First of all, it is not a good idea, because it is always possible for the person standing on it to drop something on us, or the ladder itself may fold up. The source of this superstition may be the fact that the unfolded ladder standing on the ground forms the symbol of a triangle, which has been the symbol of the Holy Trinity since the beginning of Christianity. Passing through this symbol was considered a sin because it could weaken faith and release evil forces. Before the invention of the gallows, condemned people were executed by, among other things, hanging them from the top rungs of a ladder. Many people believed that the spirit of the deceased thus circulated under the unfolded ladder, so it was better to avoid passing under it. ¹⁾

In Nigeria, you don't kiss a child on the lips because it is believed that the child will drool in adulthood. ²⁾

This is one of the most popular superstitions, although it is not popular everywhere, for example, in Egypt cats of all colors are a symbol of good luck and were considered sacred. In Europe, more or less since the Middle Ages, black cats were thought to be the helpers of witches. The superstition itself can be traced back to one of the many stories that originated in England when a father and son came across a black cat, whom they recognized as a witch and stoned her to death. The next day they were to encounter the witch in human form with a bandaged head. Of course, it is known that a black cat is just a cat, in addition, most often a very friendly one. ³⁾

In Russia, seeing a person carrying an empty bucket brings bad luck. The superstition arose because Tsar Alexander II was killed by someone with an empty bucket. ⁴⁾

A superstition particularly popular in the world of sports or games is when it seems to us that those who are just starting to play something win, although they have no idea about the games. Perhaps the explanation for such cases could be that a person who is doing something for the first time is not so stressed and does not care about winning, so in relaxation, he plays better. ⁵⁾

Salt has for centuries been considered a tool to fight evil forces. Throwing it over the left shoulder with the right hand is supposed to create a magical barrier to protect us from evil. In fact, better protection will come from sweeping up the spilled salt later, because if we slip on it, we can actually hurt ourselves. ⁶⁾

Opening and closing scissors were believed to bring bad luck in Egypt because it was believed that our good spirits were cut by it. ⁷⁾

This number in many countries has bad press and is often considered to bring bad luck. And the worst luck is supposed to be brought by Friday the 13th. This belief dates back to Antiquity when the number 12 was considered perfect and orderly (hence, for example, the popular dozen, or 12). In turn, the following number 13 was called the “devil's dozen,” as the first beyond a perfect number. In addition, unlucky Friday is the day of Jesus' death, so when combined with “13” it raises a lot of concern. ⁸⁾

Where did this superstition come from? It used to be believed that bad luck is trapped at the point where two fingers are joined, so if we cross them, this way we will prevent evil from escaping and make our wishes come true. ⁹⁾

Who among us has not “knocked on wood”? The origins of the belief in this unlucky activity may date back to the activities of the first druids, according to whom gods were enchanted in trees. Tapping on wood was considered a form of physical contact with higher forces, which was supposed to bring good luck. It was also believed that tapping on a tree released positive spirits that looked after us. ¹⁰⁾

In India, it is believed that clipping nails on Tuesdays, Saturdays, or at night is bad luck. ¹¹⁾

This belief has to do with early religions in which the Sun was worshipped as a deity. It was believed that opening an umbrella in an enclosed room or in a direction other than the Sun caused offense to that deity. The only unpleasantness this behavior could contribute to would be hitting someone standing in the same room with an unfolded umbrella. ¹²⁾

Considered a talisman, the paw (artificial - let's not use a real one!) in the form of, for example, a key ring is supposed to bring good luck to its bearer. The belief in this can be traced back to the beliefs of Celtic tribes, who believed that because rabbits spend a lot of time underground, they are in contact with various deities and thus “soak up luck.” Today, in many places you can buy a pendant in the form of a rabbit's foot, and does it actually bring good luck? This is something you should already ask the owner. ¹³⁾

Danes collect broken plates and on New Year's Eve throw their pieces at the houses of their neighbors and families. It is supposed to bring luck and friendship. ¹⁴⁾

Nowadays it's practically a reflex: whenever we hear someone sneeze, we almost immediately wish them “cheers!”. Around the 6th century, traditionally when someone sneezed he was congratulated because it was believed that it helped release evil from the human body. Years later, when a plague swept through Europe, sneezing was considered a sign that such a person would soon die. At that time, such a person was blessed with the expectation that he would soon pass away. From there, it's not far to wishing for good health. ¹⁵⁾