Strange Survivals: Some Chapters in the History of Man

Strange Survivals: Some Chapters in the History of Man by S. Baring-Gould is a late 19th-century exploration of enduring superstitions and customs linked to old buildings and diverse cultures. The book, using folklore and historical clues, looks at how peculiar rituals and beliefs have lived on and impacted how buildings are made. Beginning with a blacksmith's worry about a superstition around baptizing the first baby in a new church, the story broadens to discuss old beliefs about buildings, such as sacrifices for safety and strength. The author shows stories from European folklore that hint at past sacrifices of people or animals in building foundations, blending history, myths, and old practices to highlight the interesting link between superstition and architecture.