeply influential in world history. Being irrational, it should recede before education and, especially, science' (15th Edition, 1979). Superstition, however, shows no sign of receding. Currently, we are being urged by the symbol of the National Lottery to cross fingers for luck. The old folk magic seems ever present.
Eric Maple makes the refreshing point that 'there are apparently no absolutely new superstitions but only ancient ones which ... persist in advancing from generation to generation disguised as novelties' in Peter Haining's book Superstition (Sidgwick & Jackson, 1979) . The 'advance' of superstition is through the oral tradition. This sometimes makes it difficult for historians to research because there is little tangible evidence – superstitions are rarely written down. Thus, their survival is even more remarkable.
To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive.
Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
