Strange Soldier Superstitions

TL;DR

Soldiers in war turn to superstitions as coping mechanisms to enhance their chances of survival and bring luck in various ways.

Transcript

Soldier superstitions placed in life or death situations every day soldiers at war in the 20th century had the hardest jobs imaginable whether it be a new piece of equipment a gun upgrade or an alcohol stash left behind by the enemy they were open to anything and would open anything if it made their arduous existence a tad more bearable it comes as... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 Soldiers believed that wearing old clothes and footwear brought them luck, while new boots were seen as unlucky.
• 🙂 Lighting three cigarettes with one match was considered a death wish due to various historical and practical reasons.
• 🔂 Soldiers carried talismans such as lumps of coal, buttons, and pictures of loved ones for protection.
• 🙈 Animals were also seen as lucky mascots during war, with some serving as official unit mascots.
• 🤞 Soldiers performed rituals and observances, such as making the sign of the cross or throwing a pinch of Earth from their birthplace over their shoulder, to bring luck before battle.
• 🧡 Superstitions ranged from simple acts like making the bed or shaving, to more complex rituals involving specific items and gestures.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did soldiers believe that wearing old clothes and footwear brought them luck?

Soldiers believed that wearing old clothes and footwear that they had previously survived multiple operations in was a sign of good luck, as it meant they had already defied death.

Q: What was the significance of lighting three cigarettes with one match during World War I?

Lighting three cigarettes with one match was believed to bring bad luck and even death. This belief stemmed from various origins, including religious rules and giving snipers more time to line up their shot.

Q: What kind of talismans did soldiers carry for protection?

Soldiers carried various talismans, such as lumps of coal, perforated pebbles, small Earth and war cups, buttons, and even six packs of beer. Pictures of loved ones were also believed to safeguard the wearer from harm.

Q: Why did soldiers carry talismans made from bullets and shrapnel removed from injuries?

Soldiers believed that bullets and shrapnel that had been removed from injuries and fashioned into pendants carried powerful protection, symbolizing their close brush with death. They saw these talismans as lucky charms.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Soldiers believed that wearing old sets of clothes and footwear that they had already survived multiple operations in brought them luck.

• Lighting three cigarettes with one match was seen as a death wish, believed to be derived from sacred rules and practical drawbacks.

• Soldiers carried talismans such as lumps of coal, buttons, and pictures of loved ones to protect themselves from harm.