As we're coming up on Halloween, I can't be more excited. So, I thought now would be a great time to break out some old superstitions that you'll find right here in Texas.

The word superstition is defined as a belief or way of behaving that is based on the fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck. It seems like there are hundreds of old wives' tales and superstitions. Such as the ever-popular, don't walk under a ladder or cross the path of a black cat. A shattered mirror brings years of bad luck. The list goes on and on.

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Texas has its own set of superstitions. Some of these go back generations and there are plenty of stories from folks to back them up. Whether you actually believe in superstitions or not, I think we can all agree that having luck on our side and staying safe is a good thing. So, it's better to take caution. It certainly couldn't hurt. Wide Open Country has listed out some of the best superstitions in Texas to keep luck on your side. Scroll on to see how many of these you've heard before.

BEWARE: 10 TEXAS SUPERSTITIONS TO KEEP YOU SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Look Out for Woodpeckers

In Texas lore, one of the bad omens is red-headed woodpeckers. It's said that if one appears on your roof, a family member will die.


Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Trick a Witch With a Cowbell

There's an old legend that if you anger a witch, she'll take revenge by making the milk on your cows run dry. Superstitious Texas farmers would help protect their cattle by using brass cowbells.


Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Check the Moon Before You Set Sail

Texas Gulf Coast fishermen would always look toward the sky before setting sail. A circle around the moon at night meant bad weather was on the way.


Photo: Phil Nash 2019
Photo: Phil Nash 2019/Wikimedia Commons
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Do Not Point at a Grave

Some Texans will tell you to never point at a grave. According to superstition, doing so will cause your finger to rot and fall off.


Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Don't Kill a Horned Toad

Texas superstition says killing a horned toad will cause your cow's milk to go dry or produce bloody milk.


 

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Using Hose Hair Will Fend off Rattlesnakes

Back in the Texas pioneer days, men and women alike did what they could to keep rattlesnakes at bay. According to superstition, one of the ways was to coil up rope made from horse hair placed around the perimeter of their camp.


Photo: Thinkstock/Getty Images
Photo: Thinkstock/Getty Images
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If You See a Ghost, Walk Around It 9 Times, or Crow Like a Rooster

Although this may make you look and sound funny, an old wives' tale says that you can cast away a ghost by walking around it 9 times. If that doesn't work, the ghost may think it's daylight if you crow like a rooster.


Photo: Gam1983/Getty Images
Photo: Gam1983/Getty Images
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Don't Open a New Business on Friday the 13th

We're all a little weirded out by this date anyway, but starting a new business on this mean, according to superstition, means it's destined to fail.


Photo: Serhio Magpie/Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Serhio Magpie/Wikimedia Commons
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Stick an Axe in the Ground to Keep a Storm From Coming

Texas superstition says sticking an axe in the ground wards off an approaching storm.


Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Look Out During the Time of Canicula

It's reported that many Native Americans believed that during the time of the Canicula (usually during the summer months) a serpent-like creature roamed the earth. This superstition has been passed down from generation to generation and it was serious business.

 

Now I don't go as far as carrying around a rabbit's foot or hanging up horseshoes, but I'll take most precautions I can to keep good things on my side. Some think superstitions are silly, yet others will stand up to defend them. As Halloween approaches, you never can be too careful.

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