BBC随身英语:Very superstitious! 非常迷信！

One of the most terrifying and long-believed of all superstitions is that breaking a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck. In ancient Greek, Roman and Chinese cultures, many people held the belief that a mirror reflected a person's soul. If the mirror was broken, the soul would be harmed too; and the person would be frightened out of their wits.

Black cats have long been linked to luck. In continental Europe, the animals were thought to be shape-shifters, or witches' minions. If one crossed your path, it was sure to bring you ill fortune or even death. But, in the UK and Ireland, it's generally considered to be a sign of future prosperity if a black cat crosses your path.

Superstitions have been found in a wide range of cultures for thousands of years, but research suggests that that many of these beliefs can still be found in modern societies. Dr Kevin Foster, from Harvard University, believes it is an example of humans interpreting and reacting to threats. "Natural selection can readily favour making all kinds of associations," says Dr Foster, "including many incorrect ones."

So, if these threats are likely to be 'incorrect', why are people still so superstitious? Well, it seems many people would prefer to be better safe than sorry.

Grammar Which animal is closely associated with both good and bad luck?

Black cats

What phrase is used to mean 'very frightened'?

Scared stiff

Which superstition mentioned in the article has religious roots?

Walking under a ladder

Is the following statement true, false or not given? Spilling salt is considered to be extremely unlucky.

Not given.

What phrase from the article means 'bad luck'?

Ill fortune

Glossary 词汇表 black cat黑猫 scared stiff吓呆了 lucky幸运\ dare敢（做什么） dabbling with death涉足死亡 evil spirits恶灵 opening an umbrella打开雨伞 bring bad luck带来厄运\ numerology（数字）命理学 walking under a ladder从梯子下走过 tempt fate玩命，藐视命运\ take the risk冒险 terrifying可怕的 breaking a mirror打碎了一面镜子 frightened out of their wits被吓得惊慌失措 shape-shifters可移形换影的人或动物 minions仆从，奴才 ill fortune厄运\ beliefs信仰 better safe than sorry宁可事先谨慎有余，不要事后追悔莫及