For thousands of years, certain situations and items have been revered by people or cause them to become repulsed, depending on the superstition with that item. Items can be good luck or bad luck, situations can predict a death or wedding in the family, and there are good and bad times to begin something. Particularly at this time of year, luck is on everyone’s mind.
There are many signs of bad luck to the superstitious. Black cats can cause bad luck if they cross the path of a person. Walking under a ladder can also cause bad luck. Both breaking a mirror and opening an umbrella in the house are bad luck. Spilling salt, unless you throw some over your left shoulder, can bring misfortune.
There are, of course, good luck signs to balance these out. Four leaf clovers, horseshoes and a rabbit’s foot are supposed to bring good luck. Wearing clothes inside out and wearing your birthstone can help balance out bad luck, as can finding a penny heads-up.
Other than luck signs, there are certain happenings that can foreshadow other events. If you stepped on a crack, you would break your mother’s back. Dropping a dishtowel on the floor can signal a terrible housekeeper coming to visit. You could come into some money if your palm itches. If you hear a strange noise three times a night, it means death.
Watch out for black cats, keep a lookout for four leaf clovers, and good luck.