13 Top Superstitions and Where They Come From

Because even billionaires knock on wood…

🧿Next week we’ll enjoy 2025’s sole Friday the 13th!*

Whether you cross your fingers before a big launch or avoid opening umbrellas inside, superstitions are deeply rooted in culture, history, and our need to feel a little bit in control. Here's a look at 13 of the most common superstitions around the world, and the strange, surprising stories behind them.

1. Breaking a Mirror = 7 Years of Bad Luck

Why we believe it: In Ancient Rome, mirrors were believed to reflect not just your face but your soul. Breaking one? That meant a fractured soul.
Why 7 years? Romans thought the soul renewed every seven years, so you’d have to wait out the curse.

2. Walking Under a Ladder

Why it’s taboo: A leaning ladder forms a triangle: sacred in Christian theology as the Holy Trinity. Passing through was considered breaking divine harmony.
Also? It’s just a hazard. No one wants a wrench to the head.

3. A Black Cat Crossing Your Path

The spooky version: In medieval Europe, black cats were thought to be witches’ familiars or shape-shifted witches themselves.
The lucky version: In Japan, Scotland, and ancient Egypt, black cats are actually considered good luck, especially for love and prosperity.

4. Friday the 13th

Why it freaks people out: The number 13 has long been viewed as unstable or unlucky (it follows “perfect” 12), and Friday was considered unlucky in Christianity (Jesus was crucified on a Friday).
Pop culture made it worse: Thanks to Jason Voorhees and a horror film franchise that just won’t die.

5. Opening an Umbrella Indoors

Origin: Ancient Egyptians used parasols to protect royalty from the sun god. Opening one indoors was considered an insult to divine forces.
Modern mishap: In Victorian times, early umbrellas were spring-loaded and dangerous indoors — hence the bad luck lore stuck around.

6. Throwing Salt Over Your Left Shoulder

The symbolism: Spilling salt = inviting bad luck. But if you toss some over your left shoulder, you’ll blind the devil lurking just behind you.
Fun fact: Salt was incredibly valuable in ancient times: it was even used as currency which added to its mystical weight.

7. Knocking on Wood

The ancient belief: Celtic cultures believed spirits and gods lived in trees. Knocking on wood summoned protection or thanked the spirits for blessings.
Modern version: “I’m probably going to get that grant… knock on wood.”

8. Heads-Up Pennies Are Lucky

Where it started: Finding coins has always felt like good fortune, but the “heads up” variation is more recent. It’s believed the "heads" side attracts luck, while "tails" may flip your fate.

9. Horseshoes Over the Door Bring Good Luck

The lore: Iron was believed to ward off evil spirits. Hang a horseshoe ends-up to catch good fortune. Hang it upside-down? Watch the luck drain out.
Some people even nail it in with seven nails - another lucky number.

10. The Evil Eye (and How to Avoid It)

Ancient fear: In cultures from Greece to Morocco to Latin America, the “evil eye” is a curse cast by envy, often unintentionally.
Modern remedy: Blue glass talismans (called Nazar) or protective jewelry are worn to reflect and block the bad vibes.

11. Crossing Your Fingers

A quiet prayer: Originating in early Christianity, crossing fingers symbolized invoking the power of the cross for protection and luck.
Now? It’s the go-to gesture before interviews, launches, and lotteries.

12. Toasting With Water Is Bad Luck

Europe says nope: In German and Greek traditions, toasting with water is seen as wishing death upon the others at the table.
Bottom line: Raise your glass with something festive… even if it’s sparkling mocktail magic.

13. Step on a Crack, Break Your Mother’s Back

Folklore meets playground fear: This rhyme likely stems from African American folklore and superstitions about spiritual boundaries. Cracks symbolized doorways between worlds.
Result: Children everywhere doing Olympic-level sidewalk gymnastics.

🪄 Why Do We Believe These Things?

Even in a data-driven world, superstitions stick because they give us a sense of control, comfort, and tradition. Whether they’re whispered from grandmas, embedded in rituals, or wrapped in luxury candles, they’re all about intention meets emotion.

* If the first day of a month is a Sunday, then the 13th of that month will be a Friday. Some years, like 2023 and 2024, have two Friday the 13ths, while others may have only one. (via Wikipedia)

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