When it comes to old superstitions, feet matter. Whether it is bring in good luck, giving someone else a touch of bad luck, or getting a free wish for the day, your feet play a role in everyday superstitions.
1. It matters who steps on your foot
According to Kentucky logic, if a boy steps on another boy’s foot by accident, the stepper is the victim’s worse enemy. However, if a girl accidentally steps on a boy’s foot, she is his best friend.
2. Drop it, foot it
It was once thought that dropping anything was a sign of more bad luck to come.
However, to stop the bad luck in its track, one need only put their foot on top of the dropped item.
For example, if you drop your book, put your foot on it (it doesn’t matter which foot), and then pick the item back up.
A different superstition says that if you drop a comb, put your left foot on it before you pick it up. Make a wish and it will surely come true.
3. Whip poor Will and get a free wish
Bird songs often foretold of secrets, love, and misfortune, but this particular superstition gave believers a free wish.
According to bird lore, when you hear the first whippoorwill of the new year, take three steps backwards. Pick up whatever item is beneath your left heel. Spit on it and make a wish.
If you cannot recall what a Whippoorwill sounds like, here it is on YT.
4. The end of the sidewalk
At the end of any walkway, whether it is a sidewalk or boardwalk, you are supposed to hold your left foot over the edge and make a wish. Supposedly it will come true.
5. Foot itches are no good
There is no good itch when it comes to the feet.
If your left foot itches, you will soon walk where you are not welcome.
However, an itch on your right foot means you will soon walk on strange ground.
6. Right foot first
When getting dressed, always start with the right foot first. Putting on clothing left foot first supposedly brings bad luck.
7. Give the gift of bad luck
Putting your foot on a chair (and removing it – you don’t want someone sitting on your foot) immediately before someone sits on it gives the sitter bad luck.
8. A gift of evil
If you are feeling like a rotten person, remember this:
Deliberately entering someone’s home left foot first will invite evil into their home.
Sources:
Kentucky Superstitions. Daniel Lindsey Thomas and Lucy Blayney Thomas. 1920.
Encyclopedia of Superstitions. Mona A. Radford.
Encyclopædia of Superstitions, Folklore, and the Occult Sciences of the World. Volume I. Core Linn Daniels.
