"Everyone has his superstitions" Ulysses S. Grant

     No matter how fiercely it may be denied, "everyone has his superstitions"(Ulysses S. Grant). I myself have my own little set of superstitions. I have not walked under a latter ever since fourth grade. Immediately after going under one, I fell and gashed my knee. The cut bled like crazy and I never disobeyed that superstitious rule again. Every time I drop a clean fork, I proclaim to anyone around, "were having company". If my nose ever itches, it means someone is thinking about me. Anytime I pick up a penny with heads up, all day long I'll have good luck. But if you pick up a penny with face down, all day long you'll wear a frown. For that reason, I only pick up penny's with heads up. Penny's I see face down, I'll flip over so that the next person to see it will have good luck. 
     My Grammy is by far the most superstitious person I've ever met. Being born in Mexico, she's got a whole bag of superstitious stories to tell. These superstitions were passed down from generation to generation. My family always laughs at the quirky little practices her and my Grandpa (aka Gordo) always do. They've recently taken up the practice of placing potatoes in their pockets to "absorb" all the aches and pains in the body. Gordo is always recommending it to anyone who'll listen and claims, "Put them in your pockets, and it'll only take a week till the pain is all gone." Gordo even prolonged a visit to the doctor for a sprained knee for a month, due to these amazing placebo potatoes.  
     Superstitions are more than just practices done to keep people happy, healthy, and lucky. They are a way to connect the past to the present, and are part of the rich heritage of families. It doesn't matter if your wearing an evil eye necklace to ward off negative energy, or putting holy water in a cranky person's food to make them nicer. These crazy practices are what brings family traditions to life, and helps continue the culture behind it.