Luck charms and signs

Evil eye (nazar)The belief that a harmful look, especially of envy, can bring harm is found from Greece and Turkey to the Middle East, South Asia and Latin America. Charms such as the blue glass eye in Turkey, the hamsa hand in the Middle East, or lemons and chillies hung at the door in India are used to protect.

HorseshoeA horseshoe hung above the door, points up, is lucky in many Western countries, said to catch the luck, and to have protected against witches and the devil as iron was thought to repel evil.

Four-leaf cloverThe rare four-leaf clover is considered lucky, in particular in Ireland, where clovers are a national symbol.

Knocking on woodPeople tap wood after saying something hopeful to avoid tempting fate; a belief said to come from old ideas about spirits living in trees.

Crossing fingersA gesture for luck in many countries, thought to come from the early Christian sign of the cross.

Shooting starIn many countries, a shooting star is an occasion to make a wish and keep it a secret.

WishboneTwo people pull on the wishbone of a chicken or turkey; the one with the larger piece gets a wish, a custom from Europe and the United States.

Throwing coins in a fountainIn many countries a coin thrown into a fountain or well brings luck or a wish, a custom that goes back to ancient offerings to water spirits.