Caterpillars, those sometimes charming yet peculiar garden dwellers, have been subjects of fascination and fear throughout history. These fuzzy creatures are more than just future butterflies or moths, they are weather predictors, spit targets, and the bringers of bad luck.
1. Satanic Fuzz Noodle
Is the fuzzy caterpillar the work of witches? According to some Central European traditions, it has been believed that caterpillars were conjured up by either witches or the Devil.
2. A Bad Rebirth
Meanwhile, in some parts of Africa it’s believed that some people are reborn as caterpillars, sort of like some European cultures believed that moths were the souls of reborn children.
3. Toss It
Tossing a caterpillar over the left shoulder was once believed to bring good luck. This belief originated in England, but made its way to the United States.
4. Deadly Menstruating Women
We all know how deadly a menstruating woman can be and for caterpillars it was doubly so. According to folklore, a menstruating woman can kill a caterpillar simply by approaching it.
5. Wooly Weather Predictor
Growing up, I was always told that if the wooly caterpillars have more brown than black on them, winter would be mild. If there was more black than brown, winter would be horrible. Of course, none of the caterpillars could agree on the same thing, so it was a toss up.
6. Fever Preventer
If a caterpillar cross the path in front of you, folklore tells you to spit. This will supposedly prevent you from catching a fever over the winter.
7. Spit On
In children’s folklore, spitting directly onto a caterpillar brings good luck for the rest of the day.
8. Bad Luck and a Sin
According to some superstitions, picking up a caterpillar will bring back luck (and sometimes a rash). Killing one is a sin, which is probably related to caterpillars being reborn people. I guess stomping on reborn relatives is never a good thing.
