The Irish superstitions and beliefs are as rich as Irish culture itself.
‘The luck of the Irish’ may be internationally recognized, but when it comes to well-established local Irish superstitions, there are as many bad omens as good – if not more. Whether you’re a native to the Emerald Isle or have grown up on stories from your Irish ancestors, how many of these unique myths have you heard?
1. When a bird poops on you, it is good luck
Having a bird poo on you is considered a good thing in Ireland. Some believe that the Irish came up with this belief to make themselves feel better, since, as they say, the bird poo lands on people frequently in Ireland.
2. Accidentally putting your shirt on inside-out is good luck
If you happen to put on your shirt inside out, it’s for the good luck. However, don’t you dare to switch it the right way around. In the latter case, the bad lucks overpowers your good luck. Just carry on with your daily routine with your shirt inside out and expect the good things to come your way.
3. Giving something sharp to a friend can ‘cut’ your friendship
Giving anything sharp, such as a knife or scissors, is bad luck, as it’s thought to sever the relationship. However, the damage can be mitigated if the receiver gives something small, like a coin, in return to make the exchange a transaction. Some folklorists err on the side of caution and also recommend repeating the rhyme: “If you love me, as I love you, no knife can cut our love in two.”
4. If the palm of your left/right hand is itchy, money is coming to you/leaving you
The Irish keep it a bit complicated when it comes to the itching palms and the superstitions related to them. So as they say, left to receive, right to give. Thus, if the left palm of your hand itches, expect money to come your way. The opposite is also true at least in Ireland, where the itchy right palm means you will have to pay money soon.
5. New shoes on the bed is bad
Save yourself and your life and never ever put your new shoes on the table (bed.) It might be one of the oldest superstitions, but the Irish still don’t try to test it.
6. Falling on the floor cutlery invites guests to the house
The Irish believe that if a knife falls on the floor, you’ll have a gentleman visitor. When a fork falls on the floor, expect a female to visit your house. And if you happen to drop a spoon on the floor, get ready for a child visitor. So if you’re stuck at home bored on a Friday night just start throwing your kitchen utensils around-- if the legend is to be believed you’ll soon have a party going!
7. The Child of Prague shooshes the bad weather
Before the day of a wedding or any big event, the Irish put out a statue of the Child of Prague in their backyards. It’s believed that the statue signals to God that the good weather in needed. If the head falls off the statue, it doubles your good luck. On any given day when the sun is shining, you’re guaranteed to hear someone mention that somewhere in the country, a Child of Prague is doing its job.
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