A Few Good Luck Superstitions in Different Cultures

There are different customs present all over the world, which were created thousands of years ago and they still continue to evolve. Even though we might cherish ourselves in not being superstitious, there are certain customs and traditions we even follow in the modern age; the same old customs that were sometimes known as ‘superstitions’ eons ago.

good luck 4-leaf clover

Some are said to dispel bad luck and some are thought to bring good luck. Different cultures have different kinds of good luck superstitions or customs to follow. Old customs never die so it is a normal thing that even today; many countries still practice these customs.

English Customs to Bring Good Fortune –

Horseshoe:

There are about seven important and significant symbols, according to English custom. The ancient English people followed some customs that are believed to have warded off evil spirits and bring good fortune. A lucky symbol is the horseshoe even today in the English custom. It resembles the half circle of ‘u’ and is said to bring good fortune. It is made from iron; hence it symbolizes strength and power. It is regarded to be very powerful to repel evil and bring about good fortune. To protect the house from witches and devils, it is nailed at the entrance door of the house. If it is placed in an upright ‘U’ position, then it is said to retain good fortune in the house.

Rabbit’s foot:

According to an old English custom, the hare or rabbit is believed to have an evil eye. The English believe that the hare has miraculous powers. Initially the hare’s foot was considered sacred and lucky but as the rabbit was easily available, so people began switching over to the rabbit’s foot. Many people carried the rabbit’s foot in their purse and pockets as a lucky charm.

Wishbone:

There is another custom known as the “wishbone custom”. It involved two people who would break the wishbone and thus the one left with a larger piece would make a wish upon it. It is actually the breast bone of a fowl known as ‘frucula’. Many cultures regard the fowl as a sacred bird bringing good luck and fortune. The shape of the wishbone itself is known as a good luck symbol of life and fertility. It is a very ancient English custom to wish upon a wishbone.

Old boot:

From the very ancient times, old boots and shoes were regarded as good luck charms. They were kept on the roofs of the houses to ward off evil spirits. They are said to retain good spirit and courage of the house owners.

Wedding customs:

Another very old custom followed by the English was to place a ring on the wedding cake. It is unlucky for a woman to marry a man whose surname began with the same letter as hers. Also, it is unlucky for a woman to design her own wedding dress. Before leaving the house for the wedding ceremony, the bride should have a last glance at the mirror. This brings good luck to her. The English also believe that marriages on a Saturday are considered to be unlucky. After the wedding ceremony, the English bride has to throw the bouquet over her back so as to discard evil fortune behind her and take good luck along with her.

Acorn:

The acorn is also considered as a good luck symbol by the English. It is known as an emblem of consciousness, youthfulness and power. The English carry old dried acorns as a good luck charm and as it also represents spiritual growth.

These are some of the customs followed by the English people. Most of these have continued to exist and thrive even today. For instance, to make a wedding day auspicious, a bride will follow each and every tradition or several people hang horseshoes just to ward off evil spirits. These are good luck superstitions or beliefs that have continued to mystify us indefinitely.

Good Luck Superstitions