When certain events seem to happen without any apparent logical explanation, they are often attributed to superstition. In theater, there appear to be known unwritten rules regarding specific actions or phrases that are deemed dangerous or will bring bad luck in a theater, and therefore those actions or phrases are strongly avoided. Common things like the act of whistling (backstage), or giving flowers before a show, which would seem like a good idea, or never saying good luck, but rather breaking a leg, are all infamous theater superstitions. From small theater superstitions to more well-known ones, theater superstitions are everywhere. Regardless of whether or not any of these superstitions contain any truth, avoiding these "cursed" actions or phrases is typical and expected in theater, as they could very well make or break a show. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Among the most memorable and popular superstitions, there is the ghost light. A ghost light, is just a single bulb with no shade turned on, which illuminates the stage, and is left to honor and respect any ghosts or spirits inhabiting the theater. Although it is mainly used to honor the spirits that roam the theaters, it is also intended as a light so that ghosts can perform even at night. “Many theaters have ghosts, according to resident theater staff… and some insist that to ward off bad luck spirits there must always be a “ghost light” illuminating the stage when not in use. If the stage is dark, the superstition says, ghosts can run free.” (Luigi Cantron). This is because theaters report that spirits are present inside, and thus props are missing, "unwanted visitors" are felt, and other bizarre coincidences lead actors or stage managers to believe it might be the job of old souls who have died or worked within. the theater, and that the phantom light will keep them at bay. However, more realistically speaking, leaving the ghost light on is a courtesy to the actors or any prop technicians, so whoever is on set first or last won't run into props or an elaborate set and break a leg. .When you think about theater in general, the saying “breaking a leg” might come to mind. This is because saying good luck to an actor is considered bad luck; The resident theater staff believes that because of someone saying good luck, it is believed that the show will go well, and therefore you are setting yourself up for something bad to happen in the middle of your production. It is said that, like the ghost light, which says "break a leg", it will confuse ghosts who want to meddle in your production, and wishing for something harmful, such as for someone to break their leg, will result in a good show. Some countries even have their own version of “breaking a leg.” In Australia, the word “chookas” is used instead of “break a leg”. The phrase is strictly Australian, as it is not used much elsewhere. All this to avoid saying good luck, to not jinx the success of a performance. Furthermore, breaking a leg does not refer to the act of actually breaking a leg. “The widely accepted explanation is that the “leg” referred to is not the human appendage, but rather the curtain that hangs behind the scenes, masking the behind the scenes.” (Robinson). Ultimately, this means that if an actor has passed the now broken curtain that marks the backstage, then he has made it to the stage. This common theatrical saying is thought to have originated in the early,.