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Is walking under a ladder bad luck?

IF you're superstitious then walking through the streets can feel as though you're in the midst of many misfortunate opportunities.

From not letting a black cat cross your path to avoiding walking under a ladder - these superstitions are considered to bring bad luck to many.

Is walking under a ladder bad luck?

Most people are familiar with the saying that walking under a ladder will bring with it bad luck.

But is it true?

Well, that depends on how superstitious you are.

Superstitions are beliefs, therefore there is no scientific evidence to prove misfortune is coming your way.

Where does the superstition come from?

The superstition is said to have originated around 5000 years ago in ancient Egypt when ladders were left in the tombs of the deceased, so that they could ascend to the heavens when they were ready. 

The Egyptians believed that the space between the ladder and the wall was home to good and evil spirits - if disturbed, the spirits would be angered.

Therefore, it was forbidden for anyone to walk beneath a ladder.

In Christianity, the triangle is used to represent the holy trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), so it was believed that walking under the ladder was blasphemous.

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And the superstition didn't end there.

in the 1600s, criminals were made to walk underneath ladders on their way to the gallows - so, throughout history, this superstition has stuck.

What are other common superstitions?

There are hundreds of superstitions worldwide - but do you believe them?

Here's a look at some of the most common superstitions and expressions that can bring both misfortune and good luck.

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Lourie Helzer

Update: 2024-06-15