Most doorknob superstitions, customs, and charms come from folklore, however in symbolism, the doorknob is closely connected to new beginnings. It also symbolizes active seeking and the power to open new dimensions, realities, adventures, and opportunities.
1. Death in the Family
From out of Massachusetts we learn that hanging a dishcloth on the doorknob signals a death in the family. [1]
Current Superstitions has more on this subject:
“The custom of draping the bell or front door-knob with crape when death has come to a house is suggested by seeing anything hung on the door-knob. It might be convenient to hang the dish-cloth to dry on the kitchen door-knob, as the door stands open. The idea of death is suggested, then comes the thought, ‘this is like death, hence it may bode death,’ and so the omen arises.” [1]
2. Lion Protection
An image of a lion on a doorknob or door knocker is said to protect the home from evil entities. [2]
3. Bridal Chamber
According to Cora Linn Daniels:
“The Bohemians keep the evil spirits from the bridal chamber by hanging a tangled skein on the door knob, which they cannot pass.” [3]
4. Hanging Hat
Never hang a hat on the doorknob. Doing so, according to superstition, will bring about your death. [3]
5. Two People Turning the Knob at the Same Time
There are a lot of death omens associated with doorknobs, so here is yet another:
Should two people try to turn a doorknob at the same time, each person on the opposite side of the door, it foretells a death in the household or building. [4]
6. To Catch a Witch
There is a rather odd Indiana superstition that tells us to hang a bread sifter on the doorknob at night before going to bed. The next morning, witches will be found caught in the sifter. [5]
7. Stolen
Stealing doorknobs was once a popular trick to play on Halloween night. [6]
Sources:
1. Current Superstitions. Fanny D. Bergen. Collected from the Oral Tradition of English Speaking Folk. 1896.
2. The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Superstitions. 1999.
3. Encyclopædia of Superstitions, Folklore, and the Occult Sciences of the World. Volume I. Cora Linn Daniels.
4. Popular Beliefs and Superstitions from Utah. Anthon Steffensen Cannon. 1984.
5. The Frank C. Brown Collection of NC Folklore Vol. VII: Popular Beliefs and Superstitions from North Carolina, Pt. 2.
6. The Book of Hallowe’en. Ruth Edna Kelley. 1919.
