About this book
Current Superstitions by Fanny Dickerson Bergen reveals the hidden folklore woven into everyday American and Canadian life that still influences us today. As one of the pioneering researchers of North American oral traditions, Bergen collected superstitions tied to life's defining moments—from babyhood and childhood through marriage, luck, cures, and death rituals. These aren't dusty, forgotten beliefs; many will feel strikingly familiar, reflecting deep cultural roots in British tradition adapted by English-speaking communities across North America.
This essay collection presents short, digestible readings—each between 5 and 15 minutes—packed with memorable proverbs, rhymes, and folk wisdom. Every entry is grounded in specific locales, connecting superstitions to their geographic origins and cultural context. You'll encounter timeless sayings like the days-of-the-week rhyme for newborns, alongside lesser-known customs about warts, wishes, dreams, and omens that shaped how people understood fortune and fate.
Bergen's work bridges folklore scholarship and cultural history, offering surprising insights into how superstitions reflect human values and anxieties across generations. Whether you're curious about folk traditions, fascinated by cultural anthropology, or simply interested in how our ancestors made sense of uncertainty, this audiobook provides accessible entry into a rich tapestry of North American superstitions that echo in modern life.
