14 Superstitious Beliefs You Might Never Heard Of

Could something you bring into your home bring bad luck, relationship issues, or even death? Superstitions from around the world, some with roots going back thousands of years, caution us against keeping various unlucky items in our homes.

Many of these seemingly arbitrary prohibitions may have practical origins. So, even if you’re not particularly superstitious, it might still be wise to avoid these unlucky things at home.

 

Related article: What are the Best Get-Well-Soon Flowers for Our Loved Ones?

 

So, here are 14 superstitious beliefs you might never heard of

A Broken Clock

Clocks, marking the passage of time, have long been linked to human mortality. In the Victorian era, clocks were stopped when someone in the household died. Therefore, a broken clock is considered a bad omen. If that broken clock suddenly chimes, it’s believed to be a sign that death is near!

Fireflies

While you might find it cute when your kids bring home a jar of fireflies, beware! According to Victorian superstitions, having a firefly or lightning bug in your home means that someone in the household will die soon.

Lifeless Decor

Whether it’s a vase of withered flowers, a taxidermied moose head, or even a seashell, having dead things in the home is believed to bring bad luck. The connection between decaying objects and human mortality is highlighted in vanitas artwork, where skulls, rotting fruit, and extinguished candles symbolise the transience of human life. However, Feng shui suggests that certain seashells, when properly placed, can attract good fortune.

Green Paint

In the 19th century, certain green paints could be lethal. Paris green, a pigment widely used in textiles, children’s toys, paint, and wallpaper, contained arsenic and could produce poisonous arsine gas. While this toxic practice was eventually stopped, some still consider having green walls in a home as unlucky.

An Axe

Given its ancient and practical nature, it’s not surprising that superstitions surround the axe. Some sources suggest that carrying an axe over the shoulder through the house is bad luck, while others believe that simply bringing one into the house is a bad omen and a sign of death. At the very least, we can all agree that axes aren’t the safest things to have lying around the house!

An Old Broom

When moving to a new home, avoid bringing your old broom along! It’s a widespread superstition that an old broom might sweep away good luck. This belief may have practical origins, as using old cleaning tools in your new space could introduce pests and dirt from your previous residence. Whether you’re superstitious or not, it’s a good idea to invest in a new broom when you move.

A Garden Hoe

Bringing a hoe into the house is believed to bring bad luck or even death. If you accidentally bring one inside after gardening, the best way to counter the supposed misfortune is to walk backwards through the same door you entered.

Red and White Flowers in a Vase

When arranging flowers, mix different blooms or stick to a single colour. Victorian superstition warns that displaying only red and white flowers together in a vase predicts death. This combination of colours is considered especially unlucky in hospitals.

Bird in the House

In various cultures, the belief that a bird entering through an open window brings bad luck is prevalent, often seen as a signal of a family member’s death. To be cautious, avoid introducing birds as pets or displaying them decoratively as ornaments or finials.

An Open Umbrella

We’re all familiar with the superstition of not opening an umbrella indoors. This belief may have origins in Egyptian and Norse traditions, suggesting that bringing an umbrella indoors offends the protective spirits of the home. Whether it truly brings bad luck is debatable, but it’s still wise to be careful with an umbrella indoors—you might accidentally poke someone in the eye!

Never Use the Same Match to Light Three Cigarettes.

According to this, supposedly originating from Gallipoli, the idea is that a sniper might spot the first, aim at the second, and fire at the third. While some claim this practice is universal, it is still observed in places where there are no snipers.

An Old Calendar (or Next Year’s Calendar)

To keep luck on your side, live in the moment, at least according to your calendar. Calendars, like clocks, are closely connected to the passage of time, growth, and death. In the Southern tradition, it’s considered bad luck to keep old calendars at home. On both sides of the pond, it’s also believed to be bad luck to hang next year’s calendar before January 1. Some superstitious individuals don’t even turn to the next month until the morning of the first day.

Peacock Feathers

Despite their beauty, peacock feathers are seen as symbols of bad luck in many Western countries, for reasons that remain unclear. It’s possible that the “eyes” on their feathers evoke fears of the evil eye, or their glamorous appearance and preference for insects and reptiles make them seem associated with the devil. However, in Eastern cultures, peacocks are symbols of good fortune.

Cracked or Chipped Dishes

In feng shui, dishes symbolise wealth and home, and a chipped plate or cracked bowl is believed to bring negative energy into the home. To maintain good luck, it’s recommended to discard broken dishes. Additionally, it’s advised to get rid of damaged furniture and other household items, as they may indicate clutter that needs to be cleared for the well-being of your home and soul.