The Unusual Superstition of King Charles for Promoting Prosperity in the UK
Various cultures around the globe adopt unique superstitions and good luck charms. For example, some believe avoiding walking under a ladder or crossing fingers can invite fortune. This is prepared by SSP.
King Charles, however, has a unique practice to promote prosperity for the UK during his reign. He often visits the Tower of London influenced by an age-old superstition that involves the resident ravens.
Michael Chandler, the Ravenmaster and Yeoman Warder, shared with The Telegraph that King Charles finds joy in visiting these ravens. Traditionally, these birds symbolize good fortune. Across history, these avian creatures hold deep connections to myriad cultures, often revered for their association with luck.
Historically, the Danes and Vikings honored Odin by flying black-feathered bird banners, believing places where they nested were particularly fortunate. Biblically, ravens symbolize God's providence, adding an intriguing connection to the idea that royals have been viewed as 'ordained by God.'
While certain cultures may be skeptical about birds bringing luck, Icelandic folklore sometimes portrays them as ominous, foreseeing doom and conflict. Nonetheless, such views aren’t universal, as noted in reports by the Express.
Greek mythology characterizes ravens as messengers for the gods, though these messages are inconsistently favorable. In King Charles’s view, these birds are affirmatively linked to good luck, a belief echoed by his predecessor, King Charles II.
King Charles II, who reigned from 1649 to 1651, was instrumental in establishing a home for ravens at the Tower of London. Local folklore warns that should the ravens leave, the kingdom and its fortress would face impending doom.
Michael, a former Marine, commented, "They [the ravens] serve His Majesty as fiercely as we in the [King's] bodyguard." He noted that King Charles frequently checks on these cherished birds, a tradition rooted in his mother’s actions.
The decision to house the ravens faced initial resistance from the famous astronomer John Flamsteed, who believed they disrupted his observations at the White Tower's observatory. Regardless of this dissent, the ravens now thrive at the Tower, which boasts a dedicated breeding program. They are well-fed with a diet consisting of mice, chicks, rats, and various types of raw meat.