Where did superstition in the Middle Ages start?

Answer 1

There are too many to individually list. Much of Medieval folklore and legend comes from ancient pagan beliefs being reinvented or adopted by the Medieval mind. The prevalent Christian religion also aided the organic growth of these legends, attributing the origins of many such creatures and forces to demonic sources. This led to the very widespread concerns and stories regarding such things as monsters, fairies, goblins, nature spirits and cryptids. In fact, several Medieval bestiaries were compiled featuring incredible beasts, monsters and oddities. But not all folklore was steeped in such dark tones; the Arthurian legends, tales of valor and knighthood, terrific battles and heroes also took on legendary proportions and devotions and celebrations came to developed accordingly. Since modern science was very much in its infancy (one could say in was still in its gestation period) things such as alchemy were pursued, with its ultimate goal being the transmutation of metals and substances. Exploration gave rise to tales of fabulous sea creatures, foreign peoples and lands; one of the great legends being that of Prester John, a fabled ruler of a fabulous eastern kingdom. Everything from incantations to spells to various potions were used to combat sickness and injury. Religion was the central point of most peoples' lives and from this stemmed an entire way of behaving and believing. Ignorance or the misunderstanding of some natural explanation was often satisfied by giving a religious explanation.

Answer 2

Some superstitions of the middle ages include:

Devils, demons

Being Possessed

Faires, spirits

Werewolves

Witches

Spilling Salt = Bad Luck

The reason behind the salt one was that in the Middle Ages, salt was very expensive and was to be treated with utmost care. Therefore, spilling salt was considered bad luck.

Answer 3

Superstition did not start in the Middle Ages. People of all places and in all times have been superstitious, and the people of Middle Ages were not really more superstitious than people in other times. In fact, I would argue that the people of the Renaissance were more prone to superstition than those of the Middle Ages. The link below to an article on witch hunts illustrates this.

Answer 4

they had the Typical superstitions

black cat, spilling salt etc.

Answer 5

Diseases were thought to be caused by demons or by the spells of witches.

Answer 6

rats