Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (2024)

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (1)

BlogFinancial Tips

May 13, 2022

By Carlos Hurtado
Business Development Banker

As bankers, we usually push the practical things you can do in your everyday life to start saving (budgeting and investing come to mind).

In this blog, we'd like to do something different. Let's go over some of the more quirky practices and superstitions from around the world that are related to accumulating wealth!We admit, some of these may sound a bit bizarre. But it can also be fun and eye-opening to learn about different generations, cultures and belief systems. So readon, for some money superstitions and savings techniques that you may (or may not) want to consider incorporating into your life:

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (2)

1. Keep your purse or wallet at waist level or higher.

Place of Origin: China

According to Chinese culture, it’s bad Feng Shui to put your purse on the floor. In fact, there is an old Chinese proverb you might have already heard: “A purse on the floor is money out the door.”

The idea behind this belief is that because people usually carry their money, credit cards, and other important items in their purse, placing their bag on the floor shows disrespect for the order of things, and disregard for your money and wealth. If nothing else, keeping your purse off the ground is a great way to keep it clean!

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (3)

2. Take bird droppings as a good luck sign.

Place of Origin: Turkey

Are bird droppings yucky or lucky?According tothis article from Hurryiet Daily News,they might be a little bit of both.In Turkey, many people believe getting pooped on by a bird is a symbol of good things to come — and it's even tradition to buy a lottery ticket on the same day it happens!

So the next time a pigeon pegs you for target practice, take it as a sign that things are looking up (just make sure you aren't).

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (4)

3. Ring in the New Year with cash in hand.

Place of Origin: Latin America

Before midnight on Dec. 31, set down your champagne and grab some cash (preferably from your own wallet) — because according toLatino tradition, having money in your hand when the clock strikes 12 will ensure economic prosperity in the coming year.

Just don't throw it around like confetti when the ball actually drops, or you'll be starting off the New Year at a net loss.

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (5)

4. A spider in your pocket means money is coming.

Place of Origin:United Kingdom

From Great Britain to the Caribbean Islands, it is believed that an eight-legged spider that is caught and pocketed — AKA a money spider— means that wealth will soon be woven into your life. If you don't believe us, check the Dictionary.What’s more, if you happen to find a money spider in your hair, it is a supposed sign of good luck and increased riches.

But will a spider really bring wealth? Considering the massive global web ofarachnid superstitionsalso labeling spiders as tricksters, trapsters or even signs of death, it might not be worth finding out.

\Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (6)

5. Freeze your credit card. Literally.

Place of Origin:United States

This more modern technique isn't really a superstition, rather a modern practice that looks exactly like it sounds: Place your credit card(s) in a tupperware container filled with water and throw it in the freezer.

The idea behindthis practiceis that the next time you want to use your credit card, you’ll either have to wait for the ice to melt, or break it down with a hammer (which sounds pretty messy) — thus giving you time to change your mind about using your credit card to make a purchase.

And don’t worry — even with the new chip technology, your credit card will still work after you thaw it out.

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (7)

6. Keep your toilet lids completely closed.

Place of Origin: Eastern Asia (and happy households around the world)

Technically, this is another idea that stems from the practice of Feng Shui (although the concept pre-dates toilet lids by a few thousand years).

In Feng Shui culture, water is of utmost importance. It holds the title of being one of the most powerful and most gentle elements on earth. Not only that, but every living thing needs water. It is essential for life on earth. So, it’s little wonder that “Feng Shui” means “wind and water.”According to today'sFeng Shui artists, keeping the toilet lid closed puts you in a mindset to prevent prosperity and abundance from "going down the drain" — and thus, keeps good chi energy in your home.

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (8)

7. Hammer a coin into a fallen tree.

Place of origin: Wales

In the village or Portmeirion in North Wales, tourists and townsfolk frequently visit groups of peculiar fallen trees with coins wedged into their bark.According to a centuries-old tradition there, good luck and financial fortune can stem from hammering coins into a downed tree. Coin-coated trunks have also sprung up throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.

Who says money doesn’t grow on trees?

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (9)

8. Hang a number 8 somewhere in your home.

Place of origin: Japan

In Japanesenumerologyand other East Asian cultures, eight is considered a very lucky number. By incorporating eight artwork throughout your home, it's believed you invite good fortune into your living space. Eight also promotes the idea of growing prosperous, because in Japanese writing the number's shape broadens gradually. This idea is also No. 8 on this list. Coincidence? We think not!

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (10)

9. Bury a statue of St. Joseph in your yard.

Place of Origin: Europe

Looking to sell your home? You might want to consider digging a hole and burying a statue of St. Joseph in your yard.

According to Catholic tradition, St. Joseph is the patron saint ofhome and family. And as legend has it, during the Middle Ages, a group of cloistered European Nuns relied on the intercession of St. Joseph to find them a convent. It’s also said German carpenters buried statues of St. Joseph in the foundations of houses they built, before they sold.

Wherever it stems from, the custom of burying St. Joseph has become so widespread that many retailers even offer a St. Joseph Home Sale Kit.

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (11)

10. Don’t mess with Irish fairy forts.

Place of Origin: Ireland

In Irish folklore, “fairy forts”, or circular enclosures surrounded by an earthen or stone bank once used to protect cattle at nighttime, are considered sacred — so sacred, in fact, that the people of Ireland believe messing with one can result in real-world consequences like financial hardship.The solution? Leave them be!

ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT SAVING MONEY?

From emergency funds, to retirement, to basic financial freedom, saving your money is undoubtedly a smart money move.And while the above examples are fun and entertaining, there's onlyone sure way to succeed — and that's to be smart with your finances.If you're getting serious about saving,we're here to help put you on the right path. Contact usat Security National Bank today!

Weirdest Money Superstitions From Around the World: Do They Work? (2024)

FAQs

What are the superstitions for good fortune? ›

Knocking on wood; carrying a good luck charm such as a four-leaf clover, lucky dice or a special gemstone; making a wish on a stray eyelash, falling star, wishing well, rainbow or when blowing out birthday candles are all ways to make good fortune come your way.

Is counting money at night bad? ›

In terms of beliefs and superstitions, a lot has been compiled into two volumes by the Jesuit Francisco Demetrio. Night is always bad, especially for money: Counting money, paying debts, giving or exchanging money at night brings bad luck. Sweeping at night drives off money and good luck.

Does bad luck exist? ›

Richard Wiseman, who wrote a book about luck and is a psychology professor at University of Hertfordshire, said that he's found there are such things as lucky and unlucky people. “We worked with exceptionally lucky and unlucky people [in our research],” he said. “There are huge differences in their lives.”

What is the superstition about money in your wallet? ›

According to Greeks, you should always keep a few coins in your wallet to make sure it's never empty. The logic here is simple: Money attracts money. This superstition has spread worldwide and also extends to bank accounts, as many Greeks believe that letting your bank balance fall to zero can bring bad luck.

What is the weirdest superstition? ›

In many places from Turkey to India, it's very bad luck to cut your nails at night. In fact, this particular superstition pops up in so many different countries that it may be safer to ditch the practice altogether. Don't wear red during a lightning storm.

Is it bad luck to bring a baby to a cemetery? ›

Child's Age is a Factor at Funerals: Infants

Most people will agree that an infant is too young. In fact, there's a superstition that taking a baby to a funeral can result in death or an evil spirit attaching itself to the baby.

Is it bad luck to buy your own money tree? ›

1. Money trees are lucky. Rumored to bring luck and prosperity to the owner, there's a good reason money trees are popular gifts for executives and frequently used as office decor or as housewarming presents. They're also a great element to add to your home at the beginning of a new year.

How do you attract good luck and wealth? ›

Attracting good luck and fortune requires a combination of positive thinking, intentional actions, and a willingness to embrace opportunities as they arise. You can create an energetic environment that attracts good fortune and positive experiences by cultivating a mindset focused on gratitude, optimism, and abundance.

Why shouldn't a woman put her purse on the floor? ›

Keep your purse or wallet at waist level or higher.

The idea behind this belief is that because people usually carry their money, credit cards, and other important items in their purse, placing their bag on the floor shows disrespect for the order of things, and disregard for your money and wealth.

Why should one not keep cash at home? ›

While it's perfectly OK to keep some cash at home, storing a large amount of funds in your house has two significant disadvantages: The money can be lost or stolen. Hiding cash under the mattress, behind a picture frame or anywhere in your house always carries the risk of it being misplaced, damaged or stolen.

What are 3 things that are considered bad luck? ›

- It is considered bad luck to break a mirror. - The lights are not turned off for three days in a house in which a dead body has been washed. - The shoes of people who come to offer their condolences are not turned around. - It is believed that, if the gravedigger is not given a tip the deas will not rest easy.

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