Many of our current superstitions starts hundreds, or even thousands of years ago.

1. Walking under a ladder: This superstition may have originated in Ancient Egypt, where ladders leaning against a wall formed a triangle, a symbol considered sacred. Disturbing this shape was considered disrespectful to the gods and could bring misfortune. It also has practical origins, as walking under a ladder could lead to accidents if tools or paint were to fall.
2. Breaking a mirror: This superstition dates back to the ancient Romans, who believed that mirrors reflected a person’s soul. Damaging a mirror was thought to harm the soul, leading to seven years of bad luck, which represented the time they believed it took for the soul to renew itself.
3. Black cat crossing your path: This superstition has roots in the Middle Ages, when black cats were associated with witches and evil spirits. It was believed that a black cat crossing your path could signify that a witch was nearby, or even that the cat itself was a witch in disguise.
4. Spilling salt: In ancient times, salt was a valuable commodity, and spilling it was considered wasteful and a bad omen. The act of throwing salt over your left shoulder was believed to appease the Devil, who was thought to lurk behind your left shoulder.
5. Opening an umbrella indoors: This superstition is rooted in both practicality and symbolism. Umbrellas were originally designed for sun protection, so opening one indoors was seen as an insult to the sun god. Additionally, opening an umbrella indoors can be dangerous, as it can easily knock things over and cause accidents.
6. Friday the 13th: The fear of Friday the 13th, also known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, is believed to have originated from a combination of factors. The Last Supper had 13 attendees, with Jesus being crucified on a Friday. Additionally, in Norse mythology, the god Loki was the 13th guest at a banquet, leading to chaos and tragedy.
7. Knocking on wood: This practice may have originated from pagan beliefs, where trees were thought to house protective spirits. Knocking on wood was a way of summoning these spirits for protection or thanking them for good fortune.
8. Finding a penny heads up: The origin of this superstition is unclear, but it may be related to the positive associations with the “heads” side of a coin, which often features the image of a ruler or a deity. Finding a penny heads up could be seen as a sign of approval from these figures.
9. Throwing a coin in a fountain: This practice likely originated from the ancient belief that water sources were inhabited by deities or spirits. Throwing coins into the water was a way of offering gifts to these beings in exchange for good luck or wishes granted.
10. Seeing a shooting star: This superstition dates back to ancient times, when people believed that shooting stars were divine messengers or falling souls. Making a wish upon seeing a shooting star was a way of sending a message to the heavens or connecting with the spiritual realm.