General Superstitions:
* Bad Omens: Crows, owls, and black cats were considered harbingers of misfortune. Seeing a single magpie was also ominous, with the number of birds determining the severity of the upcoming trouble.
* The Power of Numbers: Certain numbers carried significant meanings. Three was lucky, while thirteen was unlucky. Seeing two ravens was a sign of death.
* Dreams: Dreams were considered to be prophetic. Recurring dreams or nightmares were seen as warnings from the supernatural.
* The Power of Words: It was believed that uttering certain words or phrases, like "God bless you" after a sneeze, could ward off evil spirits. Saying "a pox on you" was a curse.
* Witches and Magic: The belief in witches and sorcery was prevalent. People feared being cursed or bewitched, and many accused others of witchcraft.
Specific Superstitions:
* Spitting to ward off evil: People would spit three times over their left shoulder to ward off evil spirits.
* Knocking on wood: Knocking on wood was a way to ward off bad luck, much like we do today.
* Wedding Traditions: Wearing "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" was believed to bring good luck to the bride. The tradition of throwing rice or confetti at a wedding originated from the belief that it would ward off evil spirits.
* Ghosts and Spirits: People believed that the spirits of the dead could haunt their homes and communities. Ghost stories were popular forms of entertainment and many believed them to be true.
* The "Evil Eye": People believed that some individuals possessed the "evil eye," which could inflict harm or misfortune on others. They would wear amulets or charms to protect themselves from this curse.
Other Important Aspects:
* Astrology: Astrology was widely practiced and used to predict the future, determine personality traits, and guide decisions. The position of the stars and planets at the time of someone's birth was believed to have a significant impact on their life.
* The Great Chain of Being: This concept, prevalent throughout the Renaissance, believed in a hierarchy of creation, with God at the top, followed by angels, humans, animals, and plants. This hierarchy dictated societal structures and individual roles.
* The Power of the Monarch: The Queen or King was seen as divinely ordained, and their authority was believed to be absolute. Their reign was considered a reflection of the divine order, and any disruption to their authority was seen as a sign of instability and chaos.
It's important to note that these superstitions were deeply intertwined with the beliefs of the Elizabethan era, and many of them stemmed from a deep fear of the unknown and the supernatural. While we may view these superstitions as illogical today, they were very real and important to people living in that time.