Every culture has superstitions. From ancient to modern man, these superstitions have influenced daily lives. These superstitions can involve belief systems or everyday mundane things, such as colors used for candles, breaking a mirror or the dreaded Friday the 13th. But what many people don’t know is that there are superstitions about money. Some of these superstitions are still practiced today.

One example of a superstition about money involves wishing wells. Throw coins into them and make a wish, daring to believe and hoping it will come true. This practice started with the ancient Greeks who threw coins into the well to keep it from running dry. For them, that was the wish. Today, you can wish for whatever your heart desires.

You have heard if the palm of your hand itches, you will receive money? That is another superstition. But it actually goes like this: If your right palm itches, you will receive money, but if you scratch it, the money won’t come. If your left hand itches, you will have to pay out money. In that case, you want to scratch it as much as possible. 

It is said you need to place a penny in the bride’s shoe on her weeding day to bring her good luck, prosperity, love and happiness in her marriage. This began in England, where they placed a sixpence in the shoe as they were hard to find at one time. 

Do you remember this one: Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll have lots of luck? The second half of that is Heads down leave it on the ground, heads up, pick it up. This is based on the ancient people’s belief that metal was a gift from the gods, given to help protect them. It is also has a base in the belief that money is power, so finding money and keeping it gave you luck to increase your wealth.

Another superstition about finding a penny is that it comes from an angel. This was placed where you lease expected it, letting you know an angels were thinking of you. The Poem goes like this: 

Angels and Pennies                                                                                        

Today I found a penny                                                                                       That was lying on the ground                                                                              But it’s not just a penny                                                                                      This little coin I found

Found pennies come from heaven                                                                  That’s the story Grandpa told                                                                               He said Angles toss them down                                                                       Some are shiny, some are old

He said when an Angel misses you                                                                   They toss a penny down                                                                          Sometimes just to cheer you up                                                                            To make you smile instead of frown

So don’t pass by a penny                                                                                  That shows up out of the blue                                                                                 It may be a penny from heaven                                                                         That an Angel’s tossed to you

(Author Unknown)

There is also superstitions and myths about burning green candles or writing with green ink to increase your fortune or cause money to come your way. There are beliefs that cover symbols to carve into candles to have money come your way.  Regardless, even in today’s technologically advanced society, everyone still remembers the old ways and superstitions. That is why you still pick up the penny or throw coins in the wishing well.