Origins of 15 Superstitions From Around the World

bride writing names on shoe

Superstitions, those little quirks we all have, are more universal than we might think. For instance, my husband, a die-hard Dodgers fan, refuses to watch any MLB playoff games if his team is playing. He’s convinced that his viewing will jinx their chances. It’s a belief that many of us can relate to, even if we don’t share his passion for baseball.

But where did the more common superstitions that many of us believe to some extent or practice without hesitation because it’s been part of our families’ behaviors for decades?

Not only Celtic pagan and European cultures have contributed to our superstitions. Surprisingly, the Middle East and the Far East have also played a significant role– a testament to the rich diversity of human beliefs and practices. 

1. Knocking on Wood

knocking on wood
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Indo-European, Celtic, or British

The superstition of knocking on wood is universal, though its origins vary. Some trace it to Indo-European or Celtic beliefs in tree spirits, while others link it to the wooden Crucifix. Historians often attribute it to a 19th-century British children’s game, “Tiggy Touchwood,” where players touched wood for immunity. 

Adults adopted this habit, and the British still say “touch wood” today. Variations exist: Italians touch steel, Poles and Russians touch unpainted wood, Turks knock twice, and Latin Americans knock on wooden objects without legs. Understanding these differences can be helpful when traveling.

2. Saying “Rabbit Rabbit” on the First of the Month

A shallow focus of a wild rabbit jumping on the grass at sunrise.
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English

“Rabbit, Rabbit,” a phrase spoken on the first day of the month for good luck, has an intriguing history. The custom suggests that saying these words first thing on the first day ensures a lucky month ahead. 

Its origins may be linked to Lewis Carroll’s 1865 story “Alice in Wonderland,” where a white rabbit leads Alice on a fantastical journey. The phrase “rabbit, rabbit, rabbit” was mentioned in England’s “Notes and Queries” section, a historical document that further cements its association with luck and informs us about its significance in the past.

3. Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder

spilled salt on a table
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European/Christian, Ancient Roman

In Western superstition, tossing salt over one’s shoulder is believed to ward off evil, especially the devil. This practice links to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” where Judas Iscariot, who spilled salt, is associated with betrayal. 

As Judas symbolizes wrongdoing, spilling salt is thought to invite misfortune, and throwing it over the left shoulder aims to blind the devil waiting there. In ancient times, salt’s high value also contributed to the belief that spilling it brought bad luck, prompting rituals to counteract the adverse effects.

4. Walking Under a Ladder

home improvement woman putting up curtains standing on ladder.
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European/Christian, possibly Egyptian

The superstition against walking under a ladder stems from Christian symbolism, where the Holy Trinity’s association with the number three made triangles sacred. Since a ladder forms a triangle, walking beneath it was believed to violate the sanctity of the Trinity and invite punishment. Additionally, the ladder’s resemblance to a gallows and the risk of falling objects contributed to the fear. 

Egyptians also avoided ladders, fearing they might accidentally see a god ascending or descending. This avoidance likely complicated the construction of their towering pyramids.

5. Broken Mirror

broken mirror reflection
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Ancient Greek/Roman, European

The belief that a broken mirror brings bad luck likely stems from the unnerving nature of reflections, especially on off days. Ancient myths, like Narcissus, and the idea that a cracked mirror might trap one’s soul contributed to this superstition. The ancient Romans added to this by claiming a broken mirror would bring seven years of bad luck. 

They believed that only poor health could crack a mirror and that seven years represented an entire life cycle of sickness and recovery. However, Romans also thought that the moon, a symbol of purity and healing, could counteract the negative effects of a broken mirror. They believed that burying the broken pieces in moonlight could prevent this misfortune, casting doubt on the superstition’s validity.

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

crack sidewalk
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African and European folklore

The superstition of “stepping on a crack” involves a strong belief in the supernatural. It is believed that doing so can harm a family member. Cracks, whether in the earth or on sidewalks, have long been viewed as supernatural portals capable of inviting or releasing spirits. 

Stepping on these cracks was thought to open a gateway for unwelcome spirits to cause harm, potentially leading to misfortune and injury. This belief has instilled a sense of caution in people, associating stepping on cracks with potential danger.

7. Lucky Penny

lucky penny ground
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Ancient Roman, English, American

The belief that finding a penny brings good luck stems from ancient folk beliefs. Many cultures valued metal highly, seeing it as a gift from the gods to protect favored individuals. Since pennies are made of metal, finding one was thought to bring good fortune. 

However, it’s not all straightforward: some believe that if you find a penny tails up, you should turn it over and leave it for the next person. This act is believed to ward off potential bad luck, adding a cautionary twist to the superstition.

8. Friday the 13th

friday the 13th
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European/Christian

The number 13, unlike the universally positive number 12, is considered unlucky. This unique superstition is further reinforced by its association with the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest, infamously betrayed Christ.

On a fateful Friday, October 13th, 1307, King Philip IV of France made history by arresting and executing hundreds of Templar Knights, thereby cementing the number 13’s negative reputation.

9. Black Cats

black cat.
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European

Although cats were once seen as good luck symbols and even worshipped as gods in Ancient Egypt, their reputation shifted during the Dark Ages. In 1232 AD, Pope Gregory IX declared cats, particularly black ones, as “incarnations of Satan.” This declaration led to widespread persecution, with people burning black cats on Holy Days and associating them with witchcraft. 

People’s association of the color black with evil and death fueled superstitions and led to tragic consequences for black cats. Their dark fur, a mere physical trait, caused them to be unjustly condemned.

10. Fingers Crossed

Fingers crossed behind back.
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Western Europe, Pagan & Christian

The superstition of crossing one’s fingers for good luck dates back to pre-Christian Pagan times in Western Europe. Initially, people made a cross with their index finger and another person’s, believing it concentrated good spirits and sealed wishes. 

Over time, this evolved into crossing one’s index fingers and, eventually, just one hand’s index and middle fingers. Another theory suggests early Christians used finger-crossing to secretly greet and identify each other, though this doesn’t explain the good luck association.

11. Chewing Gum at Night

man chewing gum
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Turkey

Have you ever feared accidentally consuming dead flesh? In Turkey, there’s a belief that chewing gum after dark transforms into the flesh of the dead. This superstition may stem from cultural taboos around nighttime activities and hygiene.

The belief is reminiscent of the movie Gremlins, in which the cute, furry mogwai turn into monsters if they eat after midnight. Its origin likely combines ancient fears of the supernatural with practical advice to avoid gum at night for health reasons.

12. The Number of Four

chinese new year
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China

Numbers often carry different magical significance depending on the culture. The number four is considered unlucky for the Chinese because it sounds similar to the word for “death” in Chinese. This belief, known as tetraphobia, leads people to avoid the number in various aspects of life, such as omitting the fourth floor in buildings or avoiding phone numbers and addresses containing the digit. 

This superstition illustrates how linguistic coincidences can shape cultural attitudes and practices, embedding deep-seated fears and preferences into daily life.

13. Curse of the Evil Eye

evil eye amulets
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Meditteranean and the Middle East

Across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South Asia, people have long believed that achieving too much success invites the anger or envy of the gods, leading to a reversal of fortune. 

Ancient Mediterranean cultures began crafting amulets and beads featuring an ‘evil eye,’ known as nazar, to combat this fear. These talismans were thought to ward off the curse and protect individuals from an untimely change in luck.

14. Tucking Thumbs in Inside a Cemetery

japanese visiting cemetery
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Japan

In Japan, people tuck in their thumbs when visiting cemeteries to protect their parents from death. This practice stems from the connection between the Japanese word for “thumb” and its meaning as the “parent finger.” 

Like the Chinese fear of the word “four” due to its similarity to the word for “death,” the Japanese believe tucking in their thumbs shields their parents from harm while visiting graves.

15. Giving Yellow Flowers

bouquet of yellow flowers
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Russia

Colors often carry symbolic significance, similar to numbers, with black seen as unlucky and red symbolizing passion. In Russia, yellow flowers are considered particularly problematic, symbolizing infidelity, separation, or even death. This belief likely stems from historical associations with yellow in Russian culture, where it was linked to betrayal and deceit.

For instance, in Russian folklore and literature, yellow often represents unfaithfulness and negative emotions. This cultural symbolism has persisted, leading people to avoid giving yellow flowers as gifts to avoid invoking bad luck or negative connotations.

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With a passion for travel, great food, and beautiful art, Julie put aside her 15-year career in the tech industry and dove head-first into a more creative sphere. Utilizing her degree in Communications, she is pursuing freelance writing. An avid traveler, Julie has experience writing and documenting the amazing spots she has visited and explored, the delicious food she has tasted, and the incredible art she has admired and purchased! When she’s not writing, she can be spotted around Austin, TX, at various art gallery openings, having a delicious meal with her husband and friends, and playing with her two dogs.

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