Harnic Traditions and Superstitions
By Aaron Kavli

        Overall, the provincial folk of medieval Terra were very superstitious, often even in direct conflict to church teachings.  The people of Harn are just as superstitious, if not more so.  After all, Harn does in fact have queer beasts and magics while Terra did not, did it?
        Many superstitions of Harn have roots long lost in history.  The humans of Harn came from mainland Lythia centuries ago.  These barbarians had religions and beliefs before the founding of the modern churches.  While these roots have been lost in the annals of
time, they persist as day to day beliefs.  Some superstitions and traditions are even more modern, simple and uneducated people tend to find solutions to everyday mysteries with supernatural solutions.
        Any number of superstitions from our world could easily apply to Harn and for similar reasons.  These are some traditions common to the people of Harn and Western Lythia.  While most locations are given by the modern kingdoms, many of these superstitions are held by the surrounding barbarian tribes as well.  Often the superstition was actually theirs to begin with, and have been adopted in one form or another by the civilized folk.
 

"Harnians are a superstitious lot, believing in the existence of some type of spirit (Kami, Totem, etc.) in every living, and many unliving, things."        -Harnplayer, pg.32  Harnview.
 

Tripping.
        When someone trips while walking for no apparent reason it is believed  the dead have reached from the grave to try to catch the person.  The people of Harn stomp on the ground three times, believing this pushes the dead back in the grave.
 

Spilling Food or Drink.
        It is believed that spilt food or drink will attract hungry spirits to feed on the spilt fare.  When one spills something tapping the bowl or mug loudly on something will scare these spirits away.
 

Tapping the forehead.
        When ever someone sees something evil or startling it is believed spirits of Morgath can occupy one's mind while stunned at seeing the sight.  The act of tapping one's forehead twice will drive out such spirits before they can take hold.  Many Laranian's tap
each shoulder and forehead instead, making a sword's handle.

Sneezing.
        When one sneezes it is believed to be caused by air spirits trying to enter the lungs.  They cause a person to sneeze so they can replace the air in the lungs.  Those who see someone sneeze traditionally blurt out "Heya!" or something similar to chase off the air spirits.
 

Don't Whistle at the Table.
        It is believed that if one whistles while eating, it will cause one to "whistle from the other end" (causing severe flatulence in other words).  Whistling while at a table, even if not eating, is considered very rude as well.  This is especially true in Kanday, where doing so in gentle company is a grave insult often resulting in a challenge.
 

Rats and Mashir.
        Despite the obvious foulness of rats such as eating crops and seed, chewing up furniture, and carrying disease, many Harnians believe rats have a far more diabolic nature.  It is believed that rats are mounts for small demons and spirits called "Mashir".  It is not uncommon for folks to ask for an exorcism when a nest of rats are cleared away to prevent the Mashir from bringing their tiny steeds back from the dead.
        It is also believed that if one can catch a Mashir while not riding a rat, the Mashir will lead them to it's treasure hoard.  While mostly small bits and "lost" personal items, but it is believed they can aquire large piles of pennies.  When something is lost, it is often blamed on  Mashir thievery.
 

Cracking your Knuckles.
        It is considered rude and unlucky in Eastern Harn to crack one's knuckles.  It is commonly held that doing so allows one's luck to escape, since everyone knows a person's luck is kept in their bones.
 

Verga Vines.
        The Verga vine are small green plants that grow across the island of Harn.  They are fairly hardy vines that mostly grow around the base of various trees.  Verga vines are harmless and considered good luck.
        These vines also have another more important function in agriculture.  They give bloom to a single, white blossom in mid-Halane.  The blooms are short lived, lasting only a few weeks.  But when the blooms die is an accurate predictor of the upcoming winter.  If the blooms fall before the Yaelmor (30th) of Savor the winter will be mild.  If after, a harsh and long winter can be expected.  While it is unexplainable, it is a very accurate oracle.  Many believe a form of dryad lives in the Verga Vines, and they are helpful to farmers.
 

Rainbows.
        The rainbow is a symbol of wonder and beauty.  It is commonly believed rainbows are caused when Peoni smiles after a rain that helps things grow.  If one can find the end of the rainbow, that person will be able to glimpse the fields of Valon.  An alternate belief is that rainbows are the results of Halea's wealth, and one can find gems there.
 

Reflections in the Moonlight.
        In Rethem it is considered bad luck to view one's reflection on water in the light of Yaelah.  It is said the moon can steal away one's soul using the water's reflection.
        This is actually a hold over from a Kuboran tribal superstition concerning a tale of a warrior who was tricked by a demon named Darkandum.  Darkandum trapped the warrior and to this day the warrior dwells on Yael.  This warrior, named Durstan, is also known as the 'Face of Yael'.
 

Wishing on a Cloud.
        In Melderyn and Chybisa, it is common practice to make a wish when one sees a cloud in the shape of face.  When a face appears in a cloud, it is thought the spirits of the sky are watching and will hear any pleas from the ground.  "Spirit, spirit in the sky, grant mine wish with blink of thine eye," is the common phrasing of such wishes.