Corn is an integral part of many cultures and cuisines worldwide. It has been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years and has even become a staple in some diets. With its long history, it’s no surprise that corn has accumulated its fair share of superstitions and beliefs over time.
1. Grow a Wish
If you find a dried kernel of corn on the ground: pick it up, make a wish, and bury it in the ground. If it grows, your wish will come true.
2. Red Among Yellow
If you find a red ear of corn in a field of yellow corn, you will be married within a year.
3. Death Curse
In Daniels’ Encyclopedia of Superstitions we find the follow:
“To bury a sheaf of corn with a certain form of malediction and dedication to Satan, will cause your enemy to die as the corn decays. They practice this in certain parts of Ireland.” (P. 814)
4. Counting Corn
Count the kernels on a corn cob. An even number of kernels means you will find true love and be happily married. An odd number of kernels means you will have two unhappy marriages.
5. Burning Cobs and Kernels
In general, it is bad luck to burn corn cobs. However, burning a corn cop with kernels still on it will bring about a loss in money.
6. The Hen Decides
Draw several initials into the ground and place a corn kernel on each. The first kernel the hen eats is the right choice for marriage. Of course, this method has been used in making other decisions in life besides marriage.
7. For Good Luck
Carrying a kernel of corn in your pocket brings good luck.
8. Stop Nose Bleeds
An old Kentucky superstition states that wearing a necklace made of red corn will prevent nose bleeds.
9. Wart Cure
In the wild realm of wart cures, there is, of course, one involving corn.
Rub seven kernels of corn onto your wart(s) and then feed them to your neighbor’s chickens.
10. Planting Corn
For large ears of corn, it should be planted in the dark of the moon.
11. Company
If you see random grains of corn on the road, expect company.
Sources:
Popular Beliefs and Superstitions from North Carolina by Wayland D. Hand.
Kentucky Superstitions by Daniel Lindsey Thomas.
Encyclopedia of superstitions, folklore, and the occult sciences of the world by Cora Linn Daniels.
