Spider Folklore and Superstitions Across Cultures

We've all heard the saying, "If you wish to live and thrive, let a spider run alive." This proverb, originating from Irish and Scottish folklore and recorded in 1867, suggests that killing a spider brings bad luck, RTE reported. Scientifically, spiders were used medicinally, which may explain the cultural reluctance to harm them.

In Irish folklore, spiders are seen as beneficial household inhabitants. They eat insects like mosquitoes and flies, aiding in disease prevention. Small spiders, known as 'money spiders,' are believed to bring financial prosperity. Accidentally killing them, however, could lead to misfortune and money loss.

Throughout various cultures, spiders are surrounded by numerous superstitions. One common belief in Ireland is that killing a spider will result in a storm; thus, many avoid killing them despite the frequent storms in the region. Another widely shared myth associates spiders with extreme weather changes.

In Indian households, spider webs symbolize neglect and bad omens, suggesting disharmony within the household. In contrast, an old tale speaks of a spider weaving a web to save a soldier and his men from enemies, hence portraying spiders as protectors.

Various superstitions exist about spider sightings at different times of the day. Seeing a spider in the morning could bring bad news; seeing one at noon might cause anxiety while seeing one in the evening could foretell financial trouble. This contrasts with a superstition where spiders, except black widows and tarantulas, bring good fortune and wealth, with larger spiders promising greater rewards.

Specific superstitions connect spiders to witches. It was thought that if a spider fell into a candle-lit lamp and was consumed by the flame, witches were nearby. Hence, a spider falling into a lamp on Halloween might herald a witch's presence.

Additionally, superstitions claim that stepping on a spider causes rain. Some beliefs also credit spiders with healing properties; consuming a spider in syrup was said to cure fevers, although modern medicine rightly advises consulting a doctor instead.

Read also: Why Is a Rabbit’s Foot Considered Lucky?