Question 1

Why do people throw salt over their shoulder when they spill it?

Accepted Answer

People believe that throwing salt over your shoulder can chase away bad luck. This idea comes from a long time ago when salt was valuable and spilling it was considered bad and wasteful.

Question 2

Why is a black cat considered bad luck?

Accepted Answer

Long ago, people thought black cats were connected to witches or could bring bad luck. Today, most people just think of them as regular cats, and black cats can actually be very lucky in some cultures.

Question 3

Why do people knock on wood?

Accepted Answer

When people want to avoid bad luck after saying something positive, they knock on wood hoping to keep the good luck. This idea came from ancient times when people thought trees were homes to good spirits.

Question 4

Why is the number 13 considered unlucky?

Accepted Answer

The number 13 is often seen as unlucky because some people think it upsets the balance, especially after the number 12. In many cultures, 12 is a nicer, more complete number, like how there are 12 months in a year.

Question 5

Why do people cross their fingers for good luck?

Accepted Answer

Crossing fingers is a way people hope for good luck or want to show support. The crossed shape connects to symbols of hope and protection from a long time ago.

Question 6

Why should you never open an umbrella indoors?

Accepted Answer

People say opening an umbrella inside can bring bad luck because long ago umbrellas were meant to protect against the weather, and using them inside might upset the protection spirits.

Question 7

Why do people avoid walking under ladders?

Accepted Answer

Walking under a ladder can be seen as bad luck because a ladder forms a triangle, which was a special shape to ancient people. It can also be dangerous if something falls from above!

Question 8

Why is breaking a mirror said to bring seven years of bad luck?

Accepted Answer

In the past, people thought mirrors held some of your soul, and breaking one could harm it. The seven years idea might come from old stories where seven steps were needed for changes.

Question 9

Why do people wish upon a star?

Accepted Answer

Stars are far away and often seen as magical, so people make wishes on them, hoping their wish will come true. This belief has been around for a long time in many stories and cultures.

Question 10

Why do people say 'bless you' when someone sneezes?

Accepted Answer

A long time ago, people thought sneezing could let your spirit out or let in something bad, so saying 'bless you' was like a quick protection spell. Now, it's just a polite thing people say.

Question 11

Why do people believe in lucky pennies?

Accepted Answer

Pennies are small and shiny and have been seen as good luck because they were once made of valuable materials. Finding a penny is sometimes seen as a little gift from the universe.

Question 12

Why is seeing a shooting star considered lucky?

Accepted Answer

Shooting stars are rare and beautiful, so people think making a wish when you see one can bring you good luck. Since they move quickly, you have to make up your mind fast!

Question 13

Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky?

Accepted Answer

Friday the 13th is considered unlucky because Friday and the number 13 both have unlucky stories in some old tales. So, having them together just seems extra unlucky to some people.

Question 14

Why do people avoid stepping on cracks in the sidewalk?

Accepted Answer

The saying 'step on a crack, you'll break your mother's back' is just something kids say to make a game out of walking. It's not really true, but it's fun to try and avoid the cracks!

Question 15

Why do people consider horseshoes lucky?

Accepted Answer

Horseshoes are made of iron, which was once thought to scare away bad spirits. People hang them over doors because they believe they'll catch good luck, as long as they're the right way up!

Question 16

Why do people believe blowing out all birthday candles in one try is lucky?

Accepted Answer

Blowing out all the candles is thought to make a wish come true because birthday wishes are a fun, hopeful tradition. The more candles you have, the harder it is, which makes it more of a challenge!

Question 17

Why do people carry a rabbit's foot for luck?

Accepted Answer

Carrying a rabbit's foot for luck comes from old beliefs that rabbits are magical and lucky creatures. It's just one of those traditions that stuck around even though most people don't believe in magic today.

Question 18

Why is it said to be unlucky to spill salt?

Accepted Answer

Salt used to be very valuable, and spilling it was wasteful, leading people to think it could bring bad luck. To fix the bad luck, some people throw a pinch over their shoulder.

Question 19

Why do we avoid walking by black cats?

Accepted Answer

In some stories, black cats were thought to be magical or attached to witches, which made some people nervous. Now, it's mostly a tale, and black cats are just like any other cats.

Question 20

Why do people hide their thumbs in cemeteries in Japan?

Accepted Answer

In Japan, hiding your thumbs in a graveyard is supposed to protect your parents. The word 'thumb' in Japanese is 'parent finger', so covering it is like keeping them safe from harm.

The Science Behind Everyday Superstitions - 20 FAQs Explained Simply