Five of us were driving to a meeting when Pat swerved wildly to avoid hitting an animal that was crossing the road. As we all readjusted ourselves, we collectively (and individually) berated her for endangering us all. There was heavy traffic and swerving could have caused an accident with another vehicle, even if by swerving, we did miss an animal.

Pat’s action started a loud discussion about whether we should have swerved to avoid the animal or knowingly hit it to avoid an automobile accident. The discussion became even more heated when we found out the real reason behind her action. Pat exclaimed, “That was a black cat! Don’t any of you know that it is bad luck to have a black cat cross your path?”  

We were all shocked by her exclamation. Certainly, we have all heard that before, but everyone agreed that they put it in the classification of being an old wives tale.

If you look back into history,  you will find that black cats were not always considered bad luck. The Egyptians, as early as 3000 BC, held cats (including black cats) in high esteem. It was even considered a capital crime to kill one.

During the Middle Ages the status of the black cat went downhill as they became associated with witches. As people began believing in so-called witches and the practice of black magic, the alley cats that were often cared for and fed by poor old ladies were also later accused of witchery by association.

The belief of witches turning themselves into black cats in order to wander the streets unobserved became a central belief in America during the Salem witch hunts.

Despite the holiday’s religious beginnings, the association of black cats and witches still holds strong during Halloween celebrations. Thus, an animal once looked on with great honor has become a symbol of evil.

Break a leg

When the laughter settled down Claire said, “We went to see Annie last week, and I overheard one of the actors, before the performance, say, “Break a leg.” Where did that saying come from?”

Our three daughters were all involved, in one way or another, with the Guilderland High School musical. It was probably one of the best activities for every family who wanted to have the kids become involved with while in high school. Not only were the kids involved, but also the whole family felt part of the successes that were staged for everyone’s enjoyment.

Show time was particularly exciting with well wishers sending bouquets of flowers and notes to their favorite actor to, “Break a leg.” Why do people tell actors to “Break a Leg”? Of course, they mean do well or have a great show.

Like many sayings and terms, the origin of break a leg is vague and disputed. The term break a leg was used originally, many say, to discourage evil spirits from deliberately causing one’s performance to suffer. According to this theory, wishing someone good luck would be invoking the evil eye. So good luck would actually cause bad luck for the actor. Thus, break a leg, by this logic, would be a wish for good luck.

Over the shoulder

Cindy, who was sitting in the back seat, was just silly enough after we had Goggled other questions to ask, “Why do we throw salt over our shoulder if we spill some on the table?” This superstition made us all laugh. Salt was once a very rare and precious commodity.

One story is if you throw the salt over your right shoulder, it is considered an offering to your guardian angel. In a second story it was said that a devil sits over our left shoulder and an angel on our right. Salt is spilled as a warning from our guardian angel of the devil’s evil intentions that loom over us. Therefore, you can change your bad luck by throwing salt over your left shoulder into the eyes of the devil.

Superstition

People don't want to admit it, but many people have superstitions. "Step on a crack, break your momma's back" is a rhyme that has forced many to avoid cracks in the sidewalk for the rest of their lives for fear of their mother breaking her back. It may seem outrageous, but do you know of someone who will not step on cracks if they can avoid it?

There are few areas of life that inspire us to cling to strange superstitions and rituals more than sports. Perhaps it’s because sports like football, basketball, hockey, and others straddle an excruciating line where the outcome of a game seems dictated as much by fortune as it is by plays. The recent Super Bowl game is a perfect example.

Serena Williams has one of the best records in history for winning as a tennis player. She would naturally be likely to have some superstitions. Williams has been known to wear the same pair of socks for a whole tournament. She also will bring her shower sandals to the court, tie her shoes in a very specific manner, bounce the ball five times before her first serve, and bounce the ball twice before her second serve.

When you have a career as luck-driven as professional sports, you may lean into all of the superstitious stuff. Sure, all of the pre- and post-game rituals may seem silly, but would you really want to be responsible for letting your team down? I didn't think so!

There is an almost endless list of myths, sayings, old wives tales, and superstitions to keep anyone happy for a lifetime. If not, you can launch into the area of good luck pieces or talisman like a horseshoe, four-leaf clover, the Mystic Star that is said to bestow — wealth, happiness, love, luck, wisdom, respect, and glory to the holder.

If you let Lady Luck show you the way you can personally experience the joys of success, love, and happiness. Life for you can be sweet.

As our car neared the location of our luncheon, we all agreed that our best chance of gaining good things is to work for what we want. We all need to set our objectives and work without hesitation or complaining, be good to those around us, and help others whenever we can. If we do all of these things, we will at the very least feel good about ourselves.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday services will be at St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Church on Grand St. on Feb. 18. There is a prayer service and distribution of ashes at 4 p.m., and a prayer service with distribution of ashes at 7:30 p.m.

Love bags

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching (reminder it is February 14th). The community of St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Church and the Altamont community are invited to fill a paper bag with personal items for men, women, and children who reside at the Capital City Mission.

Suggested items for women include soaps, skin lotion, combs, hairbrushes, toothpaste and toothbrushes.  Bags for men could include many of the similar items listed above plus shaving cream, razors, skin lotion, nail clippers, and dental and hygiene products.

Bags for children could include small toys, cars, trucks for boys, and small dolls for girls, as well as hygiene products, such as combs, brushes, and tooth brushes as well as candies.

The donated bags need to be turned in to the church by Sunday, Feb. 15.

Income Tax prep

AARP is now providing free assistance in preparing  your tax forms on Monday and Saturdays through April 3 at the Guilderland Public Library located on Western Ave.

Caregivers

The Community Caregivers have announced that the next volunteer orientation will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. The classes are held at the Caregivers office located at 2021 Western Ave. Suite 104 in Guilderland For additional information call the Caregivers at 456-2898.

OES

The DDGM and the DGL of the Albany/Rensselaer/Schenectady District of the Order of Eastern Star have announced that they will have a joint meeting on March 23, at Ella Nicholson, Fort Orange Albany Chapter No.12. 

Altamont chorus

The chorus was scheduled to sing on Feb. 2, at Siena. Due to the cancellation, the group is working with Siena to refund the tickets.

90th birthday

Special happy birthday wishes are extended to Val Ciupek of Western Ave. who will celebrate his 90th birthday on Feb. 13.

Birthdays

Happy-birthday wishes are extended to:

— Mary Boucher and Sean McGowan on Feb. 13;

— Diane Ginsburg, William Hoogkamp, Craig Thomas, and McKenzie Weiler on Feb.14;

— Pat Crupe and Tom Munroe on Feb. 15;

— Diane Corbett and Cameron Nicholas Davis on Feb. 16;

— Nancy Chesnut, Bud Perlee, Gary Prescott, and Mike Trendell on Feb. 17; and a touch of history: Abraham Lincoln's birthday was celebrated on Feb. 12.
Happy Valentine's Day to all on Saturday.