House Superstitions
Discover traditional beliefs about homes and household objects. Many cultures view certain events in the house as omens of fortune or misfortune.
Bed
Placing the bed under a window is believed to weaken the spirit during sleep.
Making the bed after sunset is said to invite bad dreams.
Broom
Placing a broom behind the door is said to keep unwanted guests away.
Never stand a broom upside down-it invites bad energy.
Carpet
Sweeping under a rug hides secrets.
Tripping over a rug could mean someone is thinking of you-positively or negatively.
Chair
Rocking an empty chair invites spirits to sit in it.
It's said to bring bad luck or attract the dead.
Clock
A stopped clock is an omen of death.
Giving a clock as a gift is thought to "count down" a relationship.
Door
Leaving a door open during a storm may let evil spirits in.
Slamming doors is said to disturb the household spirits.
Fence
A broken fence symbolizes broken protection.
Repairing a fence strengthens the household's energy and keeps negativity out.
Guests
If unexpected guests arrive after you've swept the floor, it means good fortune is coming.
A black cat crossing before a guest enters is considered a bad omen.
Handwork
Doing needlework or sewing on a Sunday was once believed to anger household spirits or bring misfortune.
House
If a bird flies into your house, it is considered an omen-black birds may symbolize death, while doves bring peace.
Moving house on a Friday is thought to bring bad luck.
Household Spirit
In Slavic and other European folklore, household spirits protect the home but must be respected.
Loud noises or disrespect may cause them to become mischievous.
Lamp
Flickering lights are often believed to signal the presence of a ghost or spirit.
Blowing out a lamp in one breath brings good fortune.
Mirror
Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck.
Mirrors were also believed to trap souls if left uncovered near a dead body.
Moving In
Moving into a new home on a Tuesday or during a full moon is said to bring prosperity.
Entering the home with bread and salt ensures abundance.
Picture
A picture falling off the wall without reason is believed to be a sign of coming misfortune or death.
Rocking Chair
If a rocking chair rocks by itself, it's considered a sign that a spirit is present or that someone will soon die.
Soap
If someone hands you a bar of soap directly, it's believed to cause a quarrel.
Always set it down first before someone else picks it up.
Stairs
Whistling on stairs is believed to summon spirits.
Leaving shoes on stairs can attract negative energy or accidents.
Sweeping
Sweeping after dark is said to sweep away wealth or luck.
Sweeping someone's feet could curse them never to marry.
Table
Sitting on a table is said to bring poverty.
Knocking on a wooden table is a traditional way to ward off bad luck.
Threshold
Never shake hands or say goodbye across a threshold-it's believed to break relationships or invite arguments.
Trash
Taking out the trash after sunset is said to throw away good luck or let spirits into the home.
Well
Wishing into a well is believed to make your wish come true if the water is clear.
Seeing your reflection in a well at night is considered unlucky or dangerous.
