If one walks underneath an open ladder it is said to bring bad luck. Sometimes it is said that this can be undone by immediately walking backwards back underneath the ladder.
105
Many believe that if all of the candles on a birthday cake are blown out with one breath, while making a silent wish, the wish will come true.
298
Placing a hat on the bed is, apparently, bad luck. (South Carolina)
9
Placing keys on a table is considered unlucky. (Sweden)
3
Amber beads, worn as a necklace, can protect against illness or cure colds.
89
An acorn at the window will keep lightning out
93
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
Pirates believed that piercing the ears with such precious metals as silver and gold improved one's eyesight.
131