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Origin: This tradition may have started in the 19th or early 20th century for practical reasons, to prevent people from falling off the stage in the dark. Signifies: Nowadays, it's often associated with appeasing the ghosts of the theatre.

Origin: The superstition may stem from the 'evil eye' pattern on the feathers that is considered unlucky. Signifies: Bringing bad luck or misfortune to the performance.

Origin: The curse of 'Macbeth' is said to date back to the premiere of the play, where legend has it an actor died because a real dagger was used instead of a prop. Signifies: Bad luck, potential for accidents or disaster in the theatre.

Origin: In the past, cues for theatre technicians who handled the scenery backdrops were given by whistling. Accidental whistling could result in confusion or accidents. Signifies: Risk of bad luck or technical errors.

Origin: The expression may derive from wishing actors to bend their legs while taking a bow, or from the 'leg line' in the wings beyond which the actor gets paid. Signifies: A way to avoid jinxing by wishing good luck directly.

Origin: Directly wishing an actor good luck is considered to bring the opposite effect. The origin is uncertain but likely stems from theatrical counter-culture. Signifies: The need to use euphemisms or indirect blessings.

Origin: Mirrors are believed to cause bad luck because they may reflect the lighting and blind the audience or other actors, increasing the chance of accidents. Signifies: Potential for technical issues and bad luck.

Origin: Theatrical folklore which suggests that a poor dress rehearsal foretells a successful opening night. Signifies: Cementing the belief that early failures can lead to later success.

Origin: Leaving a trio of candles lit on stage is to invite bad luck, as the one who is left with the shortest candle is said to face a curse or death. Signifies: The pervasive nature of trilogies in superstition and their potential negativity.