19 Superstition Symbols For Bad Luck

Our Key takeaways on bad luck signs, symbols, and superstitions from around the world

• • The world is teeming with a plethora of superstitious beliefs and negative omens and things that are considered bad luck, each culture weaving its own intricate tapestry of these curious phenomena. From the simple act of seeing a solitary bird perched ominously on a windowsill to the seemingly innocuous taboo of wearing specific garments in particular settings, superstitions manifest in a myriad of forms across the globe.

• • This compilation serves as a poignant reminder of the various symbols and practices associated with bad luck, urging us to tread cautiously in their wake. Whether it’s the dread of crossing paths with a black cat or the cautionary tales surrounding broken mirrors, these superstitions often stem from centuries-old folklore and cultural traditions, ingrained deeply within our collective consciousness.

• • By recognizing and acknowledging these superstitions, we equip ourselves with the awareness needed to navigate the intricacies of cultural beliefs and societal norms. Whether we choose to heed their warnings or dismiss them as mere superstition, their presence in our lives is undeniable, shaping our actions and perceptions in ways both subtle and profound.

• • However, amidst the shadows of superstition, there exists a beacon of hope – the possibility of attracting good luck into our lives. For those who seek to tilt the scales of fate in their favor, our article on cultivating good luck offers insights and strategies to harness the positive forces of fortune and serendipity. From ancient rituals to modern-day practices, there are myriad paths to inviting prosperity and abundance into our lives.

• • What is bad luck and how does it work? Ultimately, whether we choose to embrace superstition or skepticism, it is our awareness and understanding of these beliefs that empower us to navigate the complexities of our world with grace and resilience. So, let us tread lightly, mindful of the omens that surround us, and may fortune smile upon us all. And remember, there are several methods you can use if you’d like to know how to get good luck in your life.

19 bad luck symbols and unlucky superstitions around the world

Bad luck seems to be the biggest concern for many superstitious people. Most of us are familiar with the various good luck symbols. But, did you know there are hundreds of unlucky symbols and omens that are still believed to bring misfortune to this day? What brings bad luck and how does one combat it? It is almost impossible to know all of the unlucky superstition symbols, but we have created three lists of superstitious beliefs and ominous omens so you might avoid them if possible.

Bad luck omens: 6 signs of bad luck coming your way

Sometimes, things happen that are out of our control which are omens of bad luck. As if fate has other plans for us. But, we have created a bad luck signs list so you might prepare yourself, and possibly avoid them in the future.

Sitting at the corner of a table

• • Cultural Beliefs: Various cultures have superstitions that associate sitting at the corner of a table with bad luck.
• • Marriage Superstition: In some traditions, it’s believed that those who sit at the corner won’t marry for seven years.
• • Social Isolation: Sitting at a corner can make someone feel isolated or excluded from conversations, contributing to the superstition.
• • Energetic Flow: Feng Shui principles suggest that corners can disrupt the flow of energy, potentially bringing bad luck.
• • Symbolism: Corners might symbolize sharpness and discomfort, metaphorically translating to bad luck or misfortune in life.

Breaking a mirror

• • Historical Beliefs: Ancient Romans believed mirrors held a piece of the soul, and breaking one would damage the soul.
• • Seven Years of Bad Luck: This specific duration comes from the belief that it takes seven years for the soul to renew.
• • Superstitions Across Cultures: Many cultures have superstitions associating broken mirrors with misfortune.
• • Symbolism: Mirrors are often seen as symbol for bad luck or 
  symbols of self-reflection and truth, so breaking one can be viewed as a bad omen.
• • Folk Remedies: Various cultures have rituals to counteract bad luck, such as burying the broken pieces or throwing them into running water.

A black cat crossing your path

• • Historical Associations: In medieval Europe, black cats were often associated with witches and witchcraft.
• • Symbol of Evil: Black cats were thought to be witches’ familiars or even witches in disguise.
• • Cultural Beliefs: Different cultures have varying superstitions about black cats; in some, they are considered omens of bad luck.
• • Folklore: Legends and stories often depicted black cats as harbingers of misfortune or bad events.
• • Contrast with Positive Beliefs: In some cultures, black cats are actually seen as good luck, showing that the superstition is not universal.

Friday the 13th

• • Historical and Religious Beliefs: In Christian tradition, Friday is associated with the crucifixion of Jesus, and 13 is linked to the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, was the 13th guest. Thus, combining Friday with the number 13 is seen as doubly unlucky.
• • Numerology: The number 13 has long been considered unlucky in various cultures, leading to superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th.
• • Folklore and Mythology: Folklore often depicts Friday the 13th as a day of misfortune, potentially stemming from ancient Norse mythology, where Friday was considered a day of bad luck.
• • Media and Popular Culture: Movies and literature have perpetuated the idea of Friday the 13th as a day of horror and bad luck, further solidifying its association with negativity.
• • Confirmation Bias: People tend to notice negative events more on Friday the 13th due to the superstition, reinforcing the belief in its unluckiness.

Seeing an owl

• • Night and Darkness: Owls are nocturnal birds associated with darkness, mystery, and the unknown, leading to superstitions about them being omens of bad luck.
• • Death Omens: In some cultures, owls are believed to be harbingers of death or are associated with the underworld.
• • Supernatural Associations: Owls have been linked to witches, spirits, and other supernatural beings in folklore and mythology, contributing to their reputation for bringing misfortune.
• • Contrast with Positive Symbolism: While owls are often seen as symbols of wisdom in some cultures, their association with darkness and death in others contributes to the belief in their bad luck.

Seeing a single magpie

• • Folklore and Superstition: In some cultures, especially in the UK, magpies are associated with superstitions, particularly when seen alone.
• • Rhymes and Sayings: The superstition is often linked to the nursery rhyme “One for sorrow, two for joy” where seeing a single magpie is believed to bring sorrow or bad luck.
• • Loneliness and Misfortune: Seeing a lone magpie is thought to signify loneliness or bring misfortune according to some interpretations of the rhyme.
• • Psychological Effect: Belief in superstition can lead to feelings of unease or anxiety when encountering a single magpie, reinforcing the belief in its association with bad luck.

Bad luck charms: 6 unlucky items to steer clear of

When it comes to our homes, many of us are a little obsessed with trying to maintain its sanctuary status. So, it might be a good idea to keep things out of the home that might bring bad luck. Here is a list of bad luck symbols to keep away from your house.

Keeping dead plants

• • Symbolism of Death:

  Bad luck items such as dead plants symbolize decay, failure, and the end of life, which can attract negative energy according to some beliefs.

• • Feng Shui: In Feng Shui, dead or dying plants are considered bad luck as they disrupt the flow of positive energy, or chi, in the home or workplace.
• • Negative Vibes: Keeping dead plants around can create a sense of stagnation or negativity in the environment, affecting mood and well-being.
• • Cultural Beliefs: Various cultures have superstitions about dead plants bringing misfortune or inviting spirits into the home.
• • Aesthetic Considerations: Beyond superstitions, dead plants can also detract from the visual appeal of a space, contributing to a sense of disorder or neglect.

Placing a hat on a bed or a table

• • Historical Superstitions: Placing a hat on a bed or a table is associated with superstitions that date back centuries.
• • Death Superstitions: Some believe that placing a hat on a bed or table can invite death or illness into the household.
• • Hygiene Concerns: In the past, hats were often dirty or infested with pests, so placing them on surfaces where people slept or ate could spread germs or pests.
• • Disrespectful Gesture: Placing a hat on a bed or table may be seen as disrespectful to the space or to the objects themselves.
• • Cultural Norms: Various cultures have superstitions or customs regarding the placement of objects, with placing a hat on a bed or table being considered taboo in many.

Opening an umbrella indoors

• • Historical Superstitions: Opening an umbrella indoors is associated with superstitions that have been passed down through generations.
• • Protection from Evil: Some believe that umbrellas were originally designed to shield against evil spirits, so opening one indoors would invite those spirits into the home.
• • Disruption of Space: Opening an umbrella indoors may be seen as disruptive to the energy or flow of the space, leading to potential bad luck.
• • Practical Concerns: Opening an umbrella indoors can be hazardous, as it could knock over objects or potentially cause injury to people nearby.
• • Cultural Norms: Various cultures have superstitions or taboos regarding the opening of umbrellas indoors, contributing to the belief in its association with bad luck.

Charms

• • Superstitions: While charms are often used to ward off bad luck, there are superstitions that certain charms or actions involving charms can actually bring about misfortune.
• • Misused Charms: In some cultures, it’s believed that using charms incorrectly or disrespectfully can result in bad luck rather than protection.
• • Cursed Charms: There are stories and legends about charms or objects that are believed to be cursed, bringing nothing but trouble to those who possess them.
• • Negative Associations: Some charms may have negative associations or histories, leading people to believe that wearing or possessing them could attract bad luck.
• • Unintended Consequences: Even well-intentioned charms can sometimes have unintended consequences, with wearers experiencing a string of bad luck after acquiring or using them.
• • Fear of Backfiring: People may avoid using charms altogether out of fear that they could inadvertently bring about bad luck instead of the intended protection or good fortune.

Rocking chairs

• • Superstitions: In some cultures, rocking chairs are associated with superstitions that suggest they bring bad luck if left rocking empty.
• • Empty Rocking Chairs: The belief stems from the idea that an empty rocking chair moving on its own could be a sign of a ghost or spirit nearby, which is considered an omen of bad luck or impending misfortune.
• • Haunted House Trope: In literature, movies, and folklore, rocking chairs are often used as props in haunted house stories, further solidifying their association with supernatural occurrences and bad luck.
• • Creaking Sounds: The creaking sound of a rocking chair can also contribute to its eerie reputation, leading some to avoid using them out of fear of attracting negative energy or spirits.
• • Personal Beliefs: While not everyone believes in the superstitions surrounding rocking chairs, the fear of bad luck associated with them persists in some communities, influencing behavior and attitudes towards these pieces of furniture.

Broken clocks

• • Stopped Time: A broken clock symbolizes stopped time, which can be seen as a bad omen or a reminder of mortality.
• • Disruption of Routine: Clocks are essential for maintaining schedules and routines. A broken clock disrupts this sense of order and can lead to chaos or missed opportunities.
• • Missed Deadlines: A broken clock may cause someone to miss important deadlines or appointments, resulting in negative consequences and potentially bad luck.
• • Symbol of Incompletion: A broken clock can represent unfinished business or unresolved issues, which may bring about feelings of unease or anxiety.
• • Superstitions: Some cultures believe that a broken clock signifies an impending death in the household or is a sign of impending misfortune. This belief contributes to the association of broken clocks with bad luck.

Bad luck superstitions: 7 bad luck things you should never do or say

Some things happen that are out of our control, but many times we do things unknowingly that invite misfortune into our lives, or others. Here is a list of things that cause bad luck that we can try to avoid doing in the future.

Never spill salt

• • Historical Significance: The superstition surrounding spilled salt dates back centuries and is believed to have originated from ancient times.
• • Symbol of Purity: Salt has long been associated with purity and preservation. Spilling it was considered a waste and therefore, an affront to its value.
• • Supernatural Beliefs: Some cultures believed that spilling salt attracted evil spirits or demons. Thus, it was thought to bring bad luck or even lead to the devil’s presence.
• • Reversal Rituals: To counteract the bad luck, various cultures developed rituals, such as throwing a pinch of spilled salt over the left shoulder with the right hand.
• • Practical Reasons: Spilling salt was also considered unlucky because salt was once an expensive commodity. Wasting it was seen as a sign of extravagance or carelessness, which could lead to financial hardship.

Do not walk under a ladder

• • Historical Origins: The belief that walking under a ladder brings bad luck likely has its roots in ancient Egypt, where a ladder leaning against a wall formed a triangle, which was considered a sacred shape. Passing through this triangle was thought to disturb the spirits.
• • Christian Symbolism: Some believe the superstition may have Christian origins, as a ladder leaning against a wall resembles the gallows used for crucifixions. Thus, walking under it was seen as tempting fate or inviting death.
• • Safety Concerns: Beyond superstition, walking under a ladder can be hazardous. Objects or people may fall from above, or the ladder itself could collapse, causing injury.
• • Practical Considerations: Ladders are often used for construction or maintenance work. Walking underneath one could disrupt the work or pose a danger to both the person walking and the workers above.
• • Superstitions Across Cultures: The belief is not limited to one culture but is widespread across many, with variations in the reasons behind the superstition.

Do not cut your nails after dark

• • Superstition: This belief is rooted in superstition and varies across cultures, with many believing that cutting nails after dark brings bad luck or invites evil spirits.
• • Practical Concerns: In the past, cutting nails in low light conditions could lead to accidents or injuries due to poor visibility. Thus, the superstition may have originated as a way to prevent accidents.
• • Hygiene and Cleanliness: Cutting nails after dark might have been discouraged to maintain cleanliness, as it was harder to see dirt or ensure proper hygiene in dim lighting.
• • Associations with Death: In some cultures, cutting nails after dark is associated with death or mourning rituals. Therefore, it’s avoided as a sign of respect for the deceased.
• • Cultural Tradition: While not everyone believes in this superstition, it persists in many cultures as a tradition passed down through generations.

Do not compliment a baby

• • Evil Eye: In many cultures, complimenting a baby is believed to attract the “evil eye,” a malevolent glare that can bring harm or misfortune.
• • Envy and Jealousy: Complimenting a baby may be seen as inviting envy or jealousy from others, which could lead to negative consequences for the child or family.
• • Protection: To ward off the evil eye or jealousy, some cultures discourage complimenting babies directly. Instead, they may use phrases or gestures to deflect attention or praise away from the child.
• • Superstitions About Vulnerability: Babies are often seen as particularly vulnerable to supernatural influences, so precautions are taken to protect them from harm, including avoiding overt compliments.
• • Cultural Tradition: This belief is deeply ingrained in certain cultures and has been passed down through generations as a way to ensure the well-being and safety of infants.

Not replying to a chain letter

• • Superstition: Chain letters often contain warnings or promises of good luck if they are passed on and dire consequences if they are ignored. Some people believe that breaking the chain will bring bad luck or misfortune.
• • Fear of Consequences: Chain letters often play on people’s fears by threatening negative outcomes if the letter is not forwarded. This fear may lead some individuals to comply with the instructions out of concern for their safety or well-being.
• • Social Pressure: There may be social pressure to participate in chain letters, especially if friends or family members have forwarded them. Ignoring the letter could be seen as rude or disrespectful, potentially leading to strained relationships.
• • Psychological Effect: The psychological impact of receiving a chain letter can be powerful, as individuals may feel compelled to comply with the instructions to avoid any potential negative consequences, even if they don’t believe in the superstition.
• • Cultural Tradition: Chain letters have been circulating for decades, and the belief in their power to bring luck or misfortune has become deeply ingrained in some cultures, leading to widespread participation out of fear or superstition.

Getting out of bed on the wrong side

• • Historical Origins: The belief that getting out of bed on the wrong side brings bad luck dates back to ancient Roman times. Romans believed that the left side was associated with evil spirits, so getting out of bed on that side could lead to a day filled with misfortune.
• • Superstition: The superstition has persisted over the centuries, with many cultures believing that starting the day on the wrong foot, so to speak, can set a negative tone for the rest of the day.
• • Psychological Effect: The belief in getting out of bed on the wrong side can have a psychological impact, causing individuals to attribute any mishaps or bad luck throughout the day to their initial action of getting out of bed incorrectly.
• • Cultural Tradition: While not everyone believes in the superstition, it remains a cultural tradition in some regions, with people taking care to get out of bed on the “right” side to avoid any potential bad luck.

Putting your pants on while standing

• • Superstition: Some cultures believe that putting on pants while standing can bring bad luck. This superstition may stem from the idea that standing while dressing disrupts the natural flow of energy or invites negative energy into one’s life.
• • Historical Beliefs: In the past, standing while putting on clothes was associated with laziness or disrespect. It was considered proper etiquette to sit or kneel while dressing, especially in formal settings.
• • Practical Concerns: Putting on pants while standing can be more difficult and less efficient than doing so while sitting. Some believe that struggling to put on pants while standing could lead to a day filled with frustration or obstacles.
• • Cultural Tradition: The belief in avoiding standing while putting on pants may be passed down through generations as a cultural tradition, even if individuals do not necessarily believe in the superstition.

Resources:

1. https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/features/article/3066518/feeling-unlucky-here-are-13-superstitions-know-about
2. https://www.rd.com/list/unlucky-things-in-home/
3. https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/features/article/3066518/feeling-unlucky-here-are-13-superstitions-know-about