There have long been legends, customs, and peculiar behaviors associated with royal families. Their daily lives and choices were influenced by a number of these historical and culturally based beliefs. These odd superstitions, which range from lucky charms to ceremonies designed to safeguard the monarchy, show how much the royals were influenced by tradition. Historical accounts and research from sources like the British Library and royal historians provide insights into the peculiar practices that once guided monarchs. Here are nine unusual superstitions once believed by the royal family.
1. Ravens at the Tower of London
The belief that ravens must always reside at the Tower of London dates back centuries. According to historical records, if the birds ever left, the monarchy and kingdom would supposedly fall. Charles II was so convinced of this superstition that he ordered the ravens to be protected, a tradition that continues today with official Ravenmasters overseeing them. This superstition, documented by the Historic Royal Palaces, reflects the deep connection between folklore and royal stability, turning birds into powerful symbols of the crown’s endurance.
2. Touching for the King’s Evil
From the Middle Ages through the 18th century, English monarchs practiced a ritual called “touching for the king’s evil.” It was believed that a royal touch could cure scrofula, a form of tuberculosis. Sources, such as the Royal College of Physicians, note that monarchs like Charles II came into contact with thousands of people as part of this practice. Though rooted in superstition, it reinforced the divine right of kings, presenting them as chosen by God with healing powers. The ritual faded as medical science advanced and discredited the belief.
3. Wearing Charms for Protection
In an attempt to ward off bad luck and misfortune, Queen Victoria and other royals were known to carry protective charms. Jewelry frequently featured gemstones, hair lockets, or symbolic patterns that were supposed to bring wealth and safety. According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, her charm bracelet featured sentimental and spiritual tokens, reflecting her personal reliance on superstition. These charms were associated with the notion that the monarchy required spiritual protection from bad luck in addition to being fashionable.
4. Avoiding Certain Colors
Colors carried symbolic meaning and superstition in royal circles. For example, green was often avoided by some royals because it was associated with misfortune. Historical accounts from the British Library highlight how fashion choices in royal courts were sometimes influenced by fears tied to omens. Even today, ceremonial colors are carefully chosen to reflect tradition and symbolism. While modern royals may not follow such superstitions as strictly, the influence of color lore in shaping appearances remains a lasting reminder of these beliefs.
5. Coronation Stone Rituals
The Stone of Scone, also called the Stone of Destiny, played a major role in coronation ceremonies. It was believed that without it, no monarch could truly rule. Scottish legends, as cited by the National Museums Scotland, claim the stone carried divine power and legitimacy. When Edward I seized it in 1296, it symbolized England’s dominance over Scotland. Later returned in the 20th century, it remains part of British coronation rituals. This superstition shows how objects were thought to determine the fate of entire kingdoms.
6. Omens from Dreams
Royal diaries and letters reveal that dreams were often taken as omens of the future. For instance, Queen Victoria frequently wrote about dreams that she believed foretold events in her life. Historical sources like the Royal Archives indicate that dreams involving death, weddings, or disasters were thought to signal real outcomes. These beliefs highlight how superstition guided even powerful monarchs, shaping how they interpreted personal experiences. For the royals, dreams were never just dreams but possible messages about destiny.
7. Astrology and Royal Predictions
Monarchs often turned to astrologers for guidance. Queen Elizabeth I famously consulted astrologer John Dee, who advised her on favorable dates and political decisions. According to the British Library, astrology was considered a serious tool for ruling, not just entertainment. Royal reliance on astrology reflects how superstition and governance were deeply connected. Superstition could have an impact on historical events at the highest level of power, as demonstrated by the way charts, stars, and planetary alignments influenced decisions that had an impact on the entire country.
8. Superstitions Around Death
Royal funerals were steeped in superstition. To keep the spirit from becoming trapped, it was once thought that mirrors in royal homes needed to be covered after a death. The Royal Collection Trust’s historical accounts explain how these practices combined ancient superstitions with Christian traditions. Additionally, during funerals, bells were rung to ward off evil spirits. These customs show how the monarchy handled grief and made sure that power transfers went smoothly during times of vulnerability by fusing ceremony and superstition.
9. Protective Architecture
Superstition even influenced the architecture of the monarchy. In order to ward off evil spirits, castles and palaces frequently featured gargoyles or symbolic carvings. For example, the monarchy is thought to be protected by the figures in Westminster Abbey. Historic England sources clarify that these particulars served as both spiritual and ornamental protections. Protective symbols found in royal homes demonstrate how superstition influenced even the physical surroundings of kings and queens, enshrining beliefs in the stone that served as their seat of power.
