Knock on wood
Are you tempting fate? These 10 things are said to bring bad luck!
Published on December 13, 2024
We don't want to alarm you, but there are a huge number of habits, actions, words, objects, and even calendar dates that, according to various traditions, can bring bad luck. You probably already know it's best to be extra cautious with mirrors and avoid walking under a ladder, but other "unlucky" items and actions might surprise you. In fact, chances are you're doing some of them without knowing it! If you want to avoid misfortune, check out these 10 things commonly thought to cause bad luck. Keep your fingers crossed!
Whatever it is, the name is fine
Credit: Austin Neill
The world of sailing is steeped in customs, beliefs, and superstitions. It's understandable; the sea can be unpredictable, so seeking ways to attract or preserve good fortune makes sense.
One long-standing superstition, which has been around for centuries, claims that changing the name of a boat brings extreme bad luck. According to this tradition, replacing the name is believed to anger the spirits that protect the boat, bringing tragedy to whoever dares to do it.
Choose a different gift
Credit: Erik Mclean
While it's always nice to give and receive gifts, there are some restrictions when it comes to luck.
According to many traditions, giving knives as gifts is a bad idea: the object is said to "cut" the bond between the giver and the receiver, distancing them emotionally. However, another custom has emerged as a solution to this belief! If a friend gives you a nice cooking knife, you can simply give them a penny or some other coin in return. The small amount of money turns the gift into a "transaction," effectively warding off bad fortune.
A task for the week
Credit: Volha Flaxeco
Many people set a specific day each week to change the sheets. Some prefer to do it on Mondays, to start the week fresh, while others prefer to leave that task for the weekend. Sadly, we have to announce bad news for those in the latter group.
Some cultures around the world consider it bad luck to flip your mattress or change your sheets on weekends, especially on Sundays. This superstition is linked to the meaning of Sunday in many religions, where it's seen as a day of rest and reflection.
Colorful misfortune
Credit: Stainless Images
No one can deny the mesmerizing beauty of a rainbow. Something about this phenomenon amazes us and makes us all want to look at it, admire it, and take pictures of it.
But some traditions warn us that pointing at a rainbow can cause bad luck. In fact, according to some beliefs, misfortune could particularly affect the pointing finger, causing it to rot, swell, bend, or even become paralyzed!
Allergies aside
Credit: Diana Polekhina
Bad luck doesn't always appear unexpectedly; it sometimes warns you beforehand. But how?
According to this belief, a bad omen can manifest through your body, particularly your nose. While sneezing is a common and everyday act, it is believed to be a sign of misfortune if it happens on the first day of the month or right before starting an important task or process. But don't worry! There's also a solution. Believers claim that you can protect yourself with the famous "bless you."
Don't blow out that candle yet
Credit: Lidya Nada
We love birthdays! Celebrating another year with the people you love is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful moments. But even in these instants of joy, you have to watch your luck.
Superstition recommends that you should be patient and wait until after midnight to wish a loved one a happy birthday. According to this belief, wishing someone a happy birthday too early can tempt fate. Just in case, let's not take any chances!
Not on the floor!
Credit: Andrew Neel
What do you do with your bag or backpack as soon as you enter a place? While most of us hang it up, some might simply place it on the floor. If you're superstitious, it's best to avoid the latter!
It's believed that leaving your backpack, purse, or wallet on the floor invites financial misfortune. Specifically, it's said that this gesture drives away money and abundance, and who would want that, right?
Yes, on the floor
Credit: Radek Skrzypczak
Unlike your bag, your shoes should always stay on the floor. Or, at least, tucked away in a closet or shoe cabinet. But why?
Shoes are constantly in contact with the ground and the dirt on it. For that reason, it's said that putting shoes on a clean surface—such as a table or countertop—can bring bad luck to the owner of the shoes.
You can sing if you prefer
Credit: Francesca Tosolini
Often, when we're in a good mood, we go around the house singing, dancing, or whistling. No one can deny that it's great fun, right? However, one of these actions comes with a superstition.
According to many cultures, whistling indoors can have serious consequences. It’s said to attract evil spirits and negative energies into the house. Do you believe it? Just in case, we'll be saving the whistling for open spaces!
Bananas!
Credit: Mike Dorner
There is a widespread belief among sailors and those who frequent the sea, though it's little known to the general public.
Many ingredients and foods are brought onto boats. However, one fruit is specifically avoided: bananas. It's considered bad luck to bring bananas on board a ship. According to some historians, this belief may have originated because bananas are among the first fruits to spoil, attracting insects and pests.