In honor of Halloween, or “All Hallow’s Eve,” historically thought to be the one night in which the souls of the dead can revisit their homes, we have done a little bit of research on generic as well as specific Southern superstitions … from opening an umbrella inside to painting door jams “haint blue.” As we continue to celebrate our silver anniversary, we have complied our favorite 25.
Bad Luck
1. Walking under a ladder.
2. Opening an umbrella inside.
3. Stepping over a broom.
4. Doing laundry on New Year’s Day.
5. When the groom sees his bride before the wedding.
6. Thanking a person who gives you a plant — it will die.
7. Giving someone a wallet or purse as a gift without including at least one dollar.
8. Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.
Good Luck
9. Rain on your wedding day.
10. Killing a spider after dark.
11. Putting a little scratch on a new car for good luck while driving.
12. Putting a penny face-up under a new carpet.
13. Finding a cricket in your house.
14. Keeping a rabbit’s foot or a Kennedy half dollar in your pocket.
Other Superstitions
15. Paint your door and window jams blue to keep the haints out.
16. If your nose itches, you will kiss a fool.
17. If your ears itch, someone is talking about you.
18. If your feet itch, you are going somewhere new.
19. If your palm itches, money is coming your way.
20. If you sneeze three times, someone is thinking of you.
21. If cows lie down in the middle of the day, rain is coming.
22. If dragonflies fly in the shape of a funnel, a hurricane is coming.
23. A terrible dress rehearsal in theater means a great performance opening night.
24. Knock on wood for a wish to come true.
25. Sweeping under a woman’s feet means they will never marry.
