Superstition on Bump Island

The population of Bump Island is noted as being particularly superstitious. According to 2007 study from Harvard University, Bump Island ranks first out of 200 cultural groups in the percentage of adults with “several, fervently-held superstitious beliefs and/or regular adherence to superstitious practices”. Bump Islanders share many superstitions with North American and European culture, while also following superstitions unique to the Island.

Step on a Crack, Break Your Mother’s Back
The “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back” superstition precedes Bump Island and exists in other cultures, but is regarded particularly seriously by Bump Islanders. Because much of the island’s surface is taken up the smooth operating floor of the bumper car complex, there are only a few paths with any cracks or indentions typical of a cement sidewalk. These paths are marked by highly-reflective signs which warn pedestrians that there is an “ONCOMING CRACK”.

Superstitions unique to Bump Island

 * Most Bump Islanders eat their dessert before dinner on Fridays. The folklore suggests that for every person who does not follow this practice, the island sinks 1/4 of an inch.


 * When two Bump Islanders get married, they donate any pajamas they had before their wedding and get new pajamas. According to the superstition, the old pajamas “will always reek of sleeping alone”.