Superstitions have woven themselves into the fabric of cultures worldwide, often without any clear understanding of their origins or purposes. So, let’s shed some light on the science and psychology behind 18 common superstitions, providing a fascinating glimpse into the human mind and our attempt to make sense of the world.

Walking Under a Ladder

This superstition might stem from the ladder’s shape when leaning against a wall, forming a triangle – symbolizing life in ancient Egypt. Avoiding walking under a ladder could be an early safety measure, as objects or people atop the ladder could fall, causing harm.

Breaking a Mirror

In ancient times, mirrors were considered to reflect the soul. Breaking a mirror was believed to damage the soul and bring bad luck, a belief that may also tie into the high cost and rarity of mirrors in the past, making their breakage a significant loss.

Black Cats Crossing Your Path

In medieval Europe, black cats were associated with witchcraft and bad luck. This superstition could also stem from the cat’s nocturnal nature, suggesting unseen dangers or the unpredictable.

Knocking on Wood

This practice likely originates from pagan cultures where spirits were believed to reside in trees. Knocking on wood was a way to appease these spirits or to prevent them from overhearing and spoiling one’s good luck.

Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder

Spilling salt was considered bad luck due to its value in ancient times. Throwing it over your left shoulder, where the devil was believed to lurk, could blind him and prevent him from causing more mischief.

Opening an Umbrella Indoors

This may come from the early designs of umbrellas, which could be dangerous to open inside due to their size and mechanism. It symbolized opening oneself up to bad luck or angering the sun gods.

Crossing Fingers

Early Christians would cross their fingers to invoke the power of the Christian cross for protection or good luck. It was also a gesture of support and solidarity among believers.

Avoiding the Number 13

This fear, known as triskaidekaphobia, could stem from the Last Supper, where Judas, the 13th guest, betrayed Jesus. Buildings often skip the 13th floor and streets the 13th house number, reflecting this deep-seated superstition.

Saying “Bless You” After Sneezing

In ancient times, sneezes were believed to expel demons or signify impending illness. Saying “bless you” was a way to protect the sneezer from harm or evil spirits.

Carrying a Rabbit’s Foot

This charm is thought to bring good luck due to the rabbit’s association with fertility and abundance. The superstition may also be traced back to Celtic tribes in Britain, who considered rabbits magical creatures.

Bird Droppings For Luck

If you’ve ever had a bird relieve itself on you, we’ve got good news: it is considered good luck. This is likely because it’s rare, turning an unpleasant surprise into a positive sign. It may also relate to the belief in many cultures that birds are messengers from the heavens.

Finding a Four-Leaf Clover

This rarity is believed to bring good luck due to scarcity, with only one in about 5,000 clovers having four leaves. Each leaf symbolizes faith, hope, love, and luck.

Breaking a Wishbone

This tradition comes from ancient civilizations that believed birds could predict the future. Two people pulling apart the dried collarbone of a chicken or turkey and receiving the larger piece was thought to grant them their wish.

Hanging a Horseshoe Over the Door

Horseshoes were believed to ward off evil spirits due to their iron material, which was thought to repel negative energy. The shape of the horseshoe, resembling a crescent moon, also symbolized fertility and good fortune.

Stepping on a Crack

The rhyme “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back” might originate from the association of cracks with portals to evil worlds. Avoiding cracks was a way to protect oneself and one’s family from harm.

Not Opening an Umbrella Inside

Apart from the practical aspect of avoiding accidents, this superstition is believed to stem from the notion that umbrellas shield us from the storms of life. Opening one indoors insults the guardian spirits of the home.

Wearing Polka Dots for Wealth

In some cultures, wearing polka dots on New Year’s Eve is believed to attract wealth and prosperity, possibly because the circles symbolize coins and financial abundance.

Throwing Coins in Fountains

This practice originates from ancient times when people believed that spirits lived in water and could be appeased with gifts. Today, throwing coins in fountains symbolizes wishes for good fortune and safe travels.