8 Peculiar British Superstitions

Many British superstitions may appear odd to newcomers. However, these beliefs often have intriguing origins.

What is a Superstition?

A superstition is a belief often rooted in the supernatural. It typically implies that certain actions cause good or bad luck without scientific backing. These beliefs suggest a connection between events, even when no evidence supports them.

Getting Pooped On by a Bird

In Britain, being pooped on by a bird is seen as a stroke of good luck. This is especially fortunate for students at the BSC Brighton, near the coast, where seagulls are plentiful. Despite the many birds, it's rarer to be hit than to win the lottery. Therefore, if one experiences this unexpected event, it is deemed very lucky. This superstition exemplifies making the best of a bad situation.

Placing New Shoes on the Table

The practice of placing new shoes on a table is uniquely British. This belief may come from the North of England and relates to the coal mining tradition. When a miner died, their family would honor them by placing their shoes on the table. Consequently, putting new shoes on a table is seen as tempting fate.

Opening an Umbrella Indoors

With frequent rain in the UK, carrying an umbrella is vital. However, opening an umbrella indoors brings bad luck, as the saying goes. This superstition has roots in ancient Egypt, where umbrellas protected from the sun. Opening one indoors was an insult to the sun deity, Ra, leading to curses. Later, in the Victorian era, indoor use could cause accidents, reinforcing the idea that it was unlucky.

The Fear of the Number 13

Many consider the number thirteen unlucky. This belief likely stems from Christian themes in the Bible. Judas, who betrayed Jesus, is thought to be the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Furthermore, Jesus was crucified on a Good Friday, hence the belief surrounding Friday the 13th. Numerous buildings skip the number 13, reflecting people's superstition about living there.

Avoiding Ladders

Another ancient superstition involves the avoidance of walking under ladders. In medieval times, a ladder against a wall resembled the gallows. Therefore, walking under one was said to invite a similar fate.

Encountering a Black Cat

Beliefs about black cats vary worldwide. Typically, they are seen as omens of bad luck due to connections with demons and witches. In the UK, however, if a black cat walks towards you, it brings good luck. Conversely, if it walks away, it carries the good fortune with it.

Spotting a Magpie

Many are familiar with the rhyme "One for sorrow, two for joy" regarding magpies. These black-and-white birds signify different luck, depending on the number seen. A solitary magpie brings sorrow, while two bring luck! Although the rhyme continues past ten, most people use it for one or two. Saying "Good Morning, Mr. Magpie" can also help ward off bad luck.

Breaking a Mirror

Breaking a mirror is believed to incur seven years of bad luck. This belief dates back to Roman times, when mirrors were thought to serve as portals to the soul. Damage inflicted on a mirror would harm the soul, which couldn't be repaired until one's life renewed — once every seven years.