New Shoes on a Table Superstition: a Story Behind
Why is it deemed unlucky to place new shoes on a table? This action might just be a step too far. There are several unpleasant reasons behind this superstition.
Death-Related Associations
One reason for this belief ties back to death. Historically, criminals often hanged while still wearing their shoes may have contributed to this idea. Additionally, placing shoes on a table is linked to a laid-out corpse. In the past, when footwear was costly, families owned only one pair. This frequently caused shoes to help identify fallen family members.
The concern about new shoes stems from their value. When shoes were expensive, it was common for them to be passed down from a deceased person to a living family member, marking them as "new."
Hygiene Considerations
Beyond associations with death, hygiene also plays a role. It is easy to understand why one should avoid placing shoe soles near food. In past times, when sanitation was poor, someone could fall ill. An illness might lead to needing another pair of shoes unintentionally left behind by the unfortunate.
Earlier, SSP told why we knock on wood for luck.