13 Childhood Superstitions We Took Way Too Seriously
These silly childhood superstitions once felt like life-or-death rules on the playground.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Growing up, kids often believed in quirky “rules” that seemed to control luck, fate, or instant doom. From sidewalk cracks to lucky charms, these superstitions were passed down like sacred secrets. Here are 13 childhood superstitions we took way too seriously, even if they seem hilarious now.
1. Step on a Crack, Break Your Mother’s Back
Zoshua Colah on Unsplash
Sidewalks became obstacle courses as kids hopped over cracks to protect their moms. It turned every walk home from school into a mini adventure.
2. Avoiding Black Cats
Ghana Shyam Khadka on Unsplash
Spotting a black cat crossing your path felt like instant bad luck. Kids would either freeze or take a dramatic detour around the block.
3. Breaking a Mirror Meant Seven Years Bad Luck
Savannah B. on Unsplash
Accidentally shattering a mirror brought instant panic and visions of a cursed life. Kids would search for any “cure,” like throwing salt or spinning around three times.
4. Holding Your Breath Past Cemeteries
Greg Borenstein on Flickr
Many kids believed that breathing near a cemetery invited spirits to follow you home. Car rides suddenly turned into silent competitions of lung power.
5. Wishing on Eyelashes
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If an eyelash fell out, kids would blow it away while making a secret wish. The ritual felt magical, as if a tiny piece of luck could float into the universe.
6. Picking Up Lucky Pennies
Annie Spratt on Unsplash
“Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you’ll have good luck” was practically a law. Kids would dive for the shiniest copper coin like it was buried treasure.
7. Avoiding Walking Under Ladders
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Even if it was just a small step ladder in the garage, kids tiptoed around it like it was cursed. The superstition mixed danger with mystery, making it feel like tempting fate.
8. Knocking on Wood
Ivan Radic on Flickr
Anytime we bragged or said something hopeful, we instinctively rapped on the nearest tree or desk. It was the universal insurance policy against jinxing ourselves.
9. Tossing Salt Over Your Shoulder
Pavel Neznanov on Unsplash
Spilling salt was terrifying because it supposedly summoned bad luck or even the devil. Throwing a pinch over your left shoulder was the instant fix.
10. Making a Wish at 11:11
FETHI BOUHAOUCHINE on Unsplash
Whenever the digital clock hit 11:11, it became a mini ceremony. Kids would stop whatever they were doing to close their eyes and make a silent wish.
11. Holding Lucky Rabbit’s Feet
RootOfAllLight on Wikimedia Commons
Keychains with rabbit’s feet were a strange but popular talisman for kids who wanted extra luck. Many carried them to school or hung them from backpacks like charms.
12. Crossing Your Fingers for Luck
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
From dodgeball games to spelling tests, crossing your fingers felt like a foolproof plan. It was our portable good-luck spell, sometimes doubled up behind our backs.
13. Blowing Dandelions to Make Wishes
PickPik
Finding a fluffy dandelion in the yard was like discovering a wish factory. Kids would take a deep breath, blow the seeds into the wind, and imagine their dreams floating away.