In some parts of England, rum is used to wash a baby's head for good luck.
71
At times, a horseshoe may be found above doorways. When positioned like a regular 'U' it supposedly collects luck. However, when it is positioned like an upside-down 'U' the luck supposedly drains.
78
Pirates believed that piercing the ears with such precious metals as silver and gold improved one's eyesight.
131
Breaking a mirror is said to bring bad luck for 7 years. To "undo" this, take the shards of glass and bury them underneath the moonlight. In ancient times, the mirror was said to be a window to the viewer's soul. If that mirror were to break, it would
123
Placing keys on a table is considered unlucky. (Sweden)
3
Two people breaking a wishbone is said to lead to good luck for the person with the larger piece.
225
According to an age old custom, carrying a dead shrew in your pocket wards off rheumatism!
24
A single magpie is considered a sign of bad luck. A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar recites an old proverb concerning the incidence of bad weather when magpies forage alone and a possible scientific explanation for this.
49