Исследовательская работа по английскому языку

Superstitions and omens in Russia and Great Britain.

Contents

Introduction… …………………………………………………………………..3

1.The definitions of «omen» and «superstition» ……………………………......5

1.2 Brief  history of omens and superstitions……………………………………5

2. Classification of superstitions………………………………………………....6

3. Superstitions of England……………………………………………….7

3.1 Animals……………………………………………………………………....7

3.2 Natural phenomena…………………………………………………………..8

3.3 Person’s actions……………………………………………………………...8

4. Superstitions of Russia………………………………………………………..9

5. The similarities between British and Russian omens and superstitions………10

6. The differences between British and Russian omens and superstitions………13

7. English omens and superstitions………………………………………………15

8. Russian omens and superstitions……………………………………………...16

Conclusion……………………………………………………………….............17

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………..18

APPENDIX………………………………………………………………...........19

Introduction

The knowledge of superstitions and omens expands our notion about the country and allows to understand its history and customs of the people. For centuries each country has been borrowing different unique traditions and beliefs from various countries. These superstitions have been passing on from generation to generation, from one country to another, for years, even for centuries. They are an essential part of each culture because they reflect the national character, traditions and habit, their lifestyle. Perhaps, nowadays we are not so superstitious as our ancestors were but nevertheless seeing an empty bucket or a black cat crossing the path we stop in spite of ourselves to do something to avoid bad luck. Will you superstitiously knock on wood not to hoodoo? There are lots of such superstitions and the majorities of people continue to keep fingers crossed and look in the mirror when they come home.

In my research work I’m going to point out the differences and similarities of Belarusian and English superstitions. I’d like to know if the pupils of our school believe in superstitions and omens or not.

The aim of the research work is to learn about the superstitions of Russia and Great Britain.

The hypothesis of the research: Russia and the Great Britain are different countries. They have different social levels. The roots of many superstitions are the same. To reach the purpose I have set the following tasks: 

1.      To define the words “superstition” and “omen”.

2.      To make a list of superstitions and omens in Russia and Great Britain.

3.      To find similar omens in Russia and Great Britain.

4.      To sum up about the role of superstitions and omens in people’s life and the culture of the country.

5.      To give a poll among the 8th formers to find out the degree of their superstitious.

6.      To make a comparative analysis of the result of the research.

The object of the research work is the traditions and superstitions of Great Britain and Russia.

The subject of the research work is people`s attitude towards superstitions.

The methods used in the research work are:

ü the method of collecting information in books and in the Internet;

ü conducting a survey among the classmates;

ü comparison

The methods of the research:

1.      Survey the information (books, internet)

2.      Analyzing the results of the interviews in order to give the answer to the main question of the research.

3.      Making a conclusion

1 The definitions of «omen» and «superstition» 

The question whether we should trust omens and superstitions or not worries many people. The definitions of «omen» and «superstition» will help to approach to the truth.                                            

Omen

1.      Something that is believed to be a sign or warning of something that will happen in the future. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

2.      An event or phenomenon regarded as a portent of good or evil; a prophetic sign, an augury. (Oxford English Dictionary)

3.      Something that is considered to be a sign of how a future event will take place.

(Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary)

Superstition

+Webster Dictionary)

2.      Excessively credulous belief in and reverence for the supernatural. (Oxford English Dictionary)

3.      Belief that is not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, but is connected with old ideas about magic, etc. (Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary)

1.1 Brief  history of omens and superstitions

History of omens and superstitions counts thousands of years and began in ancient times. People wanted to protect themselves and their families from different troubles and misfortunes at all times. They observed phenomena occurring around, looked for regularities and made conclusions. Thus, there are bad and good omens, there are various customs and rituals that help against unpleasant events.

Our ancestors have watched the world, nature and animals’ behavior for centuries. And they noticed connections between these events. That’s why the most reliable omens are omens about the weather, animals, birds and harvests.

Also, humans could not explain different events logically and tried to find answers in mysticism. People began to notice what happened to them after any event, trying to connect it to the influence of supernatural forces and they attempted to «reach an agreement» with them.

It is easy to notice that the origin of omens and superstition is based on the observation of ordinary life situations and correct conclusions. It is known that many superstitions have firmly settled in our lives, but some are ignored because of absurdity.

There are a lot of different superstitions and omens in every culture. But some of them are similar. In every country you can find the superstitions about money, good or bad luck, weather, holidays, animals, food, professions.

2. The origin of omens and superstitions is usually connected with:

       Animals

As stated above, a large number of omens and superstitions are related with animals. Our ancestors kept livestock, poultry, so they came up with various beliefs. Also, people have always believed that animals have well-developed flair to the events that are to occur. Animals often helped people by suggesting them what should happen in the near future. Some signs warned humans of misfortune, and others approved decisive actions.

      Natural phenomena

Folk omens about natural phenomena depict wisdom of our ancestors, who watched the nature and made a set of rules, which have been passed to their descendants for many generations. Folk omens about natural phenomena comprise all significant natural phenomena that have an impact on harvests. People's lives depended on the quantity and quality of the crop.  So, it was important to grow as much as possible. Signs, by which people lived in ancient times, describe almost all natural phenomena: rain, storm, sunset, wind, snow, clouds, etc.

Person’s actions

The history of omens and superstitions connected with person’s actions is very diverse. Generally, these omens and superstitions include extensive systems of prohibitions and ancient taboos. How can we rationally explain, for example, the omen - “sprinkled salt is to quarrel”?  Actually, in ancient times salt was very expensive and was used instead of money. That’s why if a person spills salt he will lose his money.

3  Superstitions of England

    3.1 Animals

 A large number of omens and superstitions are related with animals. Animals often helped people by suggesting them what should happen in the near future. Some signs warned humans of misfortune, and others approved decisive actions.

Lucky to meet a black cat. Black Cats are featured on many good luck greetings cards and birthday cards in England.  «If a black cat crosses your path, you will have good luck».

In some parts of the UK meeting two or three ravens together is considered really bad. One very English superstition concerns the tame ravens at the Tower of London. It is believed if they leave then the crown of England will be lost.

It is said to be bad luck if you see bats flying and hear their cries. In the middle ages it was believed that witches were closely connected with bats.

The omen known since early childhood is the omen about ladybird which brings good luck. Ladybird has always attracted the eye of a man due to its bright red color associated with fire. Our ancestors, the ancient Slavs, supposed that the ladybug is a messenger of the goddess of the sun, who illuminates the earth, gives harvest and a new life. In England ladybirds’ red colour is the colour of the robes of the Virgin Mary. In Catholic culture a ladybug is a sacred insect. That is why it mustn’t be killed, because a great trouble can happen to a man.

People have been respecting ladybug for centuries and it gives a lot of fun to children who often recite a small poem. When a ladybird sits on a hand or clothing, it should be said in Russian: «Божья коровка, улети на небо, принеси мне хлеба, черного и белого, только не горелого».  Not all people believe in it but many of them, especially children, know this saying. And British children say like this: «Ladybird, fly to the sky, give me happy time». It is not known for certain the origin of the omen but there is a version that a ladybird is an intermediary between the God and people.

3.2 Natural phenomena

Folk omens about natural phenomena depict wisdom of our ancestors, who watched the nature and made a set of rules, which have been passed to their descendants for many generations. Folk omens about natural phenomena comprise all significant natural phenomena that have an impact on harvests. People's lives depended on the quantity and quality of the crop.  So, it was important to grow as much as possible. Signs, by which people lived in ancient times, describe almost all natural phenomena: rain, storm, sunset, wind, snow, clouds, etc.

    «Red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky in the morning, sailors take warning»

    «Pale moon rains, red moon blows; white moon neither rains nor blows»

    «The moon her face be red, of water she speaks»

     «A wind from the south has rain in its mouth»

    «If cirrus clouds form in weather with a falling barometer, it is almost sure to rain»

    «If wooly fleeces spread the heavenly way, be sure no rain disturbs the summer day»

    «If cumulus clouds are smaller at sunset than at noon, expect fair weather»

    «The moon with a circle brings water in her back»

3.3 Person’s actions

Knock on wood. You must knock on wood 3 times after mentioning good fortune or the evil spirits will ruin things for you.

The British version is "touch wood".  The tradition traces back to an ancient belief that spirits lived in trees, especially Oaks, and that by knocking on or touching the wood, you were paying a small tribute to them and could call on them for protection against ill-fortune.  Also, you were thanking them for their blessings and good luck.

Interestingly, if no wood is to be found or knocking is just not convenient, it is enough to say "knock on wood" or "touch wood".

«You should not step on shadow». In ancient times it was believed that the shadow is the soul of man, and the attack on the soul is not good.

 4.   Superstitions of Russia

Why people don’t celebrate forty years?

Forty years is the only date that is not customary to note, especially for men. This superstition arose from the connection of the number "40" with death. Back in Kievan Rus was made "check the dead" on the incorruptibility, and the deadline by which was determined the incorruptibility of the body, was erected in 40 days. Still, the number 40 is directly connected with the funeral traditions. It coincides with memorial day after the death, and in all religions is considered fatal.

Do not carry an empty bucket

If you see someone with any empty container—bucket or a cart—it is considered a bad omen. Russians believe that if you meet a woman carrying an empty bucket, for example, in the countryside, or a street cleaner with an empty cart in the town, you won’t have a good day.

Don’t put money into someone’s hands

 It is believed that the money can transmit energy from its owner, including negative energy.

Don’t take anything out of the house at night

If you live under the same roof as Russians, you would be advised not to try to take out the trash at night. It is believed that this can bring ruin on the house.

Never give knives, clocks or scarves as a present

Scarves, for example, are an omen of tears, knives an omen of enemies, and clocks an omen of parting. If you do nevertheless give somebody one of these things, do not be surprised if they give you a small coin in return. This is to create the illusion of buying the item. You must definitely take this coin, even if it surprises you that they are trying to pay you for an expensive gift with small change.

The threshold of a house is a place of evil

You must not stand on the threshold of a house or apartment, and you must not talk across it or hand anything across it.

Look at yourself in a mirror if you have had to go back

 Going back to the house is a bad omen, a portent of bad luck. So somebody discovers after leaving the house that he has forgotten something, he will first decide whether it is something he really needs, and if it is, he will go back, but will make a point of looking himself in the eye in a mirror.

Sit before a journey

When a guest in someone’s home or a member of the family is getting ready for a long journey, everyone in the house has to sit down before they set off. This is an  omen for a safe journey. Everyone in the house has to sit somewhere for a minute. This omen, incidentally, is very useful, because it helps people to calm down after the chaos and remember whether they have forgotten to pack anything.

Don’t sit on a table
Many Russians are disturbed when they see scenes in American films where the hero sits on a table or puts his feet on a table. And it is not just because it is unhygienic—sitting on a table is variously seen as an omen of death or poverty.

5. The similarities between British and Russian omens and superstitions.

Despite the fact that 2cultures greatly differs from English, and that our countries have passed a different historical way, many signs and superstitions are the same. First of all these are world common superstitions such as lucky and unlucky numbers; superstitions, connected with mirrors and weather conditions; ceremonies devoted to common holidays and signs about animals.

Number 13

There is no 13th floor or 13th room number (the 14th follows after the 12th) in

many hotels and houses. And many people will not invite 13 guests to their party.

So, let us think why “13” is so often mentioned in Russian, English and even world superstitions as an unlucky number.

Actually, there is no single explanation, but there are many opinions on this subject.

Here are 13 reasons why number 13 is unfortunate.

Scholars consider the number 13 to become unpopular when humans began to count. They used 10 fingers and 2 feet as units of measure-ments, that’s why people could count only till 12 and number 13 scared them.

Devil’s dozen is equal to 13.

Many Christians believe that Jesus Christ was crucified on Friday the 13th.

Friday is the unluckiest day for Christian countries like the UK and Russia. This is because Christ was crucified on Friday, 13th.

Superstitious people consider the 13th of Friday to be an absolutely unlucky day.

As it has already been said, both in England and Russia many superstitions are connected with mirrors. For many years in Russia mirrors have been considered a forbidden thing, a source of magic force and evil, which are able to take away a part of soul of a person looking at it. It was a great sin to have such a thing at home.

Modern scientists and specialists who deal with paranormal phenomena consider that a broken mirror carries in itself not bad luck but negative energy. With the help of special devices it was set up that there is something magical in the world of Zazerkalye mirrors. It is believed that mirrors take away Man’s negative energy. When a mirror breaks this negative energy comes out.

In the result of experiments it was proved that people who have been in a room with a broken mirror for a long time feel tired, irritated, scared and sometimes aggressive. It often happens that in the house where a person has died all the mirrors are hung over.

They say that the soul of the late may go to the land of Zazerkalye and be imprisoned there. It is partially proved, though many people don’t fully believe in it. So on the territory of modern Russia it was considered that a broken mirror may bring misfortune while the most widely spread superstition in England says that if you break a mirror misfortunes bad luck will follow you or seven years. In face value in the English language it sounds like this: “If you break a mirror you will have seven years bad luck”. But there is a way out you should bury the pieces of the broken mirror deep in the ground so that evil forces didn’t look into them. 

Knocking on wood, or simply saying “knock on wood” after making a hopeful statement, is rooted in the idea that you’re tempting fate by acknowledging your good fortune.  One can also knock on wood three times after talking about something lucky, in order to ward off the evil spirits who might purposely ruin it. It is believed by some that the superstition dates back to ancient pagan times and the belief that spirits or deities lived in trees, and knocking on a tree or touching it would appreciate them and call them for protection from misfortune. As many early pagan beliefs became part of Christian beliefs, this superstition is very popular in Belarus and the UK.

Today it is acceptable to knock on wood-like surfaces for good luck. There are times when people even knock on their own heads for luck if there is no wood around.

Much attention in both the countries is given to signs and superstitions, devoted to wedding ceremonies. In England and in Belarus preparations to a wedding, the ceremony itself and a holiday party are under the influence of traditions the aim of which to protest against evil forces and give a blessing to marriage.

First of all, it’s time. “If you marry in lent, you will live to regent” say Englishmen, which corresponds to the Russian superstition that Weddings during the Great Lent are not good, because a young couple will constantly quarrel, regret marrying and they will never feel happy. It is connected with Bible traditions one of which is that to marry during the Lent is a great sin.

Another superstition, popular in England and Russia, is associated with

a horseshoe. There is no greater symbol of good luck than finding a horseshoe with the open hoof space facing toward the fortunate discoverer. No ill omens seem to be connected with this particular superstition. Even if a person merely dreams of finding a horseshoe, good luck will come to him or her. There are many assumptions about the appearance of a lucky horseshoe. It is believed that the good luck powers of the horseshoe originate with the story of a blacksmith named Dunstan. The Devil came to Dunstan and requested to fit him with new horseshoes. Dunstan recognized the devil and nailed a horseshoe onto his hoof. This caused the Devil a great pain. While he was in agony, Dunstan chained him and only released him after the devil promised never to enter a place that had a horseshoe hung over the door.

Every country has omens connected with different animals, fish, birds and

insects. Ladybird has always attracted the eye of a man due to its bright red color associated with fire. Our ancestors, the ancient Slavs, supposed that the ladybug is a messenger of the goddess of the sun, who illuminates the earth, gives harvest and a new life. In England ladybirds’ red color is the color of the robes of the Virgin Mary. In Catholic culture a ladybug is a sacred insect. That is why it mustn’t be killed, because a great trouble can happen to a man.

People have been respecting ladybug for centuries and it gives a lot of fun to children who often recite a small poem. When a ladybird sits on a hand or clothing, it should be said in Russian: «Божья коровка, улети на небо, принеси мне хлеба, черного и белого, только не горелого».  Not all people believe in it but many of them, especially children, know this saying. And British children say like this: «Ladybird, fly to the sky, give me happy time». It is not known for certain the origin of the omen but there is a version that a ladybird is an intermediary between the God and people.

As we can see, there are only good omens and harmless superstition about this amusing insect.

6. The differences between British and Russian omens and superstitions

But, as we know, there are many differences between British and Russian su-perstitions. Perhaps, one of the most important differences is the interpretation of omens.

Black cat

This superstition came about because of its association with witches in the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, black cats were seen as evil demons and companions to them. People believed that witches had the power to turn them-selves into black cats, so if one crossed your path, chances were good that a witch had her eye on you.

Black cats are still considered to be bad luck throughout most of Europe But not all countries think of black cats as a bad luck. In Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Australia and New Zealand black cats are good signs. In England, a black cat crossing your path is a great fortune. British sailors used to believe that black cats would bring them good luck and they were looking for them to have as ship cats. Possible, that is why so many famous people in Great Britain choose a black cat as a home pet.

Black raven

Another omen connected with different animals and birds is an omen about ra-vens. The group of ravens is one of the most famous sights at the Tower of London. They have lived in the Tower from its very beginning, over 900 years ago, and as the old English legend says, only so long as they are here will the Tower of London stand. If the ravens leave the Tower, the Crown and England will fall. The birds have never left the Tower. In the 17th century King Charles II ordered that six ravens should always live in the Tower of London and since then they have been under royal protection. The ravens are black. Each raven has got its name and keepers carefully look after them. If one of the birds dies, another younger raven takes its place. The keepers cut birds’ wings a bit be-cause they are afraid that they can fly away. Londoners believe this legend and treat with great respect to these birds.

Since ancient times many omens and superstitions about ravens exist in Russia. It is traditionally thought that ravens are ominous birds. You can often find the signs, according to which, ravens portend misfortune or death. Even in one’s sleep ravens or crows mean death, hunger, and in the "best case" – trouble.

Nowadays there is one interesting expression associated with ravens - "white crow". So is called a person, who does not fit in with the rest of a group and is often considered to be a troublemaker or an embarrassment. These words do not sound approvingly, but cold and alienated…

Left hand itches

There is a superstition in England that if your left hand itches, you will lose    money. In Russia, it is believed that when the left hand itches, it, on the contrary, promises great wealth. Most likely, money will come unexpectedly - debt will be returned or you may receive an award. Moreover, the more intensively your hand scratches, the more money will come.

In England there is a famous superstation which says: “If you scratch your left hand, you will give money away”. But in Russia it is considered that if you scratch your left hand. You will have a lot of money.

It is also necessary to mention that in Russia spiders are associated with illness and evil forces. In England, on the contrary, this superstition says:” If you see a small spider, you will get a lot of money”.

7. English omens and superstitions:

  If you want to have good health throughout the next year, eat an apple on Christmas Eve.

 If you want to be happy, eat Christmas pudding on Christmas Day.

 If you wear new shoes on Christmas Day, it will bring you bad luck.

 If you refuse a mince pie at Christmas dinner, you will have bad luck for the coming day.

 If you cut a mince pie, you will «cut your luck» too.

 If a baby is born on Christmas day, it will have a special fortune.

 If it snows on Christmas Day, Easter will be green.

 On Christmas Eve all animals can speak, but it is bad luck to test this superstition.

 If the first visitor at your house on New Year’s Day is an unknown dark-haired man, then a year of good luck will follow.

 If you cry on New Year’s Day, you will be crying all the year.

 If you lend anything on New Year’s Day, you will be lending all the year.                                                                    

 If you wash your hair on New Year’s Day, you will wash away good luck.

 If you are in debt and don’t pay your debts before New Year’s Day, you will be in   debts all the year.

 On New Year’s Night young girl will dream of her future husband if she sleeps with a mirror under her pillow.

8. Russian omens and superstitions:

“Let the cat first enter a new house”. This Russian superstition means that the family will live a wealthy and healthy life in the new house.

“If a cat is washing itself” – a visitor is coming.

Salty soup is a sign that the cook is in love.

Unlucky to spill salt on the table. (If you do, you must throw it over your shoulder.)

 If you drop a table knife expect a man, if you drop a fork expect a woman.

If you see a magpie on the windowsill, guests may visit you soon.

If a bird flies into the open window it means that a man who lives in this house will get ill or even dead.

A sparrow flying and chirping loudly over a traveler’s head promises bad luck.

In the course of this research we tested the pupils from the 8 th forms . The following questions were proposed in our questionnaire: do you believe in omens and superstitions; what superstitions are typical of your family; name the English omens and superstitions you know.

The results of the test has shown that 15% of the pupils firmly believe in the omens and always follow the rules connected with superstitions ( to look into the mirror if you have left something at home, carry talisman charm in order to turn away the evil eye and so on).

82% of the pupils have confirmed that they believe in signs but they follow the rules electively and they always follow traditions and customs which are connected with holidays which is also a demonstration of superstitions.

And only 3% of the pupils affirm that they don’t believe in superstitions. We have made a list of the most widespread English and Russian omens and superstitions according to the results of test.

Conclusion

   At the end of the study I would like to summarize the role of superstitions in our lives. Every country has its own traditions, customs and superstitions. They are an essential part of culture because they show people’s character, habit and lifestyle. To my mind, it is very important to know and follow special traditions because they unite people. Every nation is proud of its traditions and carefully keeps them up.

The comparative analysis of omens and superstitions in the Russian and English languages has been given in the course of this work. We have also got acquainted with the culture, history and spiritual life of the inhabitants in Russia and Great Britain.

   Comparing the 2 subcultures we came to conclusion that though the two countries had passed a different way of development and though they are at a different social level. The roots of many superstitions are the same. Though means of expressing one and the same idea are quite opposite, for example, lucky and unlucky numbers, superstitions connected with mirrors and weather conditions, ceremonies devoted to general holidays and superstitions connected with animals, there are superstitions which are characteristic of only one subculture and have no analogy in others.

   But it is probably impossible to know all superstitions in the world. In different countries there are different beliefs. However, there are some common superstitions connected with weather, animals, professions, holidays, which mostly have the same roots. These superstitions have passed on through generations, from one country to another for years, even for centuries. That’s why we should treat them carefully and consider them as treasures of world culture.

To sum up, it should be said no matter whatever superstitions are, bad or good, we should always try to believe in good ones to make our life happy and be positive.

The hypothesis of my work is confirmed. Despite the fact that 2cultures greatly differs from English, and that our countries have passed a different historical way, many signs and superstitions are the same.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1.     Интернет ресурсы:

https://ru.wiktionary.org/wiki/superstition

https://targetstudy.com/articles/students-and-superstitions

http://www.airport-world.com/news/general-news/5413-revealed-the-top-10-

http://study-english.info/topic-superstitions.php

http://www.projectbritain.com/superstitions.htm

http://www.samlib.ru

http://www.victorianengland.rolka.su.

http://www.sueveriya.ru.

2. Химунина Т.Н. и др. В Великобритании принято так:( Об англ.обычаях).

APPENDIX

1. Do you believe in omens and superstitions?

2. What superstitions are typical of your family?

3. Name the most popular Russian superstitions.

4. Name the English omens and superstitions you know.