Sailors are superstitious about seagulls
Rob and Alice discuss superstitions connected with nature. These are events that some people believe will bring them good or bad luck.
This week's question:
According to British folklore, eggs from which bird are meant to improve your eyesight? Is it:
a) Ducks
b) Owls
c) Swans
Listen out for the answer at the end of the programme!
Listen
Bird superstitions
End of Section
Vocabulary
- Superstition
the belief that particular events happen in a way that cannot be explained by science or reason
- To touch wood/knock on wood
something you do in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past or when you mention hopes you have for the future
- A lucky charm
a small object worn on a chain or bracelet that is believed to bring good luck
- Off the top of my head
to think of something quickly or instantly without much research
- Seagull
a wild bird that tends to live around the coast
- Embodiment
a person or thing that represents an idea or quality, or a memory of something
- Cuckoo
a wild bird with a call that sounds like its name
- An old wives tale
superstitious belief or story belonging to traditional folklore
