Even those who claim they are not superstitious may cling to certain rituals before a big event, like playing a favorite song, repeating a certain phrase, carrying a photo of a loved one, wearing a “lucky” piece of clothing, getting dressed all left side first, or carrying an object infused with personal or religious meaning.Ĭertain objects became easily recognizable good luck charms, including a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe, and a rabbit’s foot. We think of ourselves as rational people, yet tradition and custom whisper that specific practices can and do influence the course of events. I was taught that made the good luck run out. In France, people tack horseshoes on the barn door with the opening facing down. (My mother told me it made the Blessed Mother cry!) In Hawaii, you shouldn’t whistle at night because it angers Pele, the god of fire. In Russia, you shouldn’t whistle indoors because it will bring down financial ruin on the house. Around the world, people believe certain activities bring good luck and others bring bad luck.
