Even cattlemen beware of evil spirits: here are six cowboy superstitions you probably never heard of

Cowboys, with their rugged way of life and unique traditions, hold a deep-rooted connection to superstitions that weave through their daily routines and rodeo performances. These beliefs, passed down through generations, have become an essential aspect of cowboy culture in the modern world. This is reported by SSP.

1. Give Yellow a Miss

One well-known superstition among cowboys is to avoid wearing the color yellow. Its origins can be traced back to the early days of rodeo, when the rodeo clowns, referred to as bullfighters, wore bright yellow outfits to distract bulls. Consequently, the color became associated with danger and ill fortune, leading to a cautious stance among cowboys when it comes to sporting yellow attire.

2. Dodge the $50 Bills

Another widespread superstition in the cowboy realm is the avoidance of $50 bills. It is believed that using these bills to pay for entry fees or significant expenses brings about bad luck. Rarely will you witness a cowboy parting with a $50 bill to cover their fees, and if they happen to receive one as their payout, chances are they would promptly request different currency.

3. Bid Farewell to Money in Pockets

Cowboys also steer clear of participating in competitions with money inside their pockets. The superstition holds that carrying money while competing will result in losing both the competition itself and the money. To avoid this undesirable outcome, cowboys diligently make sure to leave behind any cash before they step foot into the arena.

4. Keep Your Hat Off the Bed

Among the most well-known cowboy superstitions is the prohibition against placing a cowboy hat on a bed. It is believed that doing so invites bad luck and misfortune. This superstition may initially stem from practical concerns, such as preserving the cleanliness and protecting the integrity of the hats from potentially damaging surfaces.

5. Stay Clear of Chicken Before a Rodeo

In the world of cowboy superstitions, one lesser-known belief is the avoidance of consuming chicken before a rodeo. Cowboys hold the belief that eating chicken, as a symbol of timidity, can transfer that trait to the rider, resulting in a lackluster performance. Therefore, indulging in chicken prior to a rodeo is considered inauspicious.

6. Mount Your Horse from the Left

A long-standing tradition observed by cowboys is mounting their horses from the left side. This practice originates from the cavalry era, where soldiers were trained to mount from the left to prevent entangling their swords. Although swords are no longer in use, this practice continues out of habit and superstition.

While the origins of these superstitions may differ, they remain entwined within the cultural fabric of cowboys to this day. Whether followed with true belief or as a nod to age-old customs, cowboys continue to honor these superstitious beliefs as they navigate through the challenges of their rugged and storied lifestyle.