Fear is of no nationality and time on

Fear is of no nationality and time on the example of Russian and English superstitions Student: Bunyak D. 11 B form School № 1270 Teacher supervisor: Magnaudinova V. R.

The hypothesis is: Completely different people living in different countries can be united by one thing - a fear. A fear is a basis of superstitions, so we can understand other nations much easier if we analyze and understand their superstitions, because fears seem to be the same for all nations.

The objectives are To find out and make the list of the most widespread superstitions in Russia and England To systematize the examples of superstitions according to similar subjects To identify similar superstitions for Russia and England To analyze the origins of superstitions, fears which lie in their basis To compare English and Russian fears, to draw conclusions based on this

Fear "The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear“. --- Howard Phillips Lovecraft (American writer) A fear is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc. , whether the threat is real or imagined

Superstition "Men are probably nearer the central truth in their superstitions than in their science". --- Henry David Thoreau (American author, poet, philosopher) Superstition - irrational belief usually founded on ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc

Russian superstitions

British Superstitions

Research part Russian superstitions English superstitions Birds The comparative table Common object • An owl will not bring good • Always take off his hat when you see a magpie, or regards to her, or misfortune happens to you • Crows, ravens, sitting, crying in front of the house - for worse • Raven croaks to the deceased man (death) • If a rooster cries at midnight, the Angel of Death is flying over the house • If roosters sing at the wrong time, they see an evil spirit and drive it away • An owl on the roof of the house announces the death of a family member • Cries of owls can foretell the blaze • Meeting two or three Ravens together is considered really bad • If a sparrow enters a house it is an omen of death to one of the people who live there • If a bird flies into your house, a death will follow within three days • Rowan tree planted near the house can protect from dark forces • If you plant the willow, you are preparing spade to yourself • Late blooming garden - to the death of the owner of the garden • The flower of hawthorn has the scent of death • If you bring a snowdrop home, a family member will die soon • If you plant a rowan tree in the garden, the witch will not annoy you Mirror • It is bad luck to break a mirror Patron of the home • If it is a person who enters the new home first, he will soon die • If somebody hears laments or a sigh of Domovoy, it is to the death of the owner of the house • Never leave payments for brownies, or they will abandon your house Plants and trees

Analysis of the comparative table It is clear from the comparative table that Russian and English superstitions have common objects, for example: • Birds • Trees • Mirror • Patron of the house

Birds In ancient times people used to see in birds the heralds of gods, evil or good spirits, as birds are the only creations able to fly from their birth.

§Owls §Ravens An owl is one of the most unfortunate birds. An owl has an unusual appearance even for a bird, can make melancholy sounds. Moreover, it is a nocturnal bird that has a silent flight.

Ravens A raven has always been regarded as the most evil bird. In almost all superstitions this bird foretells death or illness.

So, the fear of premature death, unknown things and dark forces lays in the basis of superstitions, connected with birds (these fears were and are the same for both countries). In both countries this belief has its basis in religious legends. Thus, this belief has the same origin in the countries (Russia and England): a common religion - Christianity (legends).

Trees Rowan trees The rowan tree has long been associated with magic and protection against enchantment and evil beings in most European countries and in Russia.

So, the fear of black magic and witch’s curse lays in the basis of superstitions, connected with trees. This belief has the same origin in both countries (Russia and England): due to the same lifestyle, people were close to nature, they believed that the world round them was full of magic. Being pagans people search for the explanation of different things in nature.

Mirror This believe is connecter with the «power» of the mirror to reflect the image (like water can, but it is a part of nature, while mirror is handmade).

So, the fear of losing souls and health lays in the basis of superstitions, connected with mirrors. This belief has the same origin in both countries (Russia and England): the same “roots” and the sources of development of the countries and similar values, such as life, health, soul.

Patron of the house Brownie Domovoy

All patrons of the house have one main care, aim: to protect the house and the family from evil forces and black magic. This belief has the same origin in both countries (Russia and England): people have always haunted the same goal: to protect home and family

Conclusion • Fears are of no nationality, as they are the same for people all over the world, because fears trace their roots in the same for all peoples past. • Fears are of no time, as people are still afraid of the same things, as they were afraid of many centuries ago. • Superstitions have fears in their basis. Thus, if we analyze superstitions from absolutely different countries that seem to have definitely nothing common, we will be surprised to realize that superstitions are alike. • Superstitions can unite peoples, as a fear is "the oldest and strongest emotion of mankind". It is easier to deal with something when you are not along.

Thank you for your attention!