Europe is a continent rich with diverse cultures and traditions, each harbouring its own unique superstitions. From knocking on wood to avoid bad luck to the peculiar belief that bird droppings bring fortune, these fascinating customs offer a glimpse into the continent’s intriguing folklore.
Knocking on Wood (Various Countries)
Many Europeans believe that knocking on wood can ward off bad luck or evil spirits. Different varieties of the phrase exist around Europe, such as “touch wood” in Britain or “knock on the table” (usually wooden) in Norway.
While it’s not completely known where this superstition originated, it’s traced to ancient pagan cultures like the Celts, and is based on the belief that spirits resided in trees. By knocking on wood or the tree trunk, you are thought to be calling upon these protective spirits to safeguard you from misfortune or chase away evil ones.
Avoiding the Number 17 (Italy)
In Italy, the number 17 is considered unlucky similarly to how the number 13 is unlucky in most countries. The Roman numeral XVII can be rearranged to spell “VIXI,” which means “I have lived” in Latin, implying death.
This association with mortality has led Italians to consider the number 17 as highly unlucky. As a result, many Italians avoid using this number in various aspects of life, from hotel rooms to car registrations. If an Italian plays roulette in a European online casino, they would never bet on the number 17.
It’s not uncommon to find buildings without a 17th floor or airlines that skip row 17 on their planes. Even in sports, athletes might avoid wearing the number 17 on their jerseys. This deep-seated superstition influences many decisions and practices, reflecting the cultural importance of avoiding bad omens.
Tuesday the 13th (Spain and Greece)
While Friday the 13th is considered unlucky in many cultures, in Spain and Greece, it’s Tuesday the 13th that brings bad luck. While the number 13 is known to be unlucky in many cultures, Tuesday is normally considered to be a regular day for most, unless you are Greek or Spanish.
Tuesday is the day of the week associated with the Roman god Mars or the Greek god Ares, both the god of war and thought to bring misfortune. To further add to the bad reputation of Tuesdays, it’s the day when the fall of Constantinople and the confusion of the Tower of Babel occurred.
Spaniards and Greeks often avoid making important decisions or travelling on this day.
Bird Poop Brings Good Luck (Russia)
In Russia, if a bird poops on you or your property, it’s considered good luck and a sign of wealth coming your way. This superstition is based on the idea that something as random and unpleasant as bird droppings must be balanced by a stroke of good fortune.
The belief is so ingrained in Russian culture that people often welcome this seemingly unfortunate event with a positive outlook, seeing it as a precursor to financial gain or other forms of prosperity. Whether it happens to your car, your clothes, or even your head, the mess is viewed as a small price to pay for the good luck that follows.
Never Toast with Water (Various Countries)
In many European countries, it’s bad luck to toast with water. This superstition originates from ancient Greek mythology, where it was believed that the dead drank from the River Lethe in the Underworld to forget their past lives. As a result, the Greeks would toast to the dead with glasses of water to symbolise their journey to the Underworld. Consequently, toasting with water is seen as inviting bad luck or even death.
While rooted in Europe, this superstition has influence all over the world. For example, the U.S. Navy today this day forbids toasting with water to avoid waking the souls of the drowned.
Sitting at the Corner of the Table (Hungary and Russia)
In Hungary and Russia, it’s believed that if you sit at the corner of a table, you won’t get married. This superstition is particularly aimed at young women, who are warned to avoid this seating position to ensure a future marriage. The belief is so strong that during social gatherings and family meals, people often rearrange seating to prevent anyone, especially young women, from sitting at the corners.
This practice is rooted in the idea that the corners of a table represent isolation and loneliness, which could metaphorically extend to one’s romantic life. In some households, older family members might even go as far as to gently remind or physically move young women away from corner seats to protect their marital prospects.
Placing Bread Upside Down (France)
In France, placing a loaf of bread or a baguette upside down on the table is considered bad luck. This superstition dates back to medieval times when an upside-down loaf was reserved for the executioner. Bakers would set aside a loaf of bread for the executioner and place it upside down to distinguish it from other loaves, signalling that it was not to be touched by anyone else. This practice was a mark of respect and fear, as the executioner held a grim and powerful role in society.
Featured image Photo by Sudipta Mondal
Over time, the act of placing bread upside down became associated with bad luck and misfortune. It was believed that doing so could invite negative energy or even death into the household if one eats this cursed bread. The superstition is so strong that even today, many French people will go out of their way to ensure that a loaf of bread is always placed right side up on the table. However, according to this source, you can simply undo the curse by cutting a cross using your knife on the flat side of the baguette.
