15 Old-Fashioned Superstitions Your Grandma Probably Still Swears By

I remember countless cozy afternoons at Grandma’s house, where the scent of fresh biscuits mingled with the comforting hum of her storytelling voice.

Between sips of tea, she’d share tales of old superstitions—those curious little beliefs that danced the line between folklore and everyday life. Walking under ladders? Absolutely not. Spilling salt? Quick, toss it over your left shoulder!

These weren’t just quirky sayings—they were sacred rules, handed down like family heirlooms. Each one had a story, a warning, or a promise of luck, and Grandma swore by every single one of them.

Whether it was the lucky horseshoe above the door or the belief that a bird tapping on the window meant news was coming, these superstitions brought a touch of magic to the mundane.

So, let’s dust off the charm and mystery of the past as we explore 15 old-fashioned superstitions that, according to Grandma, still hold powerful sway.

1. Don’t Open an Umbrella Indoors

Grandma always said that opening an umbrella inside was like inviting chaos into your home. It’s not just about bad luck, she insisted. There’s an old-world respect for the order of things, and an umbrella belongs shut unless you’re outside braving the rain.

Just think of it as a cosmic don’t: when indoors, keep it closed. My grandma would chuckle and say, “Want to make the clouds angry? That’s how you make the clouds angry!”

Whether standing in her cozy living room or bustling kitchen, she’d waggle her finger if you dared unfurl that fabric dome within her sacred walls. Don’t even think about it unless you want her tapping that cane of hers, insisting on proper umbrella manners. It’s a superstition, yes, but also a subtle reminder of where certain items should stay put.

2. Never Put Your Purse on the Floor

Money flows where respect goes, Grandma always said. Placed on the floor, your purse might as well be a doormat for your finances. Grandma didn’t play games with prosperity. She believed setting your bag down low was like telling your wallet to take a hike.

In her eyes, it was tantamount to financial folly, a surefire way to watch your dollars drift away like autumn leaves. She’d often say, “A purse on the floor today, a bill unpaid tomorrow!”

She’d have none of it, keeping her handbag perched on a chair or table, always within arm’s reach. It wasn’t just a habit, it was a ritual, a testament to valuing what you have. So, next time you’re tempted to drop that bag, remember Grandma’s wisdom and give your purse a little elevation.

3. Itchy Palms Mean Money’s Coming (or Going)

Itchy palms? Money’s involved, according to Grandma. If your right hand’s itchy, you’re about to receive some cash. Left hand? Well, say goodbye to a little green. Grandma would sit at her bingo table, scratching away and chuckling, always convinced her palm was predicting the next big win—or loss.

She’d wink and say, “Better get ready for fortune or farewell, dear!”

It wasn’t just simple itching; it was a cosmic signal, a playful nudge from the universe. Her philosophy was simple: be mindful of your palms and your wallet. Each itch was a chance, a mystery to solve.

Whether true or not, I always found myself scratching right alongside her, hoping for abundance or bracing for a small setback. Next time your palm tingles, think twice—could be a sign.

4. Breaking a Mirror = 7 Years Bad Luck

Seven. Years. Bad luck from a broken mirror was no joke to Grandma. It wasn’t just a crack; to her, it was a cosmic fracture, something best avoided. In her world, mirrors held more than reflections—they contained pieces of your very soul. Each shard a reminder of the misfortune that could last nearly a decade.

She would handle mirrors with a reverence reserved for the sacred, touching them only when necessary. “Break a mirror, break the magic,” she’d warn, her voice a whisper of caution.

When I once accidentally knocked a mirror, the look she gave was more penetrating than any fractured glass. You learn quickly in Grandma’s house: mirrors are not to be trifled with. So tread carefully, and always hang mirrors with care, lest you incur the dreaded seven-year curse.

5. Black Cats Crossing Your Path = Bad Luck

Even the fluffiest feline couldn’t escape Grandma’s superstitious wrath. A black cat crossing your path? That’s a full stop, a U-turn, and maybe even a few whispered prayers. Grandma was convinced that these shadowy furballs were more than just cute—she thought them to be harbingers of bad luck.

She’d always say, “If a black cat crosses your path, dear, just turn back!” Her dramatic gestures made the warning all the more vivid.

I remember her clutching her handbag tighter, the look of sheer determination as she’d cross the street to avoid such feline encounters. Superstition or not, those cats had power in her eyes, and avoiding them was simply sensible. So, next time you see a black cat, think twice about your route—it might just save you from a spot of misfortune.

6. Don’t Walk Under a Ladder

Walking under a ladder? A stairway to bad luck, according to Grandma. She was firm in her belief that it disrupted the sacred triangle formed by the ladder, wall, and ground. “Mess with the triangle, you mess with fate,” she’d caution. No ladder short-cuts for her—she’d take the scenic route any day.

This wasn’t just about superstition; it was about respect for unseen forces. Her eyes would narrow and her lips purse at the mere mention of such daring deeds.

Tipsy ladders equaled tipping fortunes, she’d insist. So no matter how convenient, the lesson was clear: never tempt fate by walking straight under. In Grandma’s world, caution kept things orderly and, perhaps, a little more magical. Next time you encounter a ladder, remember: take the long way around.

7. Cover Mirrors When Someone Passes Away

Death brought a hush over Grandma’s household, and with it, the tradition of covering mirrors. In her eyes, mirrors could confuse or trap a wandering soul. This belief wasn’t just a relic of the past—it was a significant gesture, a mark of respect for the departed.

She’d drape sheets over every reflective surface, a solemn ritual that felt almost sacred. “Let them find their way without distractions,” she’d whisper, a prayer echoing in her voice.

Her actions were deliberate, careful, and full of reverence. Even in mourning, Grandma found a way to blend tradition with tenderness. It reminded me of the power of old customs, how they bring comfort amidst grief. So if you ever find yourself in such times, consider offering the deceased a clear path onward.

8. Throw Salt Over Your Left Shoulder

Spill some salt? You better toss a pinch over your left shoulder, Grandma would insist, to blind the devil lurking behind you. This was more than just a quirky habit—it was a reflex honed over decades.

“Salt spilled, devil thrilled,” she’d joke, a glint of mischief in her eye. Her movements were swift, as automatic as breathing, this gesture an unspoken rule in her kitchen.

This wasn’t just about warding off evil; it was about taking charge of your destiny, one grain at a time. Grandma’s faith in salt as a protective charm was unwavering.

So the next time you find yourself with a little salt spillage, remember her words and give a sprinkle to the spirits—just to be safe. It might seem odd, but in Grandma’s world, better safe than sorry was always the motto.

9. Don’t Sweep Over Someone’s Feet

Sweep over someone’s feet, and you might as well be sweeping away their love life, Grandma used to warn. She believed this act put a hex on romance, a curse of singlehood that even Cupid couldn’t fix.

“Sweep my feet, sweep away my sweet,” she’d quip, often pulling her feet back with a dramatic flair. Her superstition was more than just a saying; it was a heartfelt belief passed down through generations.

To her, the broom was more than a cleaning tool—it was a love life saboteur. Avoidance became second nature, her feet always tucked safely away from any errant bristles. So should you find yourself with broom in hand, be mindful of anyone’s toes—it might just keep the love gods on your side.

10. Eat Black-Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day

For luck and prosperity, Grandma insisted on black-eyed peas every New Year’s Day. This dish was her culinary talisman, a savory promise of fortune and favor in the months to come.

“Beans for dreams,” she’d proclaim, ladling generous portions onto each plate. This wasn’t just food; it was a ritual, a hopeful toast to the year ahead.

Her enthusiasm was contagious, each bite a delicious mouthful of hope. Even if you didn’t believe, the warmth of her kitchen and her laughter made it hard to resist the tradition.

So when the calendar turns, consider a spoonful of black-eyed peas. Whether it’s luck or simply a delicious meal, you’re bound to start the year off right—Grandma’s way.

11. Knocking on Wood Keeps Bad Luck Away

Tempted fate by saying something positive? Better knock on wood, Grandma would say, a swift rap on the nearest timber. This wasn’t just a superstition; it was a safety net against the jinxes of the universe.

“Boast and toast, but always knock,” she’d remind, the rhythm familiar and comforting. Her faith in this practice was unwavering—an anchor in a sea of uncertainty.

Each tap was a reassurance, a ritual to ward off the capricious whims of fate. Even in doubt, Grandma’s knock was a small act of defiance, a stand against whatever mischief lurked unseen.

So if you find yourself boasting about good fortune, remember to give a quick knock. It might just keep your blessings intact, according to Grandma’s playful wisdom.

12. A Bird Flying into the House Is a Bad Omen

When a bird flew into the house, Grandma saw more than feathers and fluttering—it was a bad omen. To her, such an unexpected visitor was a harbinger of misfortune, a sign that the winds of change might not be blowing in your favor.

Her gaze would turn serious, a silent vigil kept until the bird found its way out. “Feathered guest, unwelcome quest,” she’d say, her words tinged with a touch of apprehension.

This wasn’t just about birds; it was about being attuned to the world’s subtle signals. Grandma’s watchful eye made even the smallest things seem significant. In her world, a bird indoors was a cautionary tale.

So if you see a bird taking refuge inside, remember Grandma’s watchful wisdom—it might just save you from an unexpected turn of events.

13. Don’t Rock an Empty Rocking Chair

Grandma had a rule: never rock an empty rocking chair. Even a gentle sway was like an open invitation for ghosts to join you for tea.

“A rock without a block invites a spirit shock,” she’d joke, a twinkle in her eye yet a seriousness in her tone. This wasn’t just about the chair—it was about respecting the space and whatever unseen forces might occupy it.

Her belief turned even the simplest furniture into a symbol of caution and care. In her cozy parlor, every creak and sway was a reminder of the world beyond our senses.

So if you find a rocking chair swaying without a soul in it, let it be still. You’ll keep the spirits at bay, and perhaps, Grandma’s legacy of caution and care a little closer to heart.

14. Toss Coins into a New Purse or Wallet

Giving someone a wallet or purse? Grandma would insist you toss in a few coins first. Forget this, and you might as well be sending their finances into the red.

“Coins today, riches tomorrow,” she’d say, sealing each gift with a promise of prosperity. This wasn’t just a superstition; it was an investment in good fortune for the receiver.

Her belief was steadfast, each coin a tiny beacon of hope for future wealth. The clink of metal on leather was a melody in her world, a song of abundance yet to come.

So when gifting a new wallet, remember to slip in a little something. It’s a small gesture, but in Grandma’s eyes, it could lead to a treasure trove of good luck.

15. Lucky Pennies Must Be Found Heads-Up

See a penny? If it’s heads-up, pick it up—Grandma’s orders. Tails? Move along, it’s not worth the bad luck. She swore by this rule, a simple act of faith in fortune’s fickle nature.

She’d move with purpose, spotting these copper gems like a hawk, her enthusiasm as bright as the coins themselves. “Heads for gains, tails for pains,” she’d rhyme, guiding each step with playful wisdom.

This wasn’t just about pennies; it was about the little things leading to bigger blessings. Each coin was a chance, a little piece of luck waiting to be claimed.

So next time you see a penny glinting in the sun, check its position. In Grandma’s world, the right side up could mean the world of difference between good luck and a missed opportunity.