Whether you take them seriously or just chuckle at them, superstitions about moving have been around for centuries.
Moving is a big life event and we could all do with a little luck in our living space. Check out these moving superstitions from around the world and try your luck. Which of these would you keep in mind the next time you move?
- The number of steps in a staircase should never be a multiple of three. Even numbers are best, but multiples of three are bad luck.
- Never accept knives, scissors, or other sharp items as presents. It symbolizes a cutting of your friendship – in other words, your friend will soon become an enemy, according to Italian folklore. If you must accept it, pay the giver a penny, which will reverse the curse.
- The first time you leave your home, exit through the same door you entered. According to this old Irish tradition, after you’ve entered and exited once, you can leave through any door you like. But the first time, the entrance and exit have to be the same door, otherwise you’ll have bad luck.
- Carry a full container of uncooked rice with you the first time you enter your new home. Just as throwing rice at a wedding symbolizes a wish for prosperity for the newly married couple, rice in a new home symbolizes the idea that no one under this roof will go hungry, according to a pagan superstition. Similar superstitions state that carrying a loaf of bread with you will accomplish the same goal.
- Spread a pinch of salt on the floor of every room, including over the threshold of the front door. Some say salt wards off evil; others say it brings out the flavor in life.
- Carefully pick a moving day. Never move on a rainy day – it’s bad luck. Other superstitions say that Fridays and Saturdays are also unlucky days for moving (since the best day to move is Thursday, that's perfect!). No matter which day you move, it’s said to be good luck if you finish moving before sunset. So, watch the clock!
- Scatter coins in the living room on the first day in your new home so prosperity will reign.
- Have a housewarming celebration. This is common in a lot of cultures and can bring you lots of luck, food, gifts, and of course a bottle of wine. Also, if you’d like to invite the community, this is a friendly way to meet your new neighbors.
