Superstitions of the WorldDaily life and the home
Mirrors, ladders, salt, umbrellas and gifts
These are the superstitions of everyday objects, which most people know but do not believe seriously.
8 entries
Broken mirrorBreaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck, a belief traced to the Romans, who thought that a mirror held part of the soul and that the soul renewed itself in seven years.
Walking under a ladderThought unlucky in much of the West; one explanation is that a ladder against a wall makes a triangle, an old symbol of the Trinity, and walking through it breaks it. The practical reason is that something may fall on you.
Spilled saltSpilling salt is said to bring a quarrel, and throwing a pinch over the left shoulder is said to undo the harm. Salt was precious in the past.
Opening an umbrella indoorsSaid to bring bad luck in Britain and the United States; the practical reason is that it can break things or poke an eye.
A clock as a gift in ChinaGiving a clock is avoided in Chinese culture, because the phrase for giving a clock sounds like the phrase for attending a funeral.
Cutting nails at nightElders in India, Korea and elsewhere advise against it. Before electric light it was dangerous to cut nails in the dark.
Chopsticks upright in riceIn Japan, China and Korea, chopsticks standing in a bowl of rice look like incense sticks at a funeral, so it is considered very rude.
Itching palmIn many cultures, an itching palm means money coming or going; the hand varies. See also our <a href="https://faith.shareyourgroup.com/shakun/">shakun</a> pages.
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This page reports popular beliefs for interest. Superstitions do not predict or cause anything, and nothing here is advice.