New research from the University of Bristol has claimed that the human mind is naturally predisposed to being superstitious, to account for gaps in our understanding. But with so many irrational beliefs rolling around, how do you keep up? By referring to our handy superstition reckoner below, that's how:

· The spouse who goes to sleep first on the wedding day will be the first to die.

· If the groom drops the wedding band during the ceremony, the marriage is doomed.

· If a robin flies into a room through a window, death will follow shortly.

· It's bad luck to count the cars in a funeral cortege.

· Don't hit anyone with a broom, or it will make him or her lazy.

· Bats flying close to someone means that person will be betrayed.

· If a bee enters your home, it's a sign that you will soon have a visitor. If you kill the bee, you will have bad luck or the visitor will be unpleasant.

· If you want to see a friend again, don't say goodbye to them on a bridge.

· A black cat crossing your path is good luck.

· A black cat seen from behind is a bad omen.

· If a plough kills a daddy long-legs the cows will go dry.

· It is unlucky for fishermen at sea to mention rabbits, hares, or other wild animals

· It is also unlucky to use the word church when at sea.

· If the head of a bed is placed towards the north it foretells a short life, towards the south a long life, the east riches, the west travel.

· If a front door does not face the street, ill luck will attend the house.

· You should always close a front door with your face towards it.

· Hearing the first cuckoo on April 28 brings excellent luck.

· Stuff fennel in your keyhole or hang it over the door and it will protect against witches.

· Never carry a hoe into the house. If you do so by mistake, carry it out again, walking backwards to avoid bad luck.

· Nothing new should be worn to a funeral, especially new shoes.

· If you have to walk under a ladder, which is Satan's territory, cross your fingers or make the sign of the fig (which is a closed fist, with thumb stuck between the index and middle fingers).

· Never give a knife as a housewarming present or the recipient will become an enemy.

· It is bad luck for an actor to whistle in the dressing room or backstage. Anyone who does whistle must go out of the dressing-room, turn round three times and then knock on the door and ask for permission to be admitted.

· Cutting your hair in a storm is lucky.

· As is finding nine peas in a pod.