American Superstitions

　　笑谈美国迷信

　　Many of us already know about several American superstitions. Having a black cat cross your path, walking under a ladder, and breaking a mirror are all bad luck. In addition to these, there are many other superstitions that are worth knowing. Understanding them will keep you safe from evil spirits—if you believe in such things—and impress your American friends when you mention them.

　　我们许多人已经知道一些美国的迷信。路上碰见黑猫，从梯子下走过和打破了一面镜子都是不吉利的。此外还有其它许多迷信值得一知。了解这些迷信能让你远离恶灵──如果你相信它们的话──而当你在美国朋友面前提起这些迷信时，会让他们对你刮目相看。

　　Like the superstitions in other cultures, American superstitions often involve the things important in daily life, such as health, numbers, and marriage. For example, have you ever had a cough that would not go away? According to one American superstition, you should take a piece of your hair and put it between two slices of buttered bread. Next, feed this hair sandwich to a dog and say, “Eat well, you hound, may you be sick and I be sound.” This will trick the evil spirits and help your cough. It will also raise some eyebrows if you try it.

　　正像其它文化中的迷信，美国的迷信通常与日常生活中的重要事情有关，如健康、数字和婚姻。如你有没有咳个不停的经历?根据美国的迷信，你应该把你的一根头发夹进两片涂了黄油的面包中。然后把这个夹有发丝的三明治拿去喂狗并对它说“好好吃，狗儿，希望你生病我健康”。这招就可以骗过恶灵，帮你治好咳嗽。如果你想这样做，也会让一些人感到惊讶。

　　In American superstitions, the number three is very important. Often, Americans will say, "All things come in threes." Three is lucky because it represents the traditional family: mother, father, and child. Therefore, gifts, letters, and guests will often arrive at your home in groups of three. However, it is also possible for bad events, like accidents and funerals, to come in threes as well.

　　在美国迷信中，数字“三”很重要。美国人常会说“无三不成礼”。三是个幸运数字，因为它代表了一个传统的家庭︰母亲，父亲和孩子。因此，礼物、信件和客人常常会成三出现在你的家。不过，事故和葬礼等不幸的事件也有可能会成三的出现。

　　Another time people pay attention to superstitions is when they get married. During a wedding, brides must wear or carry “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” The old and borrowed things will bring luck to the person who gives them to the bride. The new and blue things will bring good fortune to the bride herself. The next time someone you know is getting married, be sure to recite this phrase.

　　人们留意迷信的另一个时刻是他们结婚的时候。婚礼中，新娘必须穿或带“一件旧的，一件新的，一件借来的和一件蓝色的东西。”旧的及借来的东西会给送东西给新娘的人带来幸运。而新的和蓝色的东西会给新娘本人带来好运。下次你认识的人结婚的时候，一定要背这句话给她听。

　　As it would be unlucky to discuss one more superstition, we will wind things up here. Keep your fingers crossed, and stay lucky!

　　既然再讲一个迷信会倒霉，那我们就在这里结束吧。把食指和中指交叉，祈求好运而且永远走运!