8 time-honored money superstitions and their fascinating origins

Coins tossed into fountains, sixpence embedded in Christmas pudding, and itchy palms foretelling financial gains - these are just a few of the peculiar superstitions related to money found around the world. While they may seem odd, these traditions have deep-rooted histories worth uncovering. Here are eight lesser-known money superstitions and the intriguing stories behind them. SSP prepared.

1. Tossing money into a fountain

Ever wondered why people throw their hard-earned money away? This practice stems from ancient times when access to clean water was considered a gift from the gods. Individuals would leave offerings of money to ensure a continuous supply of fresh water. Eventually, this act evolved into throwing coins into fountains, symbolizing wishes and inviting good luck.

2. Sixpence in the Christmas Pudding

As you enjoy your Christmas pud, biting into a coin might startle you. Fear not, though, for this coin is actually a traditional symbol of good luck. Records trace this custom back to the 1300s, where it originated with the "Twelfth Night Cake." Initially, a dried pea or bean was inserted into the mixture, and whoever discovered it in their slice would be crowned the king or queen of the evening. Over time, the bean was replaced with a silver ring or crown, and eventually, a silver sixpence, leading to the continuation of this wishful tradition.

3. The Rhyme of Finding a Penny

We all know the popular rhyme, "Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck!". This simple verse has ancient origins where metals were believed to ward off evil spirits. With the introduction of coins as currency, these pieces of metal became associated with prosperity and fortune. While it may purely be a product of magical thinking, discovering a penny still brings a sense of expectation for a fortunate day.

4. Itchy Palms Indicating Financial Fortunes

The superstition of itchy palms carries particular meanings depending on the hand involved. If your left hand itches, rejoice, as good fortune, typically financial in nature, accounts for this sensation. Conversely, an itchy right palm could symbolize an impending loss of money due to sudden expenses or bills.This belief originates from the saying "left to receive, right to give," with its roots dating back to the Saxons and Celts. In those times, rubbing silver on the skin was believed to cure ailments, leading people to soothe their itchy palms with silver and associating the sensation with potential financial gain.

5. A Spider in Your Pocket for Prosperity

Although encountering a spider might usually send people fleeing, here's an exception: if you manage to guide a spider into your pocket, it is said to invite wealth and good fortune into your life. This belief revolves around the notion of "Money Spiders" adept at weaving prosperity into your pockets. It would truly be fortunate if such arachnid-driven prosperity could become a reality!

6. Hammering Money into Trees

While strolling through the countryside, you might stumble upon a rather curious sight - a tree trunk adorned with hammered coins. Known as "wishing trees," this tradition originated in the 18th century. Older beliefs centered around the idea that driving a coin into a tree would transfer ailments to the tree itself. If someone removed that coin, they would then contract the illness. Nowadays, hammering coins into trees is reminiscent of making wishes, inspired by the act of throwing money into fountains. However, it is essential to respect natural environments and refrain from participating in this practice.

7. "Purse on the Floor, Money out the Door!"

According to a Chinese superstition rooted in Feng Shui principles, placing your purse or wallet on the floor could lead to future financial difficulties. Feng Shui seeks to harmonize individuals with their surroundings, and treating the ground as a storage place signifies a lack of respect for money. By embracing this superstition, one hopes to preserve monetary blessings and ward off ill fortune.

8. A Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe." We are familiar with the time-honored wedding tradition involving the first three elements. However, since the 1500s, it has also been customary for the father of the bride to place a sixpence or silver coin into her shoe just before she walks down the aisle. This act symbolizes a wish for good luck and prosperity in the marriage. In present times, you can even purchase shoes that come with a built-in sixpence or silver coin.