8 Unusual Superstitions in Britain

Superstitions have always intrigued people, and the collection of British superstitions is no exception. From avoiding walking under ladders to being cautious about opening umbrellas indoors, these beliefs may appear odd to newcomers. Yet, these customs often hold fascinating origins rooted in the quirkiness of cultural traditions. SSP prepared.

1. Fortunate Bird Droppings

Strangely enough, being pooped on by a bird is considered good luck in Britain! This comes as welcome news for those studying at BSC Brighton, located near the coast where seagulls abound. While birds are plentiful in the sky, getting splattered by one's droppings is supposedly more uncommon than winning the lottery. Thus, being one of the "lucky" individuals who experience such an event is believed to bring remarkable fortune. Moreover, this superstition encourages turning a negative situation into a positive one, which we wholeheartedly appreciate!

2. Shoes on the Table

While some superstitions may be universal, the superstition surrounding placing new shoes on a table tends to be distinctly British. Originating from England's North, this belief links to the coal mining industry. When a miner passed away, their family used to honor them by situating their shoes on the table. Consequently, placing shoes on a table was seen as an act of incurring misfortune.

3. The Unfortunate Umbrella

Given the frequent rainy weather in the UK, carrying an umbrella becomes essential. However, beware of opening one indoors, as this is believed to attract bad luck. This superstition carries remarkable historical weight, harking back to ancient Egypt when peacock feathers and papyrus served as protective elements against the sun. Opening an umbrella indoors was considered an insult to the sun deity, 'Ra,' and thus brought unfavorable consequences. Later, in the Victorian era, the construction of umbrellas with steel spokes increased the risk of causing injuries or damage to the eyes upon their unsolicited opening inside residences. Even today, opening an umbrella indoors is regarded as unlucky.

4. The Dreaded Number 13

The number 13 has traditionally been deemed unlucky by numerous cultures. In Christianity, its ill omen traces back to the Bible. Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, is widely regarded as the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Moreover, Jesus' crucifixion occurred on a Friday, hence the origins of the widely unlucky 'Friday the 13th.' Interestingly, superstitious individuals frequently choose not to reside in places lacking a number 13.

5. The Ladder's Shadows

Another age-old superstition revolves around the aversion to walking beneath ladders. In medieval times, people associated ladders leaning against walls with the gallows, where criminals met deathly ends. Consequently, venturing under a ladder implied a gruesome demise awaited anyone who committed the act.

6. Black Cat Beliefs

Folklore and superstitions concerning black cats vary across countries. In general, black cats are seen as bringing bad luck due to their associations with demons and witches, often deemed symbols of evil omens. However, in the United Kingdom, encountering a black cat walking towards you is a sign of good fortune, whereas a black cat walking away is thought to take that luck with it.

7. Mysterious Magpie Sightings

Have you heard the rhyme, "One for sorrow, two for joy..." when one lays eyes on a magpie? These black and white birds hold symbols of luck, be it good or bad, depending on the number you spot. Magpies have long been linked to death, so sighting a solitary magpie is believed to bring sorrow. On the other hand, seeing two brings forth good luck. Although the rhyme continues up to ten, it is typically employed when counting one or two magpies. Some British folks even address the magpie with a greeting of "Good Morning, Mr Magpie," in an attempt to avoid bad luck.

8. The Shattered Mirror

Breaking a mirror is strongly associated with seven years of bad luck. This belief dates back to ancient Roman times when mirrors were thought to be portals to the soul, and shattering one resulted in damaged souls. Redemption came only when life renewed, believed to occur every seven years.

 Exploring local beliefs adds depth to one's understanding of different societies and their unique traditions.