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Don’t Open an Umbrella Indoors
There’s something oddly tense about the snap of an umbrella indoors, isn’t there? Back in the day, this wasn’t just a nuisance—it was a genuine hazard. Early umbrellas, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, were built with stiff, spring-loaded mechanisms that could fly open with surprising force. Imagine a metal-spoked umbrella shooting open in a cramped Victorian parlor, smashing a vase or, worse, catching someone in the eye. Stories went around about injuries and property damage, so it’s no wonder parents started warning kids: “Don’t open that in here!” Over time, this very practical advice morphed into a superstition about bad luck. Interestingly, a survey by the American Psychological Association found that around 60% of people hold at least one superstition, showing just how sticky these old warnings can be in our minds. Even now, you might hesitate before clicking that umbrella open in your living room, just in case.
Walking Under a Ladder Is Bad Luck
If you’ve ever paused before ducking under a ladder, you’re definitely not alone. This superstition goes way back, with its roots tangled in both religion and plain common sense. In Christianity, a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, a sacred symbol of the Holy Trinity. Breaking that shape was considered almost blasphemous. But the real-world warning is even more obvious: walk under a ladder and you might knock it down, or worse, end up with a bucket of paint on your head. Even today, workplace safety guidelines warn against walking under ladders for just this reason. A study in the Journal of Risk Research found that superstitious people often act more cautiously, which means these warnings might have saved a few bruised noggins over the centuries.
Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck
There’s a shiver that runs down your spine when glass shatters, and that might be more than just superstition. In ancient Rome, mirrors were rare and expensive, often believed to reflect not just your face but your soul. Breaking one didn’t just mean you’d lose a prized possession—it was almost like damaging your spirit. The “seven years” part may have come from a Roman belief in life cycles of seven years. But on a practical level, broken glass is seriously dangerous. The American Journal of Public Health has documented the risks of lacerations and infections from broken mirrors. So, while the curse sounds spooky, the real warning is about avoiding a trip to the ER—or a hefty bill for a new mirror.
Don’t Step on a Crack (or You’ll Break Your Mother’s Back)
Who hasn’t heard the rhyme, “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back”? It sounds silly, but there’s a nugget of common sense buried inside. When sidewalks weren’t well maintained, cracks and uneven stones were real tripping hazards, especially for children running around. This catchy rhyme probably started as a way for parents to keep kids focused on where they stepped, helping them avoid scrapes and falls. The National Safety Council points out that falls are a leading cause of injury, so teaching kids to watch their step was—and still is—important. The rhyme stuck, becoming a superstition that adds a little suspense to every stroll down the pavement.
Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder
Salt wasn’t always the cheap kitchen staple we know today. In ancient times, it was so valuable that spilling it was almost a crime—sometimes even punishable. The superstition that you should toss a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off the devil likely grew out of a desire to avoid waste and maybe a little guilt. Some cultures believed evil spirits lurked behind your left shoulder, waiting for a slip-up. The Food and Agriculture Organization highlights how salt still plays a big role in rituals and traditions all over the world. So the next time you spill salt and go for the toss, remember: you’re participating in a ritual that once meant the difference between prosperity and punishment.
Friday the 13th Is Unlucky
There’s an unmistakable chill that sweeps over some people when Friday the 13th shows up on the calendar. This superstition is a mashup of two old fears: the number 13, long considered unlucky, and Fridays, which in some cultures were seen as days of bad omens. Together, they became a warning—don’t start anything important, don’t take risks, don’t tempt fate. Today, this superstition is so widespread that the Stress Management Society estimates about 17 million people in the UK alone feel anxious about it. Many businesses avoid major launches or events on this day, and some hotels even skip the 13th floor entirely. It’s a powerful example of how an old warning can still shape our choices.
Black Cats Crossing Your Path
There’s nothing quite as divisive as a black cat darting across your path. In the Middle Ages, black cats got a bad reputation, linked to witches and the supernatural. People feared that seeing one meant you were cursed or would have misfortune. The practical warning was probably about being cautious at night—black cats are hard to spot in the dark and could cause a stumble. Research from the University of Exeter shows that black cats are still viewed negatively in many places, which sadly affects their adoption rates at shelters. This superstition is a reminder of how fear and misunderstanding can linger for centuries, even after the real danger has passed.
Cover Your Mouth When You Yawn
Ever feel self-conscious about yawning in public? You might be echoing a superstition that goes back hundreds of years. Some cultures believed that yawning let part of your soul escape, leaving you open to evil spirits. Covering your mouth was a way to keep yourself safe. Today, we know there’s a very practical reason for this advice: covering your mouth helps stop the spread of germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of good hygiene, especially since respiratory illnesses can travel quickly in crowded places. So, whether you’re warding off spirits or just being polite, covering your yawn is still a good idea.
Horseshoes Bring Good Luck (If Hung the Right Way)
A rusty horseshoe above the door is one of those classic symbols of good luck, but its origins are more than just wishful thinking. In old folklore, iron was thought to repel evil spirits, and horseshoes—made of iron—became protective talismans. Nailing one above your door signaled safety and prosperity. On a more practical level, a horseshoe also meant a blacksmith was nearby, which was a big deal in rural communities where repairs were essential. Folklore studies show the tradition is still alive today, and you’ll find horseshoes in all sorts of places, from barns to city apartments. Whether you hang yours ends up or down, the message is the same: a little protection never hurts.
Don’t Walk Under a Ladder When Someone’s on It
There’s a twist on the ladder superstition that focuses on safety rather than luck. Walking under a ladder when someone’s up top isn’t just bad manners—it’s downright dangerous. Tools, paint cans, or even the person themselves could tumble down if you jostle the ladder. Workplace safety data routinely lists ladder-related accidents among the top causes of injuries on job sites. This practical warning likely kept workers and passersby a little safer, long before hard hats were common. The superstition stuck, reminding us that sometimes, the old ways keep us out of harm’s way.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
