How Well Do You Know Old Wives Tales?

Old wives tales can be cautionary or hilarious, but they will always stand the test of time. Do you know these old wives tales well? Take these 12 questions and find out!
START THE QUIZ!

Question 1/12

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According to an old wives tale, if a woman has a difficult child birth she is likely having a baby...
Girl
Boy
Twins

Question 2/12

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What will happen if you go outside with wet hair according to folklore?
You'll catch a cold.
You'll slip on ice.
You'll break your mother's back.

Question 3/12

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Why would one be so inclined to sew a swan feather into their husbands pillow?
To exact revenge
To make him sneeze
To ensure fertility

Question 4/12

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According to one old wives tale, what will a hot bath do to a man?
Lower his fertility
Cure his joint pain
Raise his fertility

Question 5/12

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What is the significance of biting your tongue during a meal?
It means you're in for a bad day
It means your lover is cheating on you
It means you've told a lie

Question 6/12

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Why would one plant rosemary near their front door?
To bring prosperity
To ward off witches
To keep salesmen at bay

Question 7/12

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Can chicken soup actually serve as a type of medicine while sick?
Yes
No

Question 8/12

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If someone dies in your house, why should you open the windows?
To air the place out
To invite the angels in
So that the spirit can leave the property

Question 9/12

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If you see an owl during daylight hours, it is a sign of what?
Bad luck
Oncoming plague
Imminent danger

Question 10/12

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Why is it bad luck to kill a sparrow?
They contain evil spirits
They harbor disease
They contain souls of the dead

Question 11/12

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Heartburn during pregnancy may mean what about the baby?
It will be a girl
It will often cry
It will have a full head of hair

Question 12/12

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If a woman craves salty foods during pregnancy, what does it mean?
She's having a girl
She's having a boy
She's having twins
Based on the results of this quiz, your knowledge on classic wives tales is a bit sparse to say the least. While you may be vaguely familiar with a few of these far fetched fables, you’re far from an expert.

C+, Wife Tale Waning

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Right!
Based on the results of this quiz, you are wife tale wise! Sure, these old wives tales may be far fetched and distant from reality, but they serve a purpose. You recognize that person and have helped to keep these tales from dying out in the modern age. Well done!

B+, Wife Tale Wise

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Right!
When it comes to old wives tales, you are a true whiz. While these fables are clearly far fetched, they have served a long running and storied purpose in American culture. By keeping these tales alive, you’re helping to preserve an eccentric and fun part of history. Keep up the good work!

A+, Wife Tale Whiz

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Right!
1
According to an old wives tale, if a woman has a difficult child birth she is likely having a baby...
Girl
Boy
Twins
2
What will happen if you go outside with wet hair according to folklore?
You'll catch a cold.
You'll slip on ice.
You'll break your mother's back.
3
Why would one be so inclined to sew a swan feather into their husbands pillow?
To exact revenge
To make him sneeze
To ensure fertility
4
According to one old wives tale, what will a hot bath do to a man?
Lower his fertility
Cure his joint pain
Raise his fertility
5
What is the significance of biting your tongue during a meal?
It means you're in for a bad day
It means your lover is cheating on you
It means you've told a lie
6
Why would one plant rosemary near their front door?
To bring prosperity
To ward off witches
To keep salesmen at bay
7
Can chicken soup actually serve as a type of medicine while sick?
Yes
No
8
If someone dies in your house, why should you open the windows?
To air the place out
To invite the angels in
So that the spirit can leave the property
9
If you see an owl during daylight hours, it is a sign of what?
Bad luck
Oncoming plague
Imminent danger
10
Why is it bad luck to kill a sparrow?
They contain evil spirits
They harbor disease
They contain souls of the dead
11
Heartburn during pregnancy may mean what about the baby?
It will be a girl
It will often cry
It will have a full head of hair
12
If a woman craves salty foods during pregnancy, what does it mean?
She's having a girl
She's having a boy
She's having twins