Its Friday the 13th so we are delving into the mythical superstitions that relate to your ears. Have you heard or said any of these superstitions?

1 “Itching ear, a secret you'll hear” This is an old wives tale that says itchy ears means someone wants to tell you a secret and not only that depending on which ear can tell you the gender of the secret holder. If it is your left ear then it is a girl that wants to tell you a secret and if it is your right ear it is a boy.

On a medical basis if your ears are itching inside your ear canal it could be dry skin, or ear wax moving out of the ear. If it is a persistant uncomfortable itching there could even be a foreign object in your ear. If concerned visit your doctor.

2. “If your ears burn, people are talking well of you; if your ears are cold, the contrary.” It is still a common phrase to hear today “my ears are burning” as a reference to someone talking about you. Alternatively whether it was a positive or negative comment may not be how warm your ears are but depend on which ear that is burning. “left for love and right for spite” If it is the left ear it would mean they are talking in a lovely manner about you, or the right ear would mean they are talking in unkind manner about you.

If you are experiencing a constant burning sensation in your ears then it is worth having your doctor have a check to see there is no infection developing.

3. "Ringing in the ears can provide you with an opportunity to determine whom you will marry". It is said you should ask someone for a number when you get ringing in your ears. Then count through the alphabet to the corresponding letter. The name of your future wife or husband will start with that letter.

Many people experience a ringing in their ears from time to time especially when exposed to loud sounds, however ringing in your ears can also be a medical condition called Tinnitus and if you continue to experience such sounds it is a good idea to chat to your doctor.

4. “The breath of life enters into the right ear and the breath of death enters into the left ear” Discussing the very essence of the air we breathe. This is a quote adapted into modern English from a set of medical papers in Ancient Eqyptian Medicine dating back to 1570 BC called the Ebers Papyrus. In addition to the many quotes about evil spirits and gods, the papers where partially correct with details of human anatomy and physiology particularly the heart, blood supply and vessels as well as basic medical procedures such as how to treat broken bones and burns.

5. The shape of your ears tells a lot about your character. “Small ears denotes a delicate character Thick ears a personal of a sensual/coarse nature Thin angular ears a bad temper. Long prominent ears a person of musical inclinations. larger ear lobs the greater the intellect” This is an old wives tale from an unknown source, it does however point out many peoples ears are different.

Infact every persons ears are quite unique. Due to the unique shape your outer ear has technology has been looked at as to whether ear printing could be a more accurate and less intrusive method of identification than finger or eye scanning.

Other Media About Superstitions and Ear Related Myths

We had a root around online and ordered this excellent book about superstitions and ear related myths we mention above. It includes some very interesting facts and superstitions we hadn't heard of before. We highly recommend the book Black Cats & Four Leaf Clovers and we'll definitely be using it as a stocking filler for family and friends this christmas.