Looking for a bit of good fortune? Who isn’t! Although many of us claim to be skeptics when it comes to superstitions, the truth can often be more complicated. Superstitious behaviors are frequently inherited from our families or friends—like crossing your fingers or knocking on wood. Other beliefs, like the idea that breaking a mirror brings misfortune, are so infrequent that when they do occur, we can’t help but feel anxious. If you’ve ever cautiously transported a mirror during a move, you were likely trying to avoid “tempting fate,” even if you didn’t say it out loud.
You’re in good company. A 2019 survey by Statista revealed that only 35 percent of Americans could confidently say they were not superstitious, meaning about 65 percent of your fellow citizens fall somewhere on the superstition spectrum or were unsure (five percent). We all recognize that superstitions aren’t grounded in rational thought. Yet, with the prevalence of spooky films and games that illustrate the consequences of provoking fate or mocking evil, it’s hard not to pick up a few superstitious habits along the way.
Even if you strive to avoid life’s darker aspects, you might still feel like bad luck is lurking nearby. Sometimes, the best way to alleviate fear is to vocalize it. So, let’s delve into some of the most prevalent superstitions. Just remember: as the saying goes, “Curses only hold power if you believe in them.”
Common Superstitions Associated with Bad Luck
- Black Cat Crossing Your Path
The superstition regarding black cats is tied to witchcraft. During the Middle Ages, many believed witches kept black cats as companions and spies. Consequently, seeing a black cat was often interpreted as an ominous sign. Unfortunately, this belief contributes to the lower adoption rates of black cats in shelters. Remember, they’re fantastic pets and deserve love! - Walking Under a Ladder
Avoiding walking under a ladder makes sense for safety reasons, but it also connects to ancient beliefs that triangles symbolize life. Since an open ladder forms a triangle, walking beneath it is thought to tempt fate. - Broken Mirror
Many cultures believe mirrors reflect the soul, so breaking one could have serious consequences. Fortunately, you can reverse your bad luck by collecting all the mirror shards and burying them under moonlight. - Friday the 13th
This day has long been regarded as unlucky, a belief that may date back to Christianity where Judas, the thirteenth guest at the Last Supper, betrayed Jesus on a Friday. - Opening an Umbrella Indoors
This is often viewed as inviting bad luck, possibly due to the sudden movement of the umbrella which can cause accidents. Another interpretation is that it offends the sun god, as umbrellas are meant to shield us from sunlight. - Step on a Crack, Break Your Mama’s Back
Historically, cracks in the ground were seen as gateways to other dimensions, tempting evil spirits. The fear of harming a loved one makes this superstition particularly unsettling.
Common Superstitions Associated with Good Luck
- Tossing Spilled Salt Over Your Shoulder
Spilling salt is thought to bring bad luck, but tossing a pinch over your shoulder is said to counteract this misfortune. Salt has been valuable throughout history, and spilling it is believed to attract evil spirits. - Itchy Palm
An itchy palm is often thought to signify incoming money, as it’s the hand you would extend to receive it. However, scratching it is believed to bring bad luck. - Knocking on Wood
This gesture serves as a way to reverse potential jinxes. It originates from the belief that gods resided in trees, and knocking on wood would invoke their favor. - Lucky Pennies
Finding a penny is thought to be a sign of good luck, especially if it’s heads up; if it’s tails up, some believe you should flip it over for the next person. - Rabbit’s Feet
Once considered lucky due to their underground habitat, rabbits were believed to have a unique connection to the divine. - Inside Out Clothes
In Russian superstition, wearing clothes inside out could make you vulnerable to harm, so it’s recommended to fix it quickly. - Mixing Beer
In Czech culture, mixing beers is thought to invite negative energy, which can spoil your enjoyment. - Beware of Tuesdays
In Latin American culture, Tuesdays are considered unlucky days for major activities like weddings or travels. - Don’t Stand Your Chopsticks in Your Food
In Japan, this act resembles the number four, which is associated with death. - Never Say “Happy Birthday” Too Early
In Russia, celebrating or wishing someone a happy birthday early is believed to bring misfortune. - Avoid Facing Your Mirrors Toward Each Other
Two mirrors facing one another could open a portal to evil, according to Mexican folklore. - Keys and Tables
In Sweden, tossing keys on a table is considered bad luck, stemming from a historical association with prostitution. - No Complimenting
In Serbia, complimenting a baby is thought to bring bad luck; it’s better to call them ugly!
Other Common Superstitions
- Entering through a different door than you left brings bad luck.
- Crossing your fingers is seen as a sign of good luck.
- The number four, aside from four-leaf clovers, is associated with bad luck.
- Yellow flowers are considered unlucky.
- Sweeping over someone’s feet brings bad luck.
- Finding a horseshoe is a sign of good fortune.
- The number 17 is viewed negatively in Italian culture.
- The number 39 is seen as unlucky in Afghan culture.
- The number 666 is associated with bad luck.
- Ignoring a chain letter can bring misfortune.
- Gifting a clock in Chinese culture is deemed unlucky.
- Hanging a horseshoe upside down is thought to attract bad luck.
- Mentioning “Macbeth” or wishing someone good luck in theater tradition is unlucky.
- Pointing at a rainbow can bring misfortune.
- Throwing rocks into the wind is frowned upon.
- A coyote crossing your path is seen as an omen of bad luck.
- An owl flying over your house is considered unlucky.
- Spotting ravens, crows, or magpies is seen as a bad omen.
For more insightful information about superstitions and their implications, don’t miss out on our other blog post about home insemination kits.
Summary
Superstitions are fascinating cultural phenomena that reflect our fears and hopes for luck, both good and bad. From black cats to lucky pennies, these beliefs often stem from historical contexts that shape our behavior today. Whether you’re a firm believer or a casual skeptic, understanding these superstitions can give you insight into human psychology and cultural traditions.