Monthly Archives: November 2024

The Fascinating Truth Behind Common Superstitions

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From lucky charms and talismans to four-leaf clovers, try your luck with these rational stories and learn the reason why we believe in these superstitions. Irrational as they might be, we all believe at least one or even two superstitions, and some of us even use them daily to avoid bad luck. 

So here we go, why do we have these intriguing superstitions in our daily lives, even if we don’t even think about them. From the common ones we all know about to the unorthodox ones that might surprise you, superstitions are like little rays of unexpected sunshine or folklore passed down through generations, shaping our beliefs and behaviors in ways we might not even realize. Whether you’re a firm believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, let’s dive in and explore stories behind these age-old superstitions that continue to sprinkle a bit of magic into our lives.

Have you ever wondered why opening the umbrella inside is considered bad luck? 

 This superstition comes from Egyptian and Roman folklore, where umbrellas were initially used to protect people from the scorching sun. They believed that opening the umbrella indoors was seen as a sign of disrespect to the sun god, Ra.

It’s also practical; opening an umbrella inside could knock over objects or hurt someone because of the small space.

Regardless of its origins, this superstition has persisted through years and generations, with many people still believing it today without even questioning why. Next time you reach for your umbrella inside, consider the superstitions and customs that have led to this interesting tradition.

Another superstition you hear people often say is  “Knocking on wood to avoid jinxing.” This has its roots in ancient pagan beliefs and rituals. The practice originated among ancient European cultures, where trees were considered sacred and believed to be inhabited by spirits or gods. People commonly touch or knock on trees to invoke the protection of spirits or gods, especially when expressing gratitude for good luck or seeking to ward off evil spirits. This superstition is still popular all around the world today. People continue to knock on wood reflexively in moments of optimism or to counteract any perceived negative influence that might jeopardize a positive outcome. 

Another popular superstition is the one about the black cat. This superstition surrounding black cats crossing paths came from various cultural beliefs and historical associations. In ancient Egyptian religion, black cats were considered sacred and believed to bring good luck, but this perception changed over time. During the Middle Ages, the Europeans believed black cats were associated with witchcraft and evil spirits, so encountering one could bring misfortune.

Despite where these folklore and superstition came from, many still believe that crossing paths with a black cat can bring bad luck. This idea has persisted through generations and influences how some perceive these animals. However, it’s essential to remember that superstitions are not based on factual evidence and should not dictate our interactions with animals or choices in life. I personally love cats, so I refused to believe this superstition. It’s essential to appreciate black cats for their beauty and unique qualities rather than fear them based on unfounded beliefs.

What about Lucky charms and talismans? These have a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations worldwide. From the Egyptian Eye of Horus to the Celtic four-leaf clover, these symbols have been used for centuries to bring luck and ward off evil spirits. People believe in these objects’ power because they offer comfort and control in uncertain situations.

Lucky charms and talismans are rooted in the human desire for protection and positive energy. Whether you want to carry a rabbit’s foot or wear a protective amulet, these items provide a tangible connection to something greater than ourselves. While some may dismiss them as mere superstition, many continue to find comfort in knowing they have their lucky charms by their sides.

Belief in lucky charms and talismans transcends cultural boundaries, highlighting our universal need for faith, positivity, and a higher power. In a world of uncertainty, these symbols remind us of our innate resilience and ability to overcome challenges with grace and strength.

What about the belief that Spilling salt brings bad luck? 

Have you ever hesitated to pass the salt shaker across the table for fear of bringing bad luck upon yourself? This belief has its roots in ancient superstitions and folklore too. The famous origin story dates back to the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot is said to have spilled salt, leading to his betrayal of Jesus.

Salt holds significant symbolism and is often associated with purity and protection in many cultures worldwide. Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times, and spilling it was considered wasteful. This idea evolved into believing that spilling salt would anger gods or spirits and attract evil spirits. While many may dismiss this superstition as a myth, some still believe in it. 

Whether you believe in the powers of spilled salt, it’s fascinating how a simple act can carry such significance through history. Next time you spill some salt, take a moment to reflect on its cultural importance and remember that sometimes old superstitions can offer intriguing insights into our collective beliefs and traditions.

What about paraskevidekatriaphobia? The fear of Friday the 13th. This belief has its roots in ancient and modern cultural influences. This fear can be traced back to various cultures and traditions. One was the Last Supper when Judas Iscariot was guest number 13. The number 13 is considered unlucky in numerous cultures, making this Phobia even worse.

People believe in this superstition because it provides a sense of control over unpredictable events. We feel more prepared for potential misfortune on Friday the 13th by associating negative occurrences with a specific date. This belief is maintained through media portrayals as accursed, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy for some who dread its arrival. Despite the irrational reason to continue believing in superstition, this fear persists due to its embedded nature within societal beliefs and traditions. 

Next time, when Friday the 13th comes, remember that it’s just another Friday; luck is what we make of it, and a number does not dictate it.

Finally, the last infamous superstition, Breaking a Mirror, is often associated with seven years of bad luck, but have you ever wondered why seven exactly? Some believe it stems from ancient Rome, where mirrors were rare and costly, so breaking one was seen as a significant loss. This superstition reminds us of the importance of material possessions and how deeply superstitious beliefs can influence our actions. 

Superstitions continue to play a role in our lives that we might not even consider. From harmless rituals or traditions to deeply ingrained beliefs, superstitions add a touch of magic and mystery to our daily routines. These age-old superstitions had withstood the test of time. Next time you catch yourself or someone else crossing your fingers, knocking on wood, or saving a 7-leaf clover, take a moment to appreciate the folklore and magic of the age-old superstitions that have traveled through time. Continue exploring the stories behind these beliefs- you never know what unforeseen circumstances, insights, or connections you might discover!

If you are interested in reading more about this I recommend some books on this subject that are available in the Mission Viejo library below.

Why people believe weird things: pseudoscience, superstition, and other confusions of our time / Michael Shermer; foreword by Stephen Jay Gould.

A magical world: superstition and science from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment / Derek K. Wilson.

Happy Discovering!

Bella H.

Enough

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High school is a stressful time. As is middle school. There’s a constant pressure to conform, to be just like everybody else. Pressure to like the books and music everyone else likes, pressure to be popular and “cool.” Pressure to blow hundreds of dollars on new clothes to keep up with a fashion that will be out of style in two weeks. All of this pressure builds up, making it hard to stay true to yourself, hard to even remember who you truly are. But try to break free from that pressure. Try to remember. And know that you are, above all, enough.

You are enough.

More;

a rockstar,

a superhero,

someone truly

one-of-a-kind.

You are unique.

So flaunt it and just

be yourself.

In this

cruel world,

it may be hard

at times

to stay true

to yourself.

But remember.

There is only

one you.

There will only ever be

one you.

Your eyes,

your smile,

your laugh,

who you are

as a person.

None of that

can ever be

replicated.

None of that

can ever be

taken

from you

because that is

uniquely you.

You are

beautiful.

You are

perfect.

You are

enough.

So remember.

Even if your day

is hard,

even if your life

is hard,

you are enough.

And that is enough.

So be yourself.

Because who else

would you want

to be?

This is a free verse poem I wrote for a speech class of mine, but I decided to share it with you. Maybe it’s a little cliche, but it’s something I truly believe in. I based my entire eighth grade commencement speech on this very concept: you are enough and you are beautiful, just the way you are. I, too, sometimes struggle with myself. I often get frustrated and angry and stressed. But reminders like this help me keep my thoughts in line, help me get back on track. Hopefully this little poem was your reminder today.

Albums I love as of autumn 2024

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Stick Season- Noah Kahan

Noah Kahan’s Stick Season perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to be from New England or any small town in northern America. His lyrics are poignant and relatable, and his vocals are filled with intense emotion. Listening to Stick Season takes me back to when I lived in areas like Seattle and Boston, it brings a sense of nostalgia that feels so comforting. If you love indie folk you will absolutely love this album! My top three songs are: “Northern Attitude (feat. Hozier)”, “New Perspective”, and “Orange Juice”.

The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We- Mitski

When Mitski released the first couple of singles from this album, I knew it would be a favorite of mine. Mitski has been releasing music for over a decade and there has never been a decrease in the quality of her music. This is a perfect fall album in my opinion. It’s sad, emotional, and slow. It’s honestly just beautiful-sounding and feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket. My top three songs include: “Heaven”, “Buffalo Replaced” and “I Love Me After You”.

Baby I’m The Wolf – Ha Vay

Ha Vay’s debut album Baby I’m The Wolf has quickly become one of my favorite albums of all time since its release. Ever since she released the album in July, I’ve been obsessed. Ha Vay’s voice is magnetic and the overall production of her album creates a hypnotic fantasy world that is so beautiful to listen to. This album is definitely not like anything I’ve heard before which is why it is one of my favorites. My top three songs are: “Nature’s Bride”, “Angel! Wild! Superstar!” and “Baby I’m The Wolf”.

Jubilee- Japanese Breakfast

After reading Japanese Breakfast’s (AKA Michelle Zauner’s) memoir, I decided to check out her music and instantly fell in love. When listening to her music, she sings with a powerful emotion I don’t hear often. I love her debut album Psychopomp, but Jubilee is more polished and her songwriting has really elevated. If you like indie alternative, I would definitely check this album out. My top three songs include: ‘Savage Good Boy”, “In Hell”, and “Paprika”.

Book Review: We Were Liars

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We Were Liars by E. Lockhart | The StoryGraph

This novel, written by E. Lockhart, is a psychological and horror story about a young girl named Cadence Sinclair and the events that occurred during the traumatic summer on her family’s private island. The story reveals dark family secrets and ends with a surprising twist.


Cadence suffered a head injury during her summer and cannot remember anything from that trip, so we uncover the events simultaneously, making the novel even more thrilling. As she reconnects with old family members, she uncovers the truth about her accident. The novel delves deep into the themes of privilege, guilt, and the destructive nature of lies.


Cadence’s friends during the summer are Mirren, Johnny, and Gat. They form a close group known as the “Liars.” They spend the entire summer together on the Sinclair family’s island, sharing new adventures and secrets. These adventures soon culminate in a shocking revelation about the accident on the island two years ago.


If you enjoy gripping and emotionally charged novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats, this book is for you! The novel’s intricate plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists make it a compelling read. Additionally, it dives into the themes of family, memory, and the consequences of secrets, providing both an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Libby.

A Wind in the Door – The Sequel to A Wrinkle in Time

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When I was younger and first discovering the beauty of classical literature, I fell in love with the famous A Wrinkle in Time, written by Madeleine L’Engle in 1960. Her writing artfully connects the fantastical and harshly realistic, as Meg Murry and her little brother Charles Wallace face extraordinary beings and situations to save those dear to them.

Little did I know after reading this masterpiece, that I would find five more beautifully written books accompanying it. The Time Quintet is one of the best book series I have ever read by far.

The Time Quintet Consists of:

  1. A Wrinkle in Time
  2. A Wind in the Door
  3. A Swiftly Tilting Planet
  4. Many Waters
  5. An Acceptable Time

My favorite out of these books though, is definitely A Wind in The Door. The novel continues to follow Meg and the Murray family, as her parents conduct risky and ingenious experiments. The genius family is distraught as they’re faced with one thing they might not be able to fix: a hereditary disease. In order to secure Charles Wallace’s future, Meg must assemble with creatures beyond imagination to defeat “those who hate”. Throughout this journey to save her brother, Meg must not only deal with real monsters but also find the good in someone who seems to be anything but good.

If you loved A Wrinkle in Time, enjoy fantasy or Sci-Fi, or desire to read a beautiful, empathetic story and add it to your repertoire: I highly recommend A Wind in The Door by Madeleine L’Engle.

A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L’Engle is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Libby.

EPIC the Musical: the Cyclops Saga (EP Review)

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EPIC: The Musical is a concept musical loosely adapting the story of the Odyssey, the famous Greek epic. Currently, it has eight “sagas” released, each featuring 3-5 songs, and “the Cyclops Saga” is the second of these! Spoiler warning for the musical, of course.

  1. Polyphemus

In the intro to the saga, Odysseus and his crew sail to the cave that they were told about by the lotus eaters and promptly find and kill a bunch of sheep. However, they are confronted by a massive cyclops who lives in the cave, and whose sheep they have just killed. Odysseus attempts to bargain with it, and his wiles come into play. He is sure to give his name as “nobody” instead of Odysseus, and attempts to persuade the Cyclops to accept wine as a trade for the sheep. The Cyclops drinks the wine but refuses to let them go. Polyphemus’ (the name of the Cyclops, thus the name of the song) voice is done very well to be menacing and intimidating – you can almost visualize this hulking deadly figure. There are many small vocal melodies in this song that I find get stuck in my head from time to time.

2. Survive

Odysseus and the crew begin to make a stand against the Cyclops, but are swiftly taken aback by it bringing out a club and beginning to beat some of the crew to death. If you aren’t watching the musical with animatics (which I highly recommend) then it might not be as easily apparent to you: one of the crewmates that’s killed is Polites. This death affects Odysseus greatly for the rest of the journey: Polites was his best friend, and this is just after Polites encourages him to “greet the world with open arms”. Now, after Odysseus has tried bargaining with the Cyclops…look at where that got him? This song does a great job of raising tension through the beats of the club: each hit is another dead, and their cries for Odysseus (“captain!”) are utterly heartbreaking.

3. Remember Them

Thanks to Odysseus getting the Cyclops to drink the lotus wine in “Polyphemus”, it passes out. He and his crew manage to stab it in the eye. When the Cyclops attempts to get help, it says that “nobody” had blinded him. This is thanks to Odysseus’ introducing himself as Nobody earlier on and, of course, does not get him any assistance. Notably, Athena tells Odysseus to kill the Cyclops instead of just blinding him, but he refuses and tries to stick by Polites’ “open arms” philosophy. However, before they fully take off, Odysseus makes the mistake of turning around and telling the Cyclops his real name. Odysseus’ pride has gotten the better of him: he wants the Cyclops to know who beat him. This song causes a ripple of change that affects countless future events. If only he had just listened to Athena…

4. My Goodbye

In this song, Athena, who has been acting as Odysseus’ patron until this point, declares her separation from Odysseus. The two have a back and forth argument, each cutting deeper and deeper into each other’s insecurities. You can just feel the pent-up energy in the lyrics and the voice delivery, plus reiteration of Athena’s theme fading into the distance at the end of the song puts into perspective how alone he is. Teagan Earley, the voice of Athena, really shines here, and it is my personal favorite song of this saga.

Book Review: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Recently, I began reading a multitude of books from the romantic and transcendentalist era for the English class at my school. While I initially came into the unit thinking that there would be nothing interesting about these 19th-century books written mostly by authors I’ve never heard of, save for Emerson and Poe, I was surprised by how interesting some of the other works were, including The Scarlet Letter, which the unit culminated in.

The Scarlet Letter gives the reader a vivid picture of early American society through the eyes of Hester Prynne, who is sentenced to wear a red “A” on her chest as a punishment for adultery after she had presumed her previous husband to be dead. The book begins with a visit from Hester’s husband, Roger Chillingworth, at the jail where Hester is being held. Chillingworth tells Hester about his quest for revenge, as well as his knowledge of the identity of the man whom Hester had an affair with. He then forces Hester to promise not to reveal who he is.

Fast-forward a couple of years. Hester’s child, Pearl, has grown, and Chillingworth’s quest for revenge continues. Although I am not going to reveal who the person ultimately is for the sake of not spoiling the story, Chillingworth begins to masquerade as a friend of the man whom Hester had an affair with and begins to psychologically torture him into confessing and exposing himself to the rest of the community.

Although I won’t spoil the rest of the story, I found this book very interesting because Hawthorne skillfully weaved references to romantic and transcendentalist ideas into the story, while still keeping it engaging. Also, for anybody interested in getting this book, I would recommend the Norton critical edition, as it includes the story itself as well as explanations for some archaic references or vocabulary that we would have a harder time getting. I would recommend this book to anybody interested in reading classic American novels, or novels from the romantic era in general.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds

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The Matchlock Gun is a short story by Walter D. Edmonds. The story takes place during the French and Indian War, in New York State when it was still a British colony. Edward’s father, Captain Teunis Van Alstyne, is once again leaving home for military service. This time, he is going to Palatine Bridge to make sure that the Indians do not cross it and attack the town. Even though Teunis has often assured his wife, Gertrude, not to worry while he is away, she is still afraid of what might happen while he is away fighting the Indians.

When some of the nearby towns are attacked and burned, Gertrude’s worries become reality. She decides to teach her son Edward how to use their matchlock gun. This gun is a special type of musket that has power and weight comparable to that of a small cannon. It is so heavy that Edward needs to rest it on a table so that he can shoot out through the window. Gertrude assures Edward that if he is able to use the gun correctly and at the right time, then they should be safe from any Indians. Deep down, however, Gertrude does not know if they will be able to survive if they are attacked.

The foreword mentions that this book is actually based on a true story, which gave me a much different perspective on the setting and the characters. The story is quite dramatic.  Even though this book is very short, I enjoyed it immensely. The story is very exciting, so I found it easy to read in one sitting. I was disappointed that the Indians were portrayed as ruthless killers, but I understand that this book was depicting events from the perspective of early American settlers in those days. Despite the harsh realities of that time, I was impressed by the strength and courage displayed by Edward and his family. I consider this book well-deserving of the Newbery Medal, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a short but action-packed read.

The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Sounder by William H. Armstrong

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Sounder is a short novel by William H. Armstrong. This book won the Newbery Medal in 1970. The story is about a young boy living in the 19th-century South. The boy’s name is not given, but his father is described as a black sharecropper who is struggling to support his poor and hungry family. Along with his loyal dog, Sounder, the boy manages to survive despite the challenges of poverty and discrimination. From the boy’s perspective, this book explores themes such as finding strength to overcome trials and the importance of family. This book describes the harsh reality of racism and its harmful consequences. However, this book also celebrates an enduring spirit of hope and resilience as the boy is forced to deal with many hardships during his early life.

This book is simple yet powerful. It captures the emotions of characters who are dealing with severe difficulties. I appreciate that this book describes the Southern setting in a very realistic way, because I gained perspective on that society and culture. The relationship between the boy and his dog Sounder is very touching. I was impressed by the dog’s loyalty, and the story taught an important lesson about the value of good companionship during times of trial. The boy faces many challenges, including the imprisonment of his father and the struggles of daily survival. Through it all, he learns to become resilient and self-reliant.

A major theme of this book is the power of education. The boy’s greatest desire is to learn to read. Despite the tragic events of this story, there is hope that the boy will ultimately achieve his goal. This book inspired me to endure hardships and to pursue as much education as I can. Even though the human experience can be difficult and unfair, we can celebrate times of joy and express gratitude for family connections. Overall, I appreciated this book very much, and I would highly recommend it.

Sounder by William H. Armstrong is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Best National Parks

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Over the years, my family has visited many national parks. Below you’ll find a small list of my favorite parks (worst to best).

5) Arches National Park

I visited this park in the year 2021, during the summer. Arches is located in Utah, near the town of Moab. This national park is gorgeous and full of hikes that range in mileage and difficulty. I liked this park because the arches were huge in size–I’ve never seen arches that beautiful and colossal. Some other pros about this park are there are many scenic drives if you wish to not hike. One HUGE con to this park is that it gets insanely hot during the summer. One of my memories from this trip was hiking in 100 degree weather at sunset time. Despite the hot weather, you should make a visit to this gorgeous park. Though this national park is beautiful, there isn’t much to do besides hike to the arches. Moab, the surrounding town is nice but small, so plan your visit to be around 3 days.

My Hiking Recommendations:

  • Delicate Arch (most popular and my favorite!)
  • Double Arch
  • Broken Arch

4) Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park was one of the recent national parks that I traveled to. I believe I went to this park in June or July. Glacier is located in Montana and spreads to the border of Canada and the US. Since I visited this park in June (or July), there were MANY fires, so most of the lakes and mountains were too smokey to see. Glacier is known for its icy-blue lakes; I was able to see maybe one or two. But, because of the fires, the lakes appeared gray. Despite this, I enjoyed this national park when we saw a glimpse of the huge mountains. Also, I remember seeing black bears, grizzly bears, and other wildlife. Glacier has great hiking trails and scenic drives; one of the most popular things to do is to drive through the Road to the Sun–which goes through most of the park. Known as the Europe of the United States, Glacier is a beautiful park to visit.

Awesome Hikes/Things to do:

  • Avalanche Lake
  • Hidden Lake
  • Highline Trail
  • Road to the Sun

3) Olympic National Park

My third favorite park is Olympic National Park, located in Washington. This park is extra unique because it has three different: rainforest, forest, and the ocean. I enjoyed this park because there was a variety of places to visit. The fact that Olympic Park has different biomes was extremely interesting. Personally, the rainforest ecosystem was my favorite, because it was lush and had amazing trees. If you are looking for a unique park to visit, I would recommend Olympic. A perk to this area is that there are delicious cherries in the summer; you can’t go to Olympic without eating them!!

My Hiking Recommendations:

  • Mount Storm King 
  • Hurricane Hill 
  • Hall of Mosses Trail 
  • Hole-in-the-Wall 

2) Zion National Park

Coming in a close second is Zion National Park, also located in Utah. I’ve visited this park twice, once in the winter and once in the summer. There are so many good things to say about this park–I love it so much. In my opinion, Zion is the best park to drive through. When you enter the gates, you are greeted with cosmic mountains that are unlike any other mountains I’ve seen. Zion houses a myriad of hikes, each with its own treasure. One of the most popular (and dangerous) hikes is Angel’s Landing. Although my parents did not let me finish the hike, the end of Angels Landing provides a 360 view of Zion. However, this hike is extremely challenging (it is all uphill until the lookout), and at the end, there are drops on each side of the path. The narrowest part of Angel’s Landing measures 24 inches–keep in mind there is traffic from both sides. Even though I have visited this park twice, I would like to go again (and try Angels Landing).

My Hiking Recommendations:

  • Angels Landing
  • Scout Lookout
  • The Narrows
  • Weeping Rock

1) Grand Teton National Park

My all-time favorite national park is Grand Teton, found in Wyoming. I would say this is my favorite park because of the beautiful mountains, lakes, flowers, and wildlife. One of my memories of going to this park was seeing a mother grizzly bear with her three cubs. Besides the wildlife, this park has AMAZING hikes with waterfalls, huge trees, and great views. Known for its jagged (and snow-topped) mountain peaks, Grand Teton is filled with gorgeous sights to see. A memorable lake to visit is Jackson Lake, which reflects the mountains in the water. I went during the summer, and at Jackson Lake, I remember there were many wildflowers around the perimeter of the lake. That, along with the backdrop of the mountains and its reflections made this park my favorite of all time. Whenever you are looking for an adventurous place to go, I couldn’t recommend Grand Teton enough.

My recommendations:

  • Jackson Lake
  • Jenny Lake Trail
  • Cascade Lake Hike
  • TA Moulton Barn (you NEED to visit this landmark!!!)