Vardagsskrock

Vardagsskrock. Från abrakadabra till önskebrunn (Superstitions in everyday life) by Fredrik Skott

Archivist Fredrik Skott has written a popular science book about contemporary superstitions. As material for his study, he has used answers to questionnaires and other folklore materials from several archives in Sweden and some in Finland.  In the book, he presents the superstitional rituals alphabetically. We can read about why we are supposed to make a wish while blowing out the candles on a birthday cake or why you put a coin in the bride’s shoe when she gets married. In the introduction to the book, Skott discusses why these superstitions still live on today and how they relate to magic and religion. He interprets them as something playful and something that is brought to the fore when we are put in situations that are sever or threatening. According to Skott, superstition mirrors the time we are living at the same time as it is obvious that some magical beliefs are persistent. The book is very reader-friendly and directed towards a wide audience. Though the choice of including so many beliefs and practices means there is not that much room for in depth analysis, the richness is also a benefit.

Lena Marander-Eklund