10 Weird Superstitions That People Still Believe Today
Superstitions may sound silly, but millions of people still follow bizarre beliefs that defy logic.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Humans have always clung to superstitions, even in an age of science and reason. Some of these beliefs are harmless, like lucky charms, while others are just plain bizarre. Here are 10 weird superstitions that people still take seriously today.
1. Knocking on Wood
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People knock on wood to avoid jinxing themselves, as if trees have a hotline to good luck. This belief dates back to ancient times when people thought spirits lived inside trees. Even today, many people tap a wooden surface after saying something hopeful to “keep bad luck away.” If trees could talk, they’d probably roll their eyes.
2. Friday the 13th Is Unlucky
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Some people refuse to leave their houses on Friday the 13th because they fear disaster will strike. The number 13 has been seen as unlucky for centuries, possibly due to religious and historical events. Many buildings skip the 13th floor, and some airlines avoid using the number 13 for their seats. It’s funny how we let a simple number decide our fate.
3. Walking Under a Ladder Brings Bad Luck
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A leaning ladder supposedly forms a triangle, which symbolizes the Holy Trinity, so walking through it was once seen as blasphemous. Over time, the belief shifted into a general warning of bad luck. Realistically, walking under a ladder is just a bad idea because something might fall on your head. Maybe superstitions are just old-fashioned safety rules in disguise.
4. Black Cats Are a Bad Omen
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Black cats got a bad reputation because medieval Europeans believed they were witches in disguise. Even today, some people avoid crossing paths with them, fearing misfortune. Ironically, in some cultures, black cats are considered lucky. The real tragedy is that black cats in shelters often get ignored because of this superstition.
5. Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck
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This belief comes from ancient Rome, where people thought a mirror reflected the soul, and breaking it meant damaging your fate. The “seven years” part comes from the idea that it takes seven years for your soul to renew itself. Some people even bury broken mirror pieces to avoid bad luck. Or, you know, they could just clean up the mess and move on.
6. Opening an Umbrella Indoors Is Unlucky
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Victorians believed that opening an umbrella indoors would offend the spirits that protected the home. Others say it comes from common sense—old umbrellas had sharp metal spokes, so opening one inside could actually hurt someone. The superstition stuck around even after umbrella technology improved. If anything, it’s just a great way to start an argument in a small room.
7. Spilling Salt Brings Bad Luck
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In the old days, salt was valuable, so spilling it was seen as wasteful and unlucky. To fix the bad luck, people toss a pinch of salt over their left shoulder, supposedly blinding the devil lurking behind them. It’s a weirdly dramatic way to fix a tiny mistake. Maybe the real problem is the mess left behind.
8. Itchy Palms Mean Money Is Coming
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An old belief says that if your left palm itches, you’ll lose money, but if your right palm itches, you’ll receive money. Some cultures believe you should never scratch an itchy palm, or else you’ll lose your financial blessing. It’s basically the world’s laziest get-rich-quick scheme. If only bank accounts worked the same way.
9. Birds Flying Into Your House Bring Death
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Some people believe that if a bird flies into your house, someone in the family will soon die. This superstition likely comes from old folklore that saw birds as messengers between the living and the dead. In reality, the bird is probably just confused and panicking. Maybe the real message is that someone forgot to close the window.
10. Wishing on a Falling Star
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The belief that shooting stars grant wishes comes from ancient Greece, where people thought gods peered down from the sky and sent these lights as a sign. Today, people still make wishes when they see one, hoping for love, success, or good fortune. Scientifically, they’re just bits of space rock burning up in the atmosphere. But hey, wishing never hurt anyone.