For thousands of years, people have always wanted to increase their good luck and fortune. This not only holds true throughout the span of time but the desire to obtain good luck spreads throughout almost every culture - past and present. Most cultures have their own unique superstitions that ensure the increase of good luck. Some superstitions are simple and have become a routine throughout our daily lives, whereas other superstitions require more effort and sometimes a more ritualistic approach. Even still, some good luck superstitions come in the form of signs that require no effort on a humans part.

Pennies

Most people have heard the adage “see a penny, pick it up and all day will you have good luck”. Some people go beyond the simplicity of the limerick. Most people have no problems picking up a penny. Some even recite the adage as they pick it up. Others won’t even touch the penny on the ground unless it is facing heads up. Those who will only pick up the penny heads up typically believe that it is bad luck to pick up a penny which is facing tails up.

Another superstition regarding pennies is that you should always keep shining pennies dated with the current year in your windows. They will need to be replaced each new year.

Rabbit’s Foot

Who can forget the rabbit’s foot? It was popular from the 1950s until about the mid-1980s. Everyone young and old has had one at one time. It is believed that if you carried a rabbit’s foot in your pocket and stroked it three times, you would have good luck. Some even went so far as to believe one pocket held more good luck power than the other.

Horseshoes

Hanging a horseshoe in your house is said to bring good luck to anyone who resides within your home. However, how the horseshoe is hung has been up for debate for hundreds of years. Some believe it must be hung over a doorway, preferably the front door. Some will go further as to say that the horseshoe must be hanging upright to hold the luck inside. Others will argue that upright or upside down, it doesn’t matter. Even still some will say that if it is hung upside down that luck will shower down on whoever passes underneath it. It doesn’t stop there either. Some people even believe that the horseshoe must be hung with seven iron nails to intensify the good luck.

Four Leaf Clovers

Four leaf clovers require a little effort in locating. There are even superstitions regarding the search for four leaf clovers. The superstition originates in Ireland. Each clover leaf represents something. The first leaf represents hope. The second leaf represents faith. The third leaf represents love and the fourth leaf is the one that represents luck. Keep in mind that finding a four leaf clover is rare, in fact it is a 1 in a 10,000 chance you will actually find one. Therefore, simply finding one is lucky unto itself.

Daisies

There are a couple of superstitions regarding daisies. First off it is said that it is good luck to find a daisy with an odd number of petals. The second superstition is sleep with the root of a daisy underneath your pillow and this will bring you good luck.

Crickets

For most Americans, the sound of a cricket chirping in the house has about the same effect as nails on a chalkboard. However, did you know that to some cultures, such as the Chinese, having a cricket in your home is a sign of good fortunes and will give you and your family good luck for thousands of years. In fact, some people believe so strongly in this that they will keep a cricket in a cage and care for it in hopes it will bring their household good luck.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are also a sign of good luck and fortune. It is said that if a ladybug lands on you, you will have good luck come to you. Of course, if you are fortunate enough to have a ladybug come into your home, it is said that increased money and fortune is coming your way.

Knock on Wood

Most have done it as some point in their lives. You say something and knock on something wooden around you saying, “knock on wood,” hoping not to jinx what you just said from happening or continue to happen. Ever wonder how this superstition came about? It was once believed, and still believed in some cultures, that good spirits resided in trees. By knocking on something made from wood you are awakening these spirits to come out and bless you with good luck and fortune.

Fingers Crossed

Crossing your fingers when hoping for something to happen is another action that many of have done at some point. This good luck superstition is Christian in origin and is thought to ward off evil spirits trying to suck away your good luck and fortune.

Sweeping

According to the Chinese and some Celtic practices, how you sweep your home can determine whether you will have good luck. It is advised that you should always sweep inwardly toward the center of your home to keep good luck from leaving your household. If you should sweep even dust and dirt outside your home via a doorway or window, it is said you are sweeping all the good luck out of you home.

Cutting Hair

It is said that if you keep a lock of a child’s hair at his or her first hair cutting, he or she will have good luck throughout their life. It is also said to be good luck if you cut your hair during a thunderstorm.

New Year’s Eve

There are many superstitions regarding New Year’s Eve and having good luck in the new year. Some of these include eating green food (symbolize money), black-eyed peas and lentils (symbolizing coins), and fish (scales represent money and fish travel in school symbolizing abundance).

Amulets and Statues

Many people believe that certain amulets and statues bring good luck. One of these include pendants, coins, or statues of Saint Christopher, the patron of good luck. Another symbol of good luck is the Hindu god, Ganesh. It is also believed that by rubbing Buddha’s belly it will bring good luck and fortune. Many Japanese and Chinese businesses and homes have Maneki Neko, the good luck and prosperity cat.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui also encompasses bringing good luck and good fortunes to the home or business. Many people who practice Feng Shui will have one, if not more, of the following in their home or business: lucky bamboo plant, a bagua mirror, fu dogs, dragons, chi lin, a tortoise, mystic knots, and i-ching coins.

Some people can become obsessed with superstitions, however practicing superstitions that bring good luck or boost confidence or assurances may actually work to a certain degree. There have been studies done by several psychologists at the various leading institutes and universities that suggests that these superstitions may actually hold value to one’s confidence and self-esteem. It has more to do with what you believe will work to bring you good luck and truly having faith in it. Although, it is more of a psychological boost than magical intervention - whatever works, go for it.