OLD WIVES AND WILD LIES

This would be a podcast about “old wives tales, superstitions passed from generation to generation, or just plain sayings that are entertaining.

Subjects to cover:

Old wives' tales are

traditional, often superstitious beliefs or advice passed down through generations, typically lacking scientific evidence, such as "cold weather causes colds". Often used to teach lessons, predict futures, or offer folk remedies, they originate from oral storytelling and are generally considered myths, though some may contain minor truths.

Here are common types of old wives' tales categorized by theme:

Health and Body Myths

• Cold/Wet Hair: Going outside with wet hair causes a cold. (False: Colds are caused by viruses, not temperature).
• Cracking Knuckles:

Causes arthritis. (False: It does not cause arthritis).

• Swimming After Eating: You must wait 30 minutes to swim or you will cramp and drown. (Mostly false: It may cause minor discomfort, but is not dangerous).
• Swallowed Gum: Chewing gum stays in your stomach for 7 years. (False: It passes through the system in a few days).
• Reading in Dim Light: Damages your eyesight. (False: It causes eye fatigue, but no permanent damage).

Pregnancy and Baby Tales

• Gender Prediction: Craving sweet foods means a girl, while salty means a boy.
• Belly Shape: Carrying low means a boy; carrying high means a girl.
• Heartburn: Intense heartburn during pregnancy means the baby will have a lot of hair.

Superstitions and Omens

• Itchy Hands: An itching right hand means you will meet a stranger, while a left hand means you will receive money.
• Itchy Nose: A left itchy nose means a man is coming; a right one means a woman is coming.
• Hair Shaving: Shaving hair makes it grow back faster, thicker, and coarser. (False).

These tales were often used by older women to protect children or explain difficult concepts, originating from a long tradition of folklore.