Walking Under the Ladder: Why it Brings Bad Luck and How to Fix it

Walking under a ladder is a common superstition believed to bring bad luck. This belief is steeped in history and spans across various cultures, but its origins are often misunderstood. Here’s an exploration of the folklore attached to this superstition and tips on how to reverse your luck if you find yourself under a ladder. This is prepared by SSP.

Many are aware of superstitions like avoiding a black cat on Friday the 13th or the bad luck from breaking a mirror, but few know why walking under a ladder is deemed unlucky. A practical explanation might be the obvious safety risk: objects could fall from above, or the ladder could be destabilized. However, the root cause of this belief is more symbolic than practical.

The origin of this superstition reaches back nearly 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Egyptians regarded the triangle as a sacred symbol, epitomized by the shape formed between the ladder leaning against a wall and the floor. This triangle was seen as a depiction of the trinity of gods, and disrupting this sacred geometric figure was thought to bring misfortune. Similarly, in Christian tradition, a leaning ladder represents the Holy Trinity. Passing under it was believed to "break" this trinity, inviting misfortune likened to inviting evil into one's life.

Despite its ominous connotations, there are quirky ways to reverse bad fortune if you unintentionally walk under a ladder. Some recommend crossing your fingers and keeping them crossed until you see a dog. Another belief holds that walking backwards through the ladder can undo the bad luck. Additionally, you can say "bread and butter" as you walk, or, for those more bold, spit in your shoe and avoid looking at it until it dries.

In summary, while the belief that walking under a ladder brings back luck is ancient and culturally pervasive, it is also intertwined with practical safety concerns. Whether you believe in the superstition or not, steering clear of ladders when you can is generally good advice to avoid potential accidents—and perhaps unnecessary misfortune.