Superstitions have a profound influence on the way people arrange their living spaces around the world. Ordinary household items can become symbols of luck, misfortune, or even spiritual danger, simply through cultural beliefs passed down through generations. What seems harmless to some may carry hidden meanings to others, sparking caution or avoidance. These beliefs highlight how intertwined our daily lives are with traditions and rituals, revealing that our choices at home often go beyond practicality—they’re deeply rooted in the desire to attract good fortune and ward off negativity.
1. Broken Mirrors
The superstition that broken mirrors bring seven years of bad luck dates back to ancient Rome, where mirrors were thought to reflect not just your image but your soul. Many cultures share the belief that mirrors are mysterious portals—some even say they can allow spirits to pass through. As reported by National Geographic, this superstition persists worldwide, leading the superstitious to quickly remove or repair broken mirrors from the home.
2. Cactus Plants
While cacti are admired for their resilience, their sharp spines are often seen as magnets for negative energy and even family conflict. Many superstitious people believe that keeping cacti indoors disrupts harmony and invites discord. Feng shui experts echo this caution, advising against spiky plants inside the home because they can create an atmosphere of tension. For more on this perspective, see The Spruce’s guide to feng shui and plants.
3. Peacock Feathers
The striking “eye” pattern on peacock feathers is often associated with the evil eye, a symbol of bad luck in many cultures, especially across Europe and Asia. Superstitious households avoid displaying these feathers, fearing they may invite misfortune, jealousy, or even illness. According to the BBC’s coverage of peacock feather myths, this belief is so strong that some people refuse to bring peacock feathers indoors under any circumstances.
4. Unlucky Numbers (Calendars, Clocks)
Many people steer clear of calendars, clocks, or home décor that prominently display unlucky numbers. In Western cultures, the number 13 is so feared that it’s often omitted from hotel floors and apartment numbers. In East Asia, the number 4 is avoided because it sounds like the word for “death.” As explained by Live Science, this superstition is deeply ingrained, driving the superstitious to keep such reminders out of their homes entirely.
5. Old Brooms
Old brooms are often believed to carry bad luck and sweep away prosperity if kept in the home too long. In the Southern United States and many African cultures, it’s customary to leave old brooms behind when moving, ensuring you don’t transfer past misfortune or block new blessings. This enduring belief is detailed in Smithsonian Magazine’s exploration of broom folklore, highlighting the powerful symbolism attached to such a humble item.
6. Dried Flowers
In many cultures, dried flowers are considered a symbol of stagnation, decay, or even death, prompting the superstitious to avoid displaying them indoors. These withered blooms are thought to halt growth and bring a sense of lifelessness to the home. This contrasts with Western décor trends, where dried flowers are often prized for their rustic charm and longevity. For more on the cultural meanings of dried flowers, visit Country Living.
7. Empty Rocking Chairs
In Irish and American folklore, an empty rocking chair—especially one left moving—can be an open invitation for spirits to take a seat. The sight of a gently rocking, unoccupied chair is said to attract supernatural visitors or even bad luck. This superstition leads many to keep rocking chairs still or avoid them altogether when not in use.
8. Unused Clocks
Stopped or unused clocks are often linked with bad luck or even death, particularly in Chinese and Russian traditions. The belief is that a clock that no longer ticks signals that time has stopped, symbolizing an end or impending misfortune. Many superstitious people quickly repair or remove such clocks to avoid negative energy. You can read more about these customs at China Highlights on clock superstitions.
9. Shoes on Tables
Placing shoes on a table is widely considered a serious taboo in British and other European cultures, thought to invite death or bad luck into the home. This superstition may have roots in old funeral traditions, where shoes belonging to the deceased were sometimes placed on tables as part of a ritual. Today, many still avoid this practice out of respect for tradition and to keep misfortune at bay. Learn more in The Guardian’s article on shoe superstitions.
10. Whistling Kettles
In Russia and parts of Eastern Europe, a whistling kettle is more than just a kitchen gadget—it’s seen as a potential magnet for evil spirits or financial misfortune. The shrill sound is thought to disturb the home’s harmony and attract unwanted negative energy. Many superstitious households prefer silent kettles or take care to avoid whistling indoors. Discover more at Russia Beyond’s guide to household superstitions.
11. Sharp Objects as Gifts (Knives, Scissors)
In many Asian cultures, gifting or keeping sharp objects such as knives or scissors at home without the appropriate rituals is believed to “cut” bonds of friendship or family. The superstition suggests that sharp gifts may sever close relationships or invite discord unless a symbolic coin is exchanged during the gifting. Even displaying these items openly can be seen as inauspicious. For more on this practice, explore the South China Morning Post’s article on knife gifting taboos.
12. Empty Wallets or Purses
Many superstitious individuals avoid keeping empty wallets or purses at home, fearing they will attract poverty or block future wealth. In both Italy and Japan, it’s customary to always leave at least a small coin or bill inside, inviting prosperity to flow rather than stagnate. This tradition is a subtle yet powerful way to manifest abundance. Read more about these beliefs in Psychology Today’s article on money superstitions.
13. Broken Clocks
Broken clocks carry a particularly ominous symbolism, often viewed as harbingers of halted progress or impending death. This belief is especially strong in Chinese culture, where a stopped clock signifies that time—and by extension, life—has come to a standstill. Many superstitious households promptly repair or discard broken clocks to avoid these negative associations. For further insight, see China Daily on clock symbolism.
14. Thorny Roses
In European folklore, keeping roses with thorns indoors is said to invite quarrels, misunderstandings, or general discord among household members. The sharpness of the thorns symbolizes harsh words or prickly relationships, leading many to trim thorns from roses before bringing them inside. This simple act is thought to help maintain peace at home. For more on this tradition, visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
15. Black Cats Figurines
In many Western cultures, black cat figurines are considered bad omens, closely tied to superstitions about witchcraft, misfortune, and the spooky aura of Halloween. These beliefs have led some to avoid displaying such items at home, fearing they may attract bad luck. Interestingly, in Japan, black cats are viewed as symbols of good fortune and protection. For more on these contrasting beliefs, see History.com on black cat myths.
16. Dead Plants
Keeping dead or withered plants at home is widely believed to attract negative energy and misfortune. Both Asian and European traditions emphasize the importance of removing lifeless plants promptly to maintain a vibrant, positive environment. Neglected greenery is seen as a symbol of stagnation and decay, which can impact the household’s luck. For more on this superstition, visit Gardening Know How.
17. Owl Figurines
In certain Mediterranean and Indian cultures, owl figurines are regarded as ominous symbols, often linked to death or misfortune. The hoot of an owl is traditionally seen as a warning or a sign of impending loss, leading many to avoid displaying these figures at home. Despite their reputation for wisdom elsewhere, owl imagery can stir unease among the superstitious. For more insight, see the BBC on owl symbolism.
18. Empty Picture Frames
According to Eastern European folklore, displaying empty picture frames at home is thought to invite unwanted spirits or symbolize emptiness and unfulfilled potential in life. The superstition suggests that frames without photos or art create a void, attracting negative energy or even ghostly presences. Many prefer to fill every frame or avoid displaying them altogether. For further reading, see Reader’s Digest on household superstitions.
19. Unused Stoves/Ovens
In Chinese feng shui, an unused stove or oven is believed to block prosperity and lead to stagnation in both wealth and energy. The kitchen is seen as the heart of abundance, and appliances that sit idle can symbolize missed opportunities or neglected fortune. Superstitious households often make a point to use their stoves regularly. For more, see Architectural Digest on kitchen superstitions.
20. Umbrellas Opened Indoors
One of the most common household superstitions is that opening an umbrella indoors brings bad luck. This belief dates back to ancient Egypt, where umbrellas were thought to shield against the sun’s powerful spirits, and opening one inside was seen as disrespectful. Today, the superstition persists in the UK, US, and beyond. Households often avoid this act, just in case. Discover more at Smithsonian Magazine’s umbrella lore.
Conclusion
The enduring power of superstition transforms everyday objects into potent symbols of luck or misfortune across cultures. What is simply décor for one person may be a source of anxiety for another, revealing just how deeply tradition shapes our homes and habits. These beliefs not only add rich diversity to global customs but also influence our daily choices. Whether you heed these warnings or not, they remind us how meaning can hide in the most ordinary things.