Why a Pineapple Could Bring Good Fortune and Other Home Superstitions
Around the world, many cultures have strange and wondrous beliefs and superstitions. Do you recognise any of these?
Junko Kawakami
25 February 2016
Children who grow up in Western cultures are taught from childhood that it’s bad luck to walk under a ladder; in Japan, rakes are thought to gather good luck, and in parts of Southeast Asia, pineapples are believed to herald good fortune.
To help with our search for more weird (but wonderful) home-based customs, we asked the Houzz community in several countries around the world for the lowdown on cultural superstitions that centre on our domestic life. Whether you believe in them or not is up to you, but we hope you at least enjoy reading about them here.
To help with our search for more weird (but wonderful) home-based customs, we asked the Houzz community in several countries around the world for the lowdown on cultural superstitions that centre on our domestic life. Whether you believe in them or not is up to you, but we hope you at least enjoy reading about them here.
Cats as spiritual animals
Ancient Egyptians venerated cats, while in medieval Europe, black kitties were associated with witchcraft. Nowadays, cats are as popular as dogs, and what’s more, they’re all over the internet!
As for superstitions surrounding cats in the home, there are many. In Russia, for example, it’s said that when you buy a new house, you should always let your cat in first – only after that can the homeowner enter. Domovoy (a protective house spirit) is believed to ride on the cat’s back to enter the house, bringing happiness and peace to anyone living in it.
In Japan, there’s a common ornament called Maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, so called because the cat has one front paw raised in a beckoning gesture. It’s considered a good omen for those who conduct business, and is often seen in shopfronts and restaurants. There are various theories about the meaning of the raised paw, but it’s said that cats with their right paw raised invite monetary fortune, while ones with their left paw raised invite people.
Check out 10 pampered pets and their one-of-a-kind homes
Ancient Egyptians venerated cats, while in medieval Europe, black kitties were associated with witchcraft. Nowadays, cats are as popular as dogs, and what’s more, they’re all over the internet!
As for superstitions surrounding cats in the home, there are many. In Russia, for example, it’s said that when you buy a new house, you should always let your cat in first – only after that can the homeowner enter. Domovoy (a protective house spirit) is believed to ride on the cat’s back to enter the house, bringing happiness and peace to anyone living in it.
In Japan, there’s a common ornament called Maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, so called because the cat has one front paw raised in a beckoning gesture. It’s considered a good omen for those who conduct business, and is often seen in shopfronts and restaurants. There are various theories about the meaning of the raised paw, but it’s said that cats with their right paw raised invite monetary fortune, while ones with their left paw raised invite people.
Check out 10 pampered pets and their one-of-a-kind homes
Rakes and brooms as symbols of good fortune
In Japan, and especially popular in households that conduct business, there’s a custom of buying kumade rakes on the various ‘Days of the Cock’ (or chicken), which are festival events that take place in November.
Symbolic rakes are festooned with brightly coloured baubles and adorned with characters from Japanese folklore, including masks of lucky Gods, replicas of gold coins, miniature treasure ships and shrines, bales of rice, fish, and chests of treasure. They are purchased on festival days at local shrines and taken home to be hung up inside to ‘gather good luck’ (kumade and other lucky items are traditionally hung above eye level).
The Russians have a superstition about brooms, rather than rakes. They believe that, in order to attract money, you should place your broom with the large end up. They also believe whistling inside the house will cause financial loss.
In Japan, and especially popular in households that conduct business, there’s a custom of buying kumade rakes on the various ‘Days of the Cock’ (or chicken), which are festival events that take place in November.
Symbolic rakes are festooned with brightly coloured baubles and adorned with characters from Japanese folklore, including masks of lucky Gods, replicas of gold coins, miniature treasure ships and shrines, bales of rice, fish, and chests of treasure. They are purchased on festival days at local shrines and taken home to be hung up inside to ‘gather good luck’ (kumade and other lucky items are traditionally hung above eye level).
The Russians have a superstition about brooms, rather than rakes. They believe that, in order to attract money, you should place your broom with the large end up. They also believe whistling inside the house will cause financial loss.
Mirrors as windows to other worlds
In some cultures, people think a mirror is a path between this world and another, such as heaven or the underworld. For example, 100to14, a Houzz pro user in Spain, says, ‘We are taught not to make any wish in front of a mirror, as they are supposed to be connected to the “other side”.’
In some Eastern cultures, including Singapore and Japan, older people believe that one should not sleep in front of a mirror, as a mirror placed in front of a bed will confuse your soul when it returns to your body upon waking. These beliefs are explored in literature, too, such as in Lewis Carroll’s book Through the Looking-Glass, a tale whereby Alice climbs through a mirror into a world she can see beyond it.
In fact, until modern technologies, such as photographic and cine cameras, became available, the mirror was the only way to see how you looked to others. So it’s no surprise there are many cultural superstitions that allege mirrors have mysterious powers. For example, in the UK, Houzzer Sarah explains people often say, ‘Dread the day I break a mirror.’ This is the fear that a broken mirror will trap a soul inside it and bring seven years’ bad luck, a superstition that dates back to Roman times.
In some cultures, people think a mirror is a path between this world and another, such as heaven or the underworld. For example, 100to14, a Houzz pro user in Spain, says, ‘We are taught not to make any wish in front of a mirror, as they are supposed to be connected to the “other side”.’
In some Eastern cultures, including Singapore and Japan, older people believe that one should not sleep in front of a mirror, as a mirror placed in front of a bed will confuse your soul when it returns to your body upon waking. These beliefs are explored in literature, too, such as in Lewis Carroll’s book Through the Looking-Glass, a tale whereby Alice climbs through a mirror into a world she can see beyond it.
In fact, until modern technologies, such as photographic and cine cameras, became available, the mirror was the only way to see how you looked to others. So it’s no surprise there are many cultural superstitions that allege mirrors have mysterious powers. For example, in the UK, Houzzer Sarah explains people often say, ‘Dread the day I break a mirror.’ This is the fear that a broken mirror will trap a soul inside it and bring seven years’ bad luck, a superstition that dates back to Roman times.
Poking out a tongue as a way to give thanks for retrieved goods
Russians share the same reservations about mirrors, but have a more light-hearted custom associated with them, too. According to the Houzz Russia team, ‘In Russia, when you forget something and go back to pick it up, you must look in the mirror and stick out your tongue. We don’t really remember why, but it’s a funny tradition.’
Russians share the same reservations about mirrors, but have a more light-hearted custom associated with them, too. According to the Houzz Russia team, ‘In Russia, when you forget something and go back to pick it up, you must look in the mirror and stick out your tongue. We don’t really remember why, but it’s a funny tradition.’
Feng shui practices as a way of welcoming in good vibes
In Chinese culture, feng shui is a belief system meant to bring good fortune. It’s activated by creating a harmonious environment, both at home and at work.
Many people around the world practice feng shui as well as other spiritual philosophies to create a more comfortable home. In Australia, for example, homeowner and designer Tracie Ellis says, ‘For good feng shui, we added a walnut timber table and cabinets [pictured], so there’s a grounding, natural element in the kitchen and dining area.’
See more of this house
In Chinese culture, feng shui is a belief system meant to bring good fortune. It’s activated by creating a harmonious environment, both at home and at work.
Many people around the world practice feng shui as well as other spiritual philosophies to create a more comfortable home. In Australia, for example, homeowner and designer Tracie Ellis says, ‘For good feng shui, we added a walnut timber table and cabinets [pictured], so there’s a grounding, natural element in the kitchen and dining area.’
See more of this house
Pineapples as harbingers of financial gain
Feng shui includes a lot of beliefs and habits associated with money-making. For example, the Hokkien word for pineapple is ong lai, which also sounds like words meaning ‘incoming fortune’. (Hokkien is a Chinese dialect from Fujian province and is widely spoken in many Southeast Asian countries). In Singapore (where Hokkien is spoken), people roll a pineapple into a new home, hoping good fortune will roll in with it.
Feng shui includes a lot of beliefs and habits associated with money-making. For example, the Hokkien word for pineapple is ong lai, which also sounds like words meaning ‘incoming fortune’. (Hokkien is a Chinese dialect from Fujian province and is widely spoken in many Southeast Asian countries). In Singapore (where Hokkien is spoken), people roll a pineapple into a new home, hoping good fortune will roll in with it.
Bread as a symbol of death
The kitchen is a place where various cultures have developed specific ideas about manners around cooking and eating, and quite a few superstitions, too.
In France, there are two sides to a loaf of bread – the right side (the convex one) and the wrong side (the flat one). According to Houzz user annie ROGER, putting the bread down on the convex side with the flat side up to the ceiling can have grave consequences. ‘My grandma used to tell us to “put the bread right side up or evil will come into the house”.’
The kitchen is a place where various cultures have developed specific ideas about manners around cooking and eating, and quite a few superstitions, too.
In France, there are two sides to a loaf of bread – the right side (the convex one) and the wrong side (the flat one). According to Houzz user annie ROGER, putting the bread down on the convex side with the flat side up to the ceiling can have grave consequences. ‘My grandma used to tell us to “put the bread right side up or evil will come into the house”.’
Broken dishes as signs of happiness
In Russia, people think that any dishes you break will bring happiness. However, if you have a teacup that’s slightly cracked, you can’t keep it or drink out of it lest you attract bad luck, and so must throw it away.
In addition, Russians believe you mustn’t brush crumbs off a dining table with your hand (using a napkin is allowed). If you do, you may find you won’t have any money soon after.
In Russia, people think that any dishes you break will bring happiness. However, if you have a teacup that’s slightly cracked, you can’t keep it or drink out of it lest you attract bad luck, and so must throw it away.
In addition, Russians believe you mustn’t brush crumbs off a dining table with your hand (using a napkin is allowed). If you do, you may find you won’t have any money soon after.
Open umbrellas inside as precursors to ill fortune
Every culture has taboos related to home life, and there are certain activities you shouldn’t do inside the house and items you shouldn’t bring home. In the UK, it’s widely believed you shouldn’t open umbrellas inside, according to Houzz user Sarah. Opening up inside can cause bad luck to ‘rain’ on you, as it’s considered an insult to the weather gods (sun and storm) that the protection the umbrella offers is not used outside where these gods presumably reside, but inside where there’s already protection.
Apparently, the gods can view this disrespectful act as an insult, but there is also the possibility the superstition could have stemmed from mere bad luck – after all, opening an umbrella inside can easily result in personal injuries and broken objects!
Every culture has taboos related to home life, and there are certain activities you shouldn’t do inside the house and items you shouldn’t bring home. In the UK, it’s widely believed you shouldn’t open umbrellas inside, according to Houzz user Sarah. Opening up inside can cause bad luck to ‘rain’ on you, as it’s considered an insult to the weather gods (sun and storm) that the protection the umbrella offers is not used outside where these gods presumably reside, but inside where there’s already protection.
Apparently, the gods can view this disrespectful act as an insult, but there is also the possibility the superstition could have stemmed from mere bad luck – after all, opening an umbrella inside can easily result in personal injuries and broken objects!
Flowers as deciders of fate
In Sweden, Houzz pro user Internationella Mattkompaniet, says that heather (Calluna vulgaris) is a taboo flower you cannot bring into your home. ‘My grandmother once told me that you should never bring heather into the house, because if you do, somebody close to you will die. Despite the warning, I once picked heather and brought it into the house when I was a child. A week later, my uncle suddenly died from a heart attack… Since then, I leave the heather to grow undisturbed.’
However, Matilda Alehke Gunnarsson, another Houzz Sweden user, disagrees, saying, ‘Heather? Never heard anything about this. But I would never, ever place my keys on a table. They are either hanging on a wall or are on the floor.’
Sara Norrman, editor of Houzz Sweden, hadn’t heard of heather’s bad luck status either, but reminds us that Sweden varies greatly between different parts of the country. ‘The keys superstition is widespread, though – I never put my keys on the table,’ she says.
In Sweden, Houzz pro user Internationella Mattkompaniet, says that heather (Calluna vulgaris) is a taboo flower you cannot bring into your home. ‘My grandmother once told me that you should never bring heather into the house, because if you do, somebody close to you will die. Despite the warning, I once picked heather and brought it into the house when I was a child. A week later, my uncle suddenly died from a heart attack… Since then, I leave the heather to grow undisturbed.’
However, Matilda Alehke Gunnarsson, another Houzz Sweden user, disagrees, saying, ‘Heather? Never heard anything about this. But I would never, ever place my keys on a table. They are either hanging on a wall or are on the floor.’
Sara Norrman, editor of Houzz Sweden, hadn’t heard of heather’s bad luck status either, but reminds us that Sweden varies greatly between different parts of the country. ‘The keys superstition is widespread, though – I never put my keys on the table,’ she says.
Greetings over doorsteps as taboo customs
In Russia, you can’t say hi or pass anything over the doorstep. Houzz Russia editor Elena Ambrosimova says, ‘No one really remembers why, but everybody obeys this custom unconditionally. In fact, this caused a famous, funny situation: during a rendezvous of American and Russian spacecraft at Mir space station, Russian astronauts refused to shake hands with their American colleagues over the doorstep, because of this taboo!’
Looking for ways to freshen up your front door? Check out these ideas
In Russia, you can’t say hi or pass anything over the doorstep. Houzz Russia editor Elena Ambrosimova says, ‘No one really remembers why, but everybody obeys this custom unconditionally. In fact, this caused a famous, funny situation: during a rendezvous of American and Russian spacecraft at Mir space station, Russian astronauts refused to shake hands with their American colleagues over the doorstep, because of this taboo!’
Looking for ways to freshen up your front door? Check out these ideas
The toilet as a good luck charm
In Japan, it’s said that keeping the toilet clean can bring good fortune. This is allegedly inspired by Zen Buddhism, as cleaning is regarded as part of its practice and the feng shui tradition. In addition, according feng shui, the toilet is governed by the element of water, an element associated with wealth and cash flow, so it is important to keep the toilet clean.
According to Junko Kawakami, editor of Houzz Japan, linking a clean toilet to good fortune, and perhaps an even greater love of the toilet scrubber, has existed in Japan for many years. Believe it or not, this seems to be reflected in reality.
According to a comparative survey conducted by Lion, one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of detergent, soap, hygiene products and other toiletries, 42% of the group of people who answered that they keep their toilet clean also said they appear to have luck with money. Conversely, only 22% of the group of people who answered that they didn’t keep their toilet clean said they felt they had luck with money.
In addition, the average annual income of the people who keep their toilet clean was 5.42 million yen, while that of the group of people who don’t was 4.54 million yen.
In Japan, it’s said that keeping the toilet clean can bring good fortune. This is allegedly inspired by Zen Buddhism, as cleaning is regarded as part of its practice and the feng shui tradition. In addition, according feng shui, the toilet is governed by the element of water, an element associated with wealth and cash flow, so it is important to keep the toilet clean.
According to Junko Kawakami, editor of Houzz Japan, linking a clean toilet to good fortune, and perhaps an even greater love of the toilet scrubber, has existed in Japan for many years. Believe it or not, this seems to be reflected in reality.
According to a comparative survey conducted by Lion, one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of detergent, soap, hygiene products and other toiletries, 42% of the group of people who answered that they keep their toilet clean also said they appear to have luck with money. Conversely, only 22% of the group of people who answered that they didn’t keep their toilet clean said they felt they had luck with money.
In addition, the average annual income of the people who keep their toilet clean was 5.42 million yen, while that of the group of people who don’t was 4.54 million yen.
Sweet good luck charms
Some everyday items with symbolic meaning are so charming, they’re not only used in the home as lucky charms, but as objects for decoration. For example, four-leaf clovers are a lucky charm in Ireland, but their shape is also used as a decorative motif, as seen here on this bold wallpaper print.
Some everyday items with symbolic meaning are so charming, they’re not only used in the home as lucky charms, but as objects for decoration. For example, four-leaf clovers are a lucky charm in Ireland, but their shape is also used as a decorative motif, as seen here on this bold wallpaper print.
In Russia and other Western cultures, the horseshoe is a famous symbol of luck and prosperity. ‘It’s important to hang it up the right way (U-shaped, and not the other way round) to collect luck into it,’ says Houzz Russia editor Elena Ambrosimova.
In the UK, pennies found on the floor are also associated with good fortune, encapsulated in the ditty, ‘See a penny pick it up and all the day you’ll have good luck.’
TELL US…
Do you have any superstitions or family traditions? Share them with other Houzzers in the Comments below.
In the UK, pennies found on the floor are also associated with good fortune, encapsulated in the ditty, ‘See a penny pick it up and all the day you’ll have good luck.’
TELL US…
Do you have any superstitions or family traditions? Share them with other Houzzers in the Comments below.
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No soy de las que cree en supersticiones, pero en mi trabajo de diseñadora si debo respetar las de mis clientes y me adapto a sus necesidades.
I'm not the type of person who believes in superstitions , but in my work as a designer I respect my clients and adapt to their needs.
A great article. I particularly like this tradition - According to the Houzz Russia team, ‘In Russia, when you forget something and go back to pick it up, you must look in the mirror and stick out your tongue. We don’t really remember why, but it’s a funny tradition.’