Britain isn’t usually associated with being particularly superstitious, but we actually really are. Even if we don’t take it too seriously, there are a lot of habits and rituals associated with luck in this country, many of them regional or rare to see these days. Here are 19 British superstitions you’ve probably never heard of.
Touching Wood
As Oxford Reference points out, many Brits touch wood to ward off bad luck, a superstition that dates back to ancient times when people believed spirits lived in trees. By touching wood, they hoped to invoke the protection of these spirits and ensure good fortune. To this day, people will often say “Touch wood” and do exactly that immediately after saying something bad that they don’t want to happen.
Magpies and Their Greetings
Brits are not the biggest fans of magpies, so much so that seeing one is considered unlucky. To counter this, it’s customary to greet the bird with a friendly “Hello, Mr. Magpie.” This greeting is thought to show respect and prevent any misfortune that might follow.
Horseshoe Above the Door
While it’s less common these days, horseshoes are believed to bring good luck in the UK, but only if hung the right way. The horseshoe must be placed with the ends pointing upward, resembling a “U” shape, to keep the luck from spilling out.
Black Cats Crossing Your Path
Even though black cats are often seen as lucky in some cultures, in Britain, it’s a bit different. If a black cat crosses your path, it’s considered an omen of bad luck, and you might want to take extra care.
Walking Under Ladders
In Britain, walking under a ladder is thought to bring bad luck, something that likely stems from the idea that a ladder forms a triangle, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Breaking this triangle is considered sacrilegious, although most people aren’t aware of this–they’re just scared that the person climbing the ladder is going to come tumbling down on top of them.
Spilling Salt
If you accidentally spill salt, British superstition advises you to throw a pinch over your left shoulder. This action is believed to blind the devil waiting behind you, preventing him from causing trouble. It’s very rare for Brits to actually believe in the devil, so it’s like we just join in with this superstition for the fun of it.
Knocking on Doors
When visiting a friend’s new home for the first time, it’s traditional to knock on the door and enter with your right foot first. This gesture is believed to bring good luck and blessings to the household, so don’t make the mistake of entering with your left foot, especially if you’re visiting an older person.
Opening Umbrellas Indoors
One of the most common British superstitions is that opening an umbrella indoors is considered bad luck in Britain. This superstition dates back to Victorian times when umbrellas had stiff, spring-loaded mechanisms that could cause injury or break valuable items if opened indoors. These days, it’s not such a problem, but people certainly won’t be happy if you do it.
Saying “Rabbit” on the First of the Month
For some strange reason, on the first day of each month, some Brits say “rabbit, rabbit” upon waking. This ritual is believed to bring good luck for the rest of the month, with the first utterance of the day setting a positive tone.
New Shoes on the Table
Shoes never really belong on the table, but placing new shoes on a table is thought to bring bad luck in the British Isles. This belief likely originated from the practice of placing the shoes of the deceased on a table, associating the act with death and misfortune.
Itchy Palms
In British folklore, an itchy right palm means you will receive money, whereas an itchy left palm signifies you will lose money. This superstition is still popular and often cited during casual conversations, although it’s dying out among younger Brits, sadly.
Hanging Garlic
Garlic is not just for cooking; hanging garlic in your home is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against bad luck here in the UK. Some people still follow this age-old practice, especially around Halloween, although it’s definitely becoming less common.
Throwing Coins into Fountains
One of the most quintessential British superstitions is to throw a coin into a fountain or well before making a wish. This practice dates back to the belief that water sources were home to deities who could grant wishes in exchange for offerings.
Cutting Nails on a Friday
Few Brits are aware that many of us hold a superstition that cutting your nails on a Friday is considered bad luck. This superstition is linked to the belief that Friday is an unlucky day, and performing certain tasks on this day can invite misfortune.
Counting Crows
The sighting of crows has its own rhyme in the UK: “One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy.” This old saying is still recited when spotting crows, with the number of birds seen thought to predict the future.
Breaking a Mirror
In Great Britain, breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck. This superstition dates back to ancient times when mirrors were believed to hold a part of the soul, and breaking one was thought to damage the soul.
Keeping Fingers Crossed
If you want good luck in the UK, you will no doubt cross your fingers. This gesture is believed to have originated from early Christianity, symbolizing the sign of the cross and invoking divine protection. Even today, it remains one of the most common British superstitions by a mile.
Whistling Indoors
Believe it or not, whistling indoors is considered unlucky by many in Britain. This superstition might stem from sailors’ belief that whistling could summon strong winds and storms, bringing bad luck to those at sea.
Stepping on Cracks
Avoiding cracks in the pavement is thought to protect loved ones from harm in the UK, making it a playful yet superstitious habit for many. As the saying goes, “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.” It’s morbid but still practiced widely over here.