I have always been fascinated by the superstitions and history behind unlucky things. Throw a pinch or salt over your shoulder to get rid of bad luck, never walk under ladders and don't let a black cat cross your path.

Fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia and became prevalent in the 19th century though no one seems to know exactly why it is unlucky. Some scholars accredit it to the fact that both Friday and the number 13 separately were thought to be unlucky and putting them together made the ultimate unlucky day.I did this little winged cat illustration last year to celebrate Friday the 13th. Do you fear this day or celebrate it?

 

Owls

Some African and North American cultures believe that owls are harbingers of death and were often associated with witchcraft and sorcery however the Greeks considered them symbols of wisdom and wealth

Cats

The Egyptians worshipped cats and to kill one was a crime. When the witchcraft madness hit Europe in the 1500's cats, particularly black cats, were considered witches companions and often killed out of fear.

 

Snakes