The Scottish curse refers to a common belief or superstition in Scotland that speaking about good fortune or success out loud will bring bad luck or misfortune. The term "curse" is likely used in a light-hearted and somewhat ironic manner, but the belief itself is deeply ingrained in Scottish culture. The origins of this superstition are uncertain, but it is widely practiced and respected by many individuals in Scotland. The idea is that discussing positive events or achievements will invite envy and jealousy from others, leading to negative consequences. Consequently, the belief suggests that one should avoid attracting attention to his or her personal accomplishments, good luck, or happiness to prevent potential misfortune. It's worth noting that the Scottish curse is not limited to any particular area of life.
‘When we workshopped a short version of Macbeth in British Sign Language, I asked: “What's ‘Macbeth’ in BSL?” Interestingly, it is the same as the sign for ‘Scotland’. So even though the superstition isn't transmitted orally to Deaf actors, the title is censored in the language itself – the Deaf actors I know have used the term ‘The Scottish Play’ rather than Macbeth.’
In fact, the first record we have of Macbeth being performed comes from the journal of astrologer Simon Forman, who notes that he saw it in 1611 Sherman, 2015. In 1937, Laurence Olivier s production of Macbeth was thwarted by disaster theatre manager Lilian Baylis died during dress rehearsals; the director and the actor playing Lady Macbeth were caught up in a car accident; and a falling weight narrowly missed crash-landing on Olivier.
It's worth noting that the Scottish curse is not limited to any particular area of life. It can apply to various aspects, including career achievements, financial gains, family happiness, or any personal success. The superstition encompasses a wide array of situations, and adherents feel that openly discussing their success can attract ill-wishes or evil spirits that may disrupt their good fortune.
Is the word 'Macbeth' really cursed?
Thespians are a seriously superstitious bunch. Most know not to say good luck to an actor but there is So Much More: never leave the stage completely dark; never whistle in the theatre; never use a peacock feather on stage; never knit in the wings; and don’t even think about walking out of the dressing room right foot first. Perhaps the most notorious superstition surrounds the word “Macbeth”, which should not – except during a live performance – be uttered inside the theatre. In fact, the superstition is so deeply embedded that there is no sign for the word “Macbeth” in British Sign Language. To get round this “deadly” issue, actors refer to Macbeth as “The Scottish Play” or “The Bard’s Play”.
But is there any basis to this long-standing superstition? When Macbeth premiered circa 1606, King James I was on the English throne – and James was not a fan of witches. The execution of James’s mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, was said to have inspired a long-lasting obsession with the dark arts, one compounded after the king was caught in a brutal storm at sea when he was king of Scotland. Convinced that witches were to blame, James ordered a witch-hunt on his return home and swiftly wrote a book, Daemonologie, where he outlined his plans to root out witchcraft for good.
The Guide: Staying In – sign up for our home entertainment tips Read moreSo when William Shakespeare staged a new play that saw three “weird sisters” recite some decidedly convincing spells, the public got scared. Rumours circulated that a coven of witches had put a curse on the play. Historians would later insist that the actor scheduled to play Lady Macbeth died suddenly before opening night. This turned out to be a myth conjured up by the 19th and 20th-century cartoonist and critic Max Beerbohm – but the dramatic die had already been cast.
Even the toughest cynics must concede there have been a number of Macbeth-related mishaps over the years. In 1672, an actor playing Macbeth in Amsterdam committed a real murder on stage. In 1721 and 1722, riots broke out during runs of the play in London. And in 1849, a rivalry between the English actor-manager William Macready and American actor Edwin Forrest turned deadly when fans of Forrest stormed Macready’s production. Still not convinced? In 1937, Laurence Olivier’s production of Macbeth was thwarted by disaster: theatre manager Lilian Baylis died during dress rehearsals; the director and the actor playing Lady Macbeth were caught up in a car accident; and a falling weight narrowly missed crash-landing on Olivier.
Of course, there are some far more practical reasons behind the superstition. Legend goes that if an actor hears the word “Macbeth” uttered in the theatre it’s because, being a big money-spinner, it is being touted as a replacement for their own failing play. Shakespeare’s tragedy is also packed with accident-prone action, including six murders, portentous storms and an entire forest upping sticks and traipsing across the stage. It’s no wonder a little blood (fake or otherwise) has been spilt throughout its 400-year performance history.
But best not risk it, eh? Thankfully, an antidote is on hand. If you do utter that fateful word, all you need to do is exit the theatre, spin round three times, spit, curse and ask to be let back in. Simple!
While the Scottish curse may seem like an irrational belief to outsiders, it plays a significant role in shaping the behaviors and cultural norms of those who adhere to it. Consequently, it is not uncommon for Scots to express caution or reluctance when it comes to openly discussing their accomplishments or positive life events. The Scottish curse is one example of the numerous superstitions and folklore that are prevalent in different cultures worldwide. It serves as a reminder of how deeply-held traditions can shape collective belief systems and influence individual behavior. Whether one believes in the Scottish curse or not, it is interesting to observe how cultural practices and superstitions evolve and endure throughout time..
Reviews for "The Curse of the Scottish Castle: Tales of Paranormal Activity"
1. Emily - 1 star
I found "The Scottish Curse" to be incredibly disappointing. The plot was uninteresting and predictable, with cliché characters and no depth. The humor fell flat and felt forced, making it hard to connect with the story. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, making it a struggle to stay engaged. Overall, I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for an enjoyable and captivating experience.
2. Michael - 2 stars
As a fan of Scottish folklore, I was excited to watch "The Scottish Curse." However, it turned out to be a letdown. The storyline was scattered and disjointed, with poorly developed subplots that never came together. The acting was mediocre at best, failing to bring any emotional depth to the characters. Moreover, the special effects were lackluster and unconvincing, which further diminished the overall viewing experience. I cannot recommend this film to fellow fans of Scottish culture or anyone looking for a well-crafted and entertaining movie.
3. Sarah - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "The Scottish Curse." The film lacked originality and felt like a generic attempt at a horror-comedy. The jokes were tasteless and often relied on offensive stereotypes, which was off-putting and uncomfortable to watch. The pacing was sluggish, and the story took too long to build up to any significant events. The only redeeming factor was the scenic Scottish landscape, but even that couldn't salvage this lackluster film. I would advise others to steer clear of "The Scottish Curse" if they're looking for a quality movie-watching experience.