EPISODE · Nov 10, 2025 · 9 MIN
Bizarre Old Superstitions: Umbrellas, Chimney Sweeps & Deadly Omens | The Strange History Podcast
from The Strange History Podcast · host Strange History
In Part Two of Old Superstitions and Where They Came From, host Amy dives even deeper into history’s weirdest omens — from cursed umbrellas and lucky chimney sweeps to haunted birds, poisoned wine toasts, and the mysterious house spirits that still lurk in folklore. Learn why Victorians feared birds in the house, why brides once kissed chimney sweeps for luck, and how a sneeze once required a papal blessing to survive. It’s another darkly funny, historically rich journey into the strange ways humans have tried to outsmart fate. Packed with humor, fake ads, and centuries of delightful nonsense, this Strange History Podcast episode explores the odd rituals that shaped our everyday habits — and reminds us that a little superstition never hurt… unless you open that umbrella indoors. Press play, raise your glass, and let’s toast to surviving another curse.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.
What this episode covers
In Part Two of Old Superstitions and Where They Came From, host Amy dives even deeper into history’s weirdest omens — from cursed umbrellas and lucky chimney sweeps to haunted birds, poisoned wine toasts, and the mysterious house spirits that still lurk in folklore. Learn why Victorians feared birds in the house, why brides once kissed chimney sweeps for luck, and how a sneeze once required a papal blessing to survive. It’s another darkly funny, historically rich journey into the strange ways humans have tried to outsmart fate. Packed with humor, fake ads, and centuries of delightful nonsense, this Strange History Podcast episode explores the odd rituals that shaped our everyday habits — and reminds us that a little superstition never hurt… unless you open that umbrella indoors. Press play, raise your glass, and let’s toast to surviving another curse.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.
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Bizarre Old Superstitions: Umbrellas, Chimney Sweeps & Deadly Omens | The Strange History Podcast
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