10 Common and Intriguing Superstitions

Jun 08, 2023, 14:35 IST

Heena Sharma

1. Friday the 13th: Bad Luck

Friday the 13th has long been associated with bad luck and superstitions. Many people hold various beliefs and fears surrounding it.

2. Itchy Palm: Good Luck

The belief that having an itchy palm is a sign of good luck is a common superstition in many cultures. According to this belief, if your palm itches, it is believed to signify that you may receive some unexpected money.

3. Walking Under a Ladder: Bad Luck

It is believed that passing underneath a ladder can invite misfortune into one's life. This superstition may have its roots in practical safety concerns.

4. Breaking a Mirror: Bad Luck

The origins of this belief can be traced back to ancient times when mirrors were considered to possess mystical and magical properties.

5. Finding a Horseshoe: Good Luck

A horseshoe, traditionally made of iron, is believed to possess protective properties and ward off evil spirits. You can commonly find it hanging outside the doors of houses in some parts of India.

6. Opening an Umbrella Inside: Bad Luck

One theory suggests that opening an umbrella indoors was seen as a breach of etiquette during Victorian times. Large, fully opened umbrellas could potentially damage or knock over fragile objects in confined indoor spaces.

7. Knock Twice on Wood: Reverse Bad Luck

When a person expresses a positive or fortunate outcome and wants to ensure that it remains true, they may knock twice on a wooden surface as a precautionary measure.

8. Tossing Spilled Salt Over Your Shoulder: Good Luck

According to this belief, if you accidentally spill salt, you can counteract the negative consequences by throwing a pinch of it over your shoulder.

9. Black Cats: Bad Luck

This superstition dictates that if a black cat crosses your path, it is a sign of impending misfortune or bad luck.

10. Saying “God Bless You”: Good Luck

Saying "God bless you" is a common response or well-wish uttered after someone sneezes. It is believed by many to bring good luck or protection to the person who sneezed.

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