Why We Don’t Open Umbrellas Indoors…. And Other Superstitions, Explained
1. Walking Under a Ladder
The superstition: Walking under a ladder brings bad luck.
The origin: This belief dates back to ancient Egypt. A ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, which the Egyptians considered a sacred shape (representing the trinity of the gods). Disturbing that triangle—by walking through it—was seen as desecration and would anger the gods.
The superstition carried into Christianity as well, where a ladder leaning against the cross during the crucifixion became associated with betrayal and death. In the Middle Ages, ladders were often placed against gallows, adding to the creepy association.
2. Breaking a Mirror
The superstition: Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.
The origin: This one also hails from ancient times. The Romans believed that mirrors held a piece of your soul, and breaking one would damage your soul’s reflection. They also believed that life renewed itself every seven years, so that’s how long the bad luck was said to last.
Early mirrors were also extremely expensive, so encouraging people to avoid breaking them likely had a financial motivation too!
3. Friday the 13th
The superstition: Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.
The origin: Both the number 13 and the day Friday have long had ominous associations. In Christianity, 13 guests attended the Last Supper, and Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Combine the two, and you get a double whammy of misfortune.
The fear of the number 13 even has a name: triskaidekaphobia. Many buildings skip the 13th floor entirely—going straight from 12 to 14.
4. Don’t Sweep Over Someone’s Feet
The superstition: If you sweep a broom over someone’s feet, they’ll never get married.
The origin: This one has roots in African and African-American folklore and was passed down through generations, especially in the Southern United States. It may have originated from cultural rituals involving sweeping away evil spirits and was later adapted into a warning, particularly aimed at young women, about preserving their future marriage prospects.
5. Opening an Umbrella Indoors
The superstition: Opening an umbrella indoors brings bad luck.
The origin: This superstition likely arose in Victorian England when umbrellas were big, clunky, and often had metal spokes. Opening one inside a small room could cause accidents or damage—so discouraging it with a spooky consequence made practical sense.
Earlier versions of the superstition come from ancient Egypt, where parasols were used for sun protection and were considered objects of power. Opening one inside (where there was no sun to block) was seen as disrespectful to the sun god Ra.
6. Knocking on Wood
The superstition: Knock on wood to avoid tempting fate or to protect good luck.
The origin: This is thought to come from ancient pagan cultures, like the Celts, who believed that spirits lived in trees. Knocking on wood was a way to call upon those spirits for protection or to avoid attracting their attention when speaking of good fortune.
It may also relate to Christian traditions, symbolizing a connection to the wooden cross of Christ.
7. A Black Cat Crossing Your Path
The superstition: If a black cat crosses your path, bad luck is coming.
The origin: In ancient Egypt, black cats were revered and protected. But during the Middle Ages in Europe, black cats became associated with witches and the devil. It was believed that witches could transform into black cats, and spotting one meant a witch was nearby.
Ironically, in many cultures today—such as in Scotland or Japan—black cats are seen as good luck!
8.Throwing salt over shoulder
Ever spilled salt and instinctively tossed a pinch over your left shoulder? You’re not alone—and this quirky superstition has roots that date back centuries. In ancient times, salt was incredibly valuable, even used as currency. Spilling it was considered bad luck, and in some cultures, it was believed that evil spirits lurked behind your left shoulder. Tossing salt over that shoulder was said to blind or ward off those lurking demons and reverse the misfortune. So the next time you make a mess at the dinner table, just know you’re carrying on a surprisingly spooky tradition!
Why Do We Still Believe These Things?
Even though we live in an age of science and logic, superstitions stick around because they’re part of our cultural storytelling. They often offer a sense of control in uncertain situations or give us a little comfort when we’re facing the unknown.
Whether you’re superstitious or just super curious, knowing the odd origins behind these common beliefs can make them even more fun to think about—and maybe make you a hit at your next trivia night.