Superstitions have been around for thousands of years. Even in today’s modern world, many people still follow them — often without even realizing it. From tossing salt over your shoulder to checking the clock at 11:11, superstitions are still part of everyday life.
Some superstitions are based on fear. Others are connected to luck, tradition, or habit. People follow them to feel safe, to gain a sense of control, or because “that’s just how it’s always been.” And while many superstitions come from old cultural beliefs, new ones are also forming in surprising ways — especially in how we use technology and social media.
This article will explore over 100 examples of superstitions, along with their meanings, origins, and the different types that exist. We’ll also look at how superstitions have changed and what they look like today. Whether you believe in them or not, superstitions still shape how many people think, act, and react to the unknown.
What Is a Superstition?
A superstition is a belief or practice that arises from fear of the unknown, trust in magic, or faith in supernatural forces, rather than scientific reasoning or logic. Superstitions often involve rituals, signs, or symbols believed to bring good luck or prevent bad luck. People across all cultures have held superstitious beliefs for centuries, from avoiding black cats to carrying lucky charms. Superstitions can be simple daily habits or deep-rooted cultural traditions. While there is no proven scientific basis for superstitions, they continue to influence behavior and decision-making in modern life. Understanding superstitions helps us learn how people cope with uncertainty and the desire for control over life’s unpredictable events.
Common examples of superstitions include knocking on wood, not walking under ladders, and tossing coins into fountains for wishes. Superstitions exist everywhere and vary widely between cultures and regions.
Examples of Superstitions
1. Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck
This belief originates from ancient times when mirrors were thought to reflect not just one’s image but also one’s soul. Breaking a mirror was considered damaging to the soul, leading to seven years of misfortune.
2. Walking Under a Ladder Is Unlucky
Stemming from ancient Egyptian and Christian symbolism, walking under a ladder is thought to disrupt sacred triangles, inviting bad luck.
3. Black Cats Crossing Your Path Bring Misfortune
In Western cultures, black cats have been associated with witches and evil omens, leading to the belief that they bring bad luck when they cross your path.
4. Opening an Umbrella Indoors Brings Bad Luck
This superstition likely arose from the practical danger of opening large umbrellas indoors, which could cause accidents or break objects.
5. Spilling Salt and Throwing It Over Your Shoulder
Spilling salt is considered bad luck, but tossing a pinch over your left shoulder is believed to ward off evil spirits lurking there.
6. Knocking on Wood to Prevent Bad Luck
This practice comes from ancient beliefs that spirits lived in trees, and knocking on wood would call upon them for protection.
7. The Number 13 Is Unlucky
Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13, often linked to the Last Supper, where Judas was the 13th guest.
8. Horseshoes Bring Good Luck
Hanging a horseshoe above a doorway is thought to bring good fortune, especially if the ends point upwards to hold the luck.
9. Carrying a Rabbit’s Foot for Luck
This superstition dates back to ancient Celtic tribes who believed rabbit’s feet were lucky charms.
10. Crossing Fingers for Good Luck
Crossing one’s fingers is a gesture believed to invoke the power of the Christian cross for protection and luck.
11. Saying “Bless You” After a Sneeze
This custom began during the plague era, where sneezing was a sign of illness, and saying “bless you” was a prayer for health.
12. Itchy Palms Mean Financial Changes
An itchy right palm suggests incoming money, while an itchy left palm indicates you’ll be paying out money.
13. Stepping on a Crack Breaks Your Mother’s Back
This children’s rhyme reflects a superstition that stepping on sidewalk cracks can bring harm to one’s family.
14. Breaking a Wishbone for a Wish
Two people pull apart a turkey’s wishbone; the one with the larger piece gets to make a wish.
15. Friday the 13th Is Unlucky
Combining the unlucky number 13 with Friday, considered an unlucky day, this date is feared in many cultures.
16. Finding a Four-Leaf Clover Brings Luck
Four-leaf clovers are rare and thus considered lucky, each leaf representing faith, hope, love, and luck.
17. Breaking a Chain Letter Brings Misfortune
Chain letters often threaten bad luck if not forwarded, playing on superstitious fears to encourage sharing.
18. Tossing Coins into a Fountain for Wishes
Throwing coins into fountains is believed to grant wishes, a practice dating back to ancient water deities.
19. Avoiding the Number 4 in East Asia
In countries like China and Japan, the number 4 is avoided because it sounds like the word for “death.“
20. Avoiding the Number 17 in Italy
In Italy, 17 is considered unlucky because its Roman numeral XVII can be rearranged to spell “VIXI,” meaning “I have lived,” implying death.
21. Hanging Chilis and Lemons to Ward Off Evil
In India, it’s common to hang a string of chilis and lemons outside homes to protect against the evil eye.
22. Placing Brooms Behind Doors to Keep Unwanted Guests Away
Some believe that placing a broom behind the door will prevent unwanted visitors from entering.
23. Avoiding Whistling Indoors
In some cultures, whistling indoors is thought to invite evil spirits or bad luck.
24. Avoiding Sleeping with Feet Facing the Door
In Chinese culture, sleeping with one’s feet facing the door is called the “coffin position” and is considered bad luck.
25. Avoiding Cutting Nails at Night
In Japan and India, cutting nails at night is believed to shorten one’s lifespan.
26. Avoiding Walking Over Someone
In some cultures, stepping over someone, especially a child, is thought to stunt their growth.
27. Avoiding Passing Salt Hand to Hand
Passing salt directly from hand to hand is believed to cause arguments or bad luck.
28. Avoiding Leaving Shoes Upside Down
In some cultures, leaving shoes upside down is thought to bring bad luck or invite evil spirits.
29. Avoiding Sweeping at Night
Sweeping the house at night is believed to sweep away wealth and prosperity.
30. Avoiding Sitting at the Corner of a Table
In Hungary and Russia, sitting at the corner of a table is thought to doom one to never marry.
31. Avoiding Chewing Gum at Night
In Turkey, it’s believed that chewing gum at night turns it into the flesh of the dead.
32. Avoiding Writing Names in Red Ink
In Korea, writing someone’s name in red ink is associated with death and is considered taboo.
33. Avoiding Giving Clocks as Gifts
In Chinese culture, gifting a clock is akin to wishing death upon someone, as the phrase sounds like “attending a funeral.”
34. Avoiding Pointing at Rainbows
In Navajo culture, pointing at a rainbow is considered disrespectful and can bring misfortune.
35. Avoiding Killing Ladybugs
Ladybugs are seen as symbols of good luck; killing one is thought to bring bad luck.
36. Avoiding Placing Chopsticks Upright in Rice
In Japan and China, sticking chopsticks upright in rice resembles funeral rites and is considered bad luck.
37. Avoiding Leaving Hats on Beds
Placing a hat on a bed is thought to invite bad luck or death, stemming from old funeral customs.
38. Avoiding Crossing Knives
Crossing knives on a table is believed to bring arguments or bad luck.
39. Sweeping Someone’s Feet Brings Misfortune in Love
Across the American South, Brazil, and much of Eastern Europe, brushing a broom over a person’s feet is said to curse them with a lifetime of bad luck in romance—sometimes even dooming them to remain single.
40. Avoiding Opening Scissors Without Cutting
Opening and closing scissors without cutting is thought to bring bad luck or sever relationships.
41. Avoiding Leaving a Rocking Chair Rocking
In the Southern United States, an empty rocking chair moving on its own is thought to invite spirits.
42. Avoiding Placing New Shoes on a Table
Putting new shoes on a table is believed to bring bad luck, possibly linked to death rituals.
43. Avoiding Trimming Hair on Certain Days
In some cultures, cutting hair on specific days, like Tuesdays or Saturdays, is considered unlucky.
44. Avoiding Whistling at Night
Whistling at night is thought to attract evil spirits or bad luck in various cultures.
45. Avoiding Sleeping with Mirrors Facing the Bed
Mirrors facing the bed are believed to drain energy or invite spirits during sleep.
46. Avoiding Giving Sharp Objects as Gifts
Gifting knives or scissors is thought to sever relationships unless a coin is exchanged.
47. Avoiding Leaving a Purse on the Floor
Placing a purse on the floor is believed to cause financial loss or disrespect money.
48. Avoiding Toasting with Water
In Germany, toasting with water is akin to wishing death upon someone.
49. Avoiding Crossing Paths on Stairs
Passing someone on the stairs is thought to bring bad luck or conflict.
50. Avoiding Breaking Glass
Breaking glass is often seen as a bad omen, though in some cultures, it’s part of wedding traditions to ward off evil.
51. Breaking Eggshells to Prevent Witches
Some people crush eggshells after use to prevent witches from sailing away on them to cause harm. It’s an old European belief passed down in families.
52. Hearing an Owl at Night Predicts Death
In many cultures, hearing an owl hoot near a home is considered a warning of death or serious illness.
53. Eating Grapes at Midnight on New Year’s Eve for Good Luck
In Spain and some Latin American countries, eating twelve grapes at midnight is thought to bring good luck for each month of the new year.
54. Dreaming of Fish Means Pregnancy
Many people believe that dreaming of fish signals that someone close is expecting a baby.
55. Dropping a Fork Signals a Visitor
In some households, if a fork falls to the floor, a male visitor is said to arrive soon. A spoon signals a female guest.
56. Finding a Penny Brings Good Luck
“Find a penny, pick it up, and all day you’ll have good luck” is a saying rooted in the belief that coins attract fortune.
57. Placing a Penny in a New Purse or Wallet
A new purse or wallet should never be empty when given as a gift. Adding a coin prevents bad luck and promises financial prosperity.
58. A Bird Flying Into the House Signals Death
If a bird accidentally flies into your home, it’s long been considered a bad omen, often tied to impending loss.
59. Wearing Red on New Year’s Eve for Love
In Italy and parts of South America, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is believed to attract love in the coming year.
60. Seeing a Shooting Star Grants a Wish
Many people worldwide believe that if you see a shooting star and make a wish before it disappears, your wish will come true.
61. Ringing Bells to Scare Away Evil Spirits
Bells have been used in rituals and homes to scare away evil spirits and bad energy.
62. Carrying an Acorn to Stay Young
Ancient Druids believed carrying an acorn in your pocket could keep you youthful and healthy.
63. Planting Rosemary at the Entrance for Protection
In folklore, planting rosemary near the front door protects the home from thieves and harmful spirits.
64. Seeing a Single Magpie Brings Sorrow
In the UK, seeing one magpie means bad luck, while seeing two means joy. There’s even a rhyme for counting magpies.
65. Don’t Cut a Baby’s Hair Before Their First Birthday
In some cultures, cutting a baby’s hair too soon is believed to bring bad luck or stunt their growth.
66. Avoid Crossing Your Eyes; They’ll Stay That Way
Parents have long warned children not to cross their eyes or risk them staying permanently crossed.
67. Carrying a Lucky Coin or Charm
Many people believe carrying a special coin, charm, or token protects them from harm or misfortune.
68. Lighting Three Cigarettes from One Match Brings Bad Luck
This superstition dates back to wartime, where lighting three cigarettes from one match could draw sniper fire.
69. Do Not Sweep Around a Person Sitting
Sweeping around someone seated is thought to sweep away their good fortune.
70. Don’t Wash Hair on New Year’s Day
In some Asian traditions, washing hair on January 1st washes away luck for the whole year.
71. Rain on Your Wedding Day Is Good Luck
Despite seeming inconvenient, rain on a wedding day is believed by many to symbolize cleansing and blessings.
72. Never Gift a Handkerchief
Giving handkerchiefs as a gift is thought to bring sorrow or symbolize that tears will follow.
73. A Cricket in the House Brings Good Luck
Hearing or seeing a cricket indoors is considered a positive sign and a blessing for the household.
74. Saying “Rabbit, Rabbit” on the First Day of the Month
In parts of the UK and North America, saying “rabbit, rabbit” first thing in the morning brings good luck for the month.
75. An Itchy Nose Means a Fight Is Coming
Some believe that if your nose itches, it means you’re going to have an argument soon.
76. Tossing Rice at Newlyweds for Prosperity
Throwing rice at a couple after their wedding symbolizes wishes for fertility and abundance.
77. Rubbing Buddha’s Belly for Good Fortune
In some Asian traditions, rubbing the belly of a Buddha statue brings wealth and happiness.
78. Don’t Move House on a Friday
In some areas, moving into a new house on a Friday is thought to bring bad fortune.
79. Singing at the Dinner Table Brings Bad Luck
Older generations warned children that singing at the table would invite bad luck or poverty.
80. If Your Ears Ring, Someone Is Talking About You
Many believe a ringing or burning sensation in the ears means someone is speaking about you.
81. Eating Black-Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day for Prosperity
In the American South, eating black-eyed peas on January 1st is believed to bring wealth and success.
82. A Spider Seen at Night Is an Omen of Money
Seeing a spider at night, especially small ones, is considered a sign that money will soon arrive.
83. Finding a Button on the Street Brings Luck
Discovering an unfastened button on the ground is seen as a small token of good fortune.
84. Avoid Whistling on a Ship
Sailors believe whistling on board can summon high winds and storms.
85. Eating Long Noodles for a Long Life
In Chinese culture, eating long unbroken noodles on birthdays ensures longevity.
86. Do Not Wear New Clothes to a Funeral
Wearing new clothes to a funeral is thought to bring death to the wearer.
87. Keep Basil in the House for Protection
Many believe that a basil plant in the home protects against evil and misfortune.
88. Don’t Sleep With Your Head Facing North
In some Asian traditions, sleeping with your head pointing north is said to invite bad energy or even death.
89. A Butterfly Landing on You Means Good News
If a butterfly rests on you, it’s widely seen as a sign of good news or a positive change.
90. Avoid Buying Pearls for Yourself
Pearls bought for oneself are thought to bring sorrow. They should always be received as a gift.
91. A Lizard in the House Is a Good Omen
In many Asian countries, a house lizard is believed to bring wealth and protection.
92. Seeing a White Butterfly Predicts Happiness
A white butterfly crossing your path is taken as a message of hope and joy to come.
93. A Cat Washing Its Face Means Guests Are Coming
Some people believe that when a cat washes its face, visitors will soon arrive.
94. Never Place a Hat on a Bed
Some say placing a hat on a bed will invite arguments, illness, or even death.
95. A Knife Falling to the Floor Signals a Man’s Visit
Similar to the fork superstition, a dropped knife foretells the arrival of a male visitor.
96. Bringing Hawthorn (May Blossom) Indoors Foretells Death
In British and Irish folklore, fresh hawthorn – also called May blossom – is never carried into a house. People once believed the sweet scent mimicked the smell of the Plague and would attract illness or even death to the household.
97. Shaking Hands Across a Threshold Invites Quarrels
Traditional Slavic and Scandinavian households avoid greeting or shaking hands while one person stands inside and the other outside. A threshold was viewed as a liminal space where household spirits dwelled. Passing anything—especially a handshake—across it was thought to disturb those spirits and spark arguments between the two people involved. Stepping fully inside (or outside) before shaking hands prevents the bad luck.
98. Eating the Last Piece of Food Brings Love
In some cultures, the person who eats the last piece of food on a plate will be the next to fall in love.
99. A Dog Howling at Night Signals Death
A dog howling outside at night is feared by many to predict death or disaster.
100. If You Spill Water Behind Someone, It Brings Good Luck
In parts of Eastern Europe, throwing water behind a departing guest ensures they will have safe and lucky travels.
Types of Superstitions
Superstitions are not all the same. They come in different forms and serve different purposes. Some are meant to protect. Others are about attracting good luck. Many are tied to daily habits, while some are linked to deeper fears. Below are the main types of superstitions people follow around the world.
1. Good Luck Superstitions
These are the most common. They involve small actions or objects believed to bring good fortune. Carrying a lucky coin. Finding a four-leaf clover. Wearing your “lucky socks” on game day. These are all part of it.
People turn to these superstitions when they want success — before exams, job interviews, or big events. The belief is simple: do this, and something good will happen. It may not be logical, but it gives a sense of control when life feels uncertain.
2. Bad Luck Superstitions
These focus on avoiding misfortune. Walking under a ladder. Breaking a mirror. Opening an umbrella indoors. Many of these have roots in ancient fear or religious symbolism.
People don’t always fully believe them. But many still avoid doing certain things — “just in case.” Even skeptical people will sometimes pause if a black cat crosses the road.
3. Protective Superstitions
These are meant to guard against harm — often from unseen or supernatural forces. Think of hanging garlic above a door. Or wearing an evil eye bracelet. Or saying “bless you” when someone sneezes.
In many cultures, people believe in the “evil eye” — a harmful look that can cause illness or bad luck. Protective superstitions are often passed down in families and treated seriously.
4. Predictive Superstitions
These are beliefs that a sign or event can predict what’s going to happen. An itchy palm might mean money is coming. A ringing ear could mean someone’s talking about you. A bird flying into the house might signal death.
These superstitions help people make sense of events they can’t control. They give warnings or hints, even if there’s no evidence behind them.
5. Ritual or Habit-Based Superstitions
Sometimes it’s about doing things a certain way — the same way — over and over. Tying the left shoe before the right. Always entering a building with the right foot. Never stepping on cracks. These aren’t just habits. To the believer, changing them could mean trouble.
Athletes and performers often follow ritual-based superstitions. They wear the same shirt, eat the same meal, or follow the same steps before competing.
6. Cultural and Religious Superstitions
These are usually the oldest and most deeply rooted. They are part of a group’s identity and passed down through generations. Some are tied to religious beliefs. Others to seasonal customs or folk traditions.
For example, in some countries, Tuesday the 13th is feared, not Friday the 13th. In others, the number 4 is more feared than 13. These superstitions vary, but within each culture, they’re taken seriously.
Superstitions may seem small, but they reflect how people feel about life, chance, risk, and control. They remind us that not everything we believe has to be proven — sometimes, belief itself is enough.
What Are Superstitions Nowadays?
Superstitions are not just old stories passed down by grandparents. They didn’t disappear with time. In fact, new superstitions are still being created, even today. People may not always call them “superstitions,” but the behavior is the same — beliefs based on luck, fear, or patterns that don’t have any scientific proof.
Let’s take a closer look at how superstitions are changing in modern life.
1. Superstitions Around Phones and Technology
A lot of people believe in strange things when it comes to their phones. For example, some believe that if a phone battery drains quickly, someone might be thinking about them. Others say repeating a wish while looking at your phone lock screen at 11:11 can make it come true.
There are also “rules” people follow when texting or posting online. Like not sending an important text at 3:00 AM, which some call the “witching hour.” Or believing that deleting a message before sending it can change the outcome of a situation. It’s not logic. It’s superstition in a modern form.
2. Superstitions Tied to Social Media
Some people treat social media like it has a kind of hidden power. They avoid posting bad news in the morning, or they won’t post a photo on a Friday the 13th. Others believe that liking your own post brings bad luck, or that if you don’t repost a specific message, something bad might happen.
Chain messages are just like the old chain letters. Only now, they travel faster. “Repost this or you’ll have bad luck for 7 years” is nothing new — it’s just updated for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
3. Manifestation and “Energy” Superstitions
A growing number of people follow superstitions tied to energy, thoughts, or “vibes.” One common belief is that saying something negative out loud makes it more likely to happen, while saying something positive will help “attract” good outcomes.
Another trend is writing down goals or dreams during a full moon, which some believe helps them come true. There are also superstitions around crystals, sage burning, or even keeping certain colors nearby during a specific moon phase.
While some see these as spiritual or motivational habits, they are still superstitions at heart — they’re beliefs in unseen forces guiding luck, success, or protection.
4. Superstitions in Sports and Daily Routines
Athletes are still known for strange routines. But now you’ll find regular people doing the same. Some folks always wear a certain hoodie to job interviews. Others refuse to press the elevator button with their index finger, convinced it brings bad meetings. Even wearing “lucky socks” during a job application counts.
Modern routines may look different from older customs, but the belief behind them is the same: do this thing, and you’ll avoid something bad — or get something good.
Are Modern Superstitions Really That Different?
In some ways, no. The core of superstition hasn’t changed. People still want to feel safe. They still want control over uncertain outcomes. What has changed is the setting — instead of candles and ladders, now it’s apps, DMs, and screen habits.
Whether it’s 11:11 on a phone, or burning sage before a job interview, today’s superstitions follow the same patterns as the old ones. They live in the small moments, the quiet fears, and the wish that maybe — just maybe — something unseen is watching over us.
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