Origin of Superstition

Origin of Superstition was a 1935 series of short stories that showcased many of the more popular superstitions of modern life. These were dramatizations that took the listener across space and time to explain when, where, how and why superstitions originated. The show was meticulously researched: The episodes add or subtract nothing to the superstition, but let the facts speak for themselves. The only fiction in the show was the names, which had been changed for purposes of discretion.

Superstitions are often ridiculed, until a coincidence or quirk makes us wonder if fate guides our destinies, after all. In episodes such as “Rabbit’s Foot”, “Knocking on Wood”, “Opening an Umbrella Indoors”, and “Breaking a Mirror”, listeners may hear superstitions that they themselves observe, and come to understand their origins.

Included in the series are superstitions less well known today, such as “Sing Before Breakfast”, “Don’t Stand Behind a Chair”, “Two Walkers Separated”, and “Bubbles in a Tea Cup”.

There are thirty-nine episodes in all, including “Horseshoe Over the Door”, “Three on a Match”, “Thrown Shoes” and “Itching Palm”.

The Stars

Origin of Superstition featured a talented ensemble cast, including actors Verna Felton, Hanley Stafford, Gale Gordon, Howard McNear, and Barbara Jean Wong - all of whom also performed on “The Cinnamon Bear” radio show, which was recorded in the same Transco studio in 1937.

The narrator of The Origin of Superstition, Lindsay MacHarrie, was the director of “The Cinnamon Bear” program.

Key Dates

• Origin of Superstition was produced and syndicated by Transco in 1935.
• The series ran for a single season, with the final episode airing that same year.

Other Information

The show’s producer, Transco, was the same company that produced the popular children’s series The Cinnamon Bear, which featured many of the same voice actors.

The series was well-received by listeners, who were fascinated to learn the often-surprising origins of the superstitions they encountered in their daily lives. Origin of Superstition provided a unique blend of entertainment and education, shedding light on the cultural and historical roots of these enduring beliefs.

While the series had a relatively short run, its impact can still be felt today, as the superstitions explored in the show continue to be a part of our modern folklore and popular culture. Origin of Superstition remains a beloved example of the creativity and ingenuity of old-time radio programming.