Travel superstitions that could bring you good luck
One in 10 Brits lives with a fear of flying, leaving millions anxious before they step on a plane. But what if there are simple superstitions people have believed for centuries that could help ease some of that anxiety? Read on for what you may well do – and what you’ve never heard of until now.
Put a garlic clove in your suitcase
Rooted in centuries-old Balkan folk traditions, garlic has long been seen as a protector against negative energy. It’s believed by some that it can help guard against bad luck on your journey. If you pass through border control without complications, tradition suggests it may be thanks to that clove doing its job!
“The superstition of garlic spans a multitude of regions and situations,” says Celebrity Psychic Inbaal Honigman. “From repelling vampires to deflecting the evil eye, the magical properties of garlic are extolled in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Greece, and as far away as China.”
Board the plane right foot first
Rooted in ancient maritime customs and ancient beliefs, stepping aboard with the right foot is believed to set the tone for the entire journey – quite literally starting the trip ‘on the right foot’. For some, a brief, conscious pause at the aircraft door is also used to symbolically welcome good energy and calm nerves. “Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the right side was associated with positive energy, so beginning with the right foot was seen as bringing better fortune,” continues Inbaal. “Even in Islamic, Portuguese and Hindu traditions, starting things on the right side is believed to lead to more favourable outcomes.”
Touch the outside of the plane before boarding
Tapping the plane’s fuselage is a meaningful ritual for many, believed to bless the flight and greet the aircraft before take-off. It symbolises connection between man and machine, which could help anxious flyers feel a greater sense of control.
“Many veterans may remember tapping aircraft during military flights in times of conflict, which is the likely origin for this superstition,” adds Inbaal.
Spill water behind the traveller as they leave
In parts of the Middle East, a farewell ritual sees travellers sent off with water spilled behind them. While some regions stick to a gentle sprinkling, others toss a full bucket or pitcher of water directly behind the traveller or their vehicle as they set off.
“The superstition is rooted in the idea of wishing for a journey that flows as smoothly and effortlessly as moving water,” continues Inbaal. “It mimics the movement of the tides, and is believed the traveller will journey away from home and then return in peace.”
Avoid numbers 13 (UK), 4 (China), and 17 (Italy)
Certain numbers are believed to carry bad energy, so much they’ve quietly disappeared from hotel floors, airline seat rows and even room numbers around the world. The most widely recognised is 13, long considered unlucky in much of the West, with the 13th guest at the last supper signifying betrayal.
“In China, number 4 sounds almost identical to the word for ‘death’ in Mandarin. In Italy, 17 is feared due to its Roman numeral representation, XVII, which can be rearranged to spell VIXI, a Latin phrase meaning ‘I have lived’ – a reference to the end of life.”
Sit on your luggage before a trip
A Slavic superstition, the brief pause is thought to help travellers gather their thoughts and mentally reset before the journey begins. Traditionally, it was also believed that by lingering, a traveller could confuse lurking evil spirits, creating the impression that no departure was taking place at all.
“This silent pause is from Pagan times and is often linked to the household spirit. It was believed that taking a moment before leaving showed respect for the spirit that protected the home, while rushing out abruptly risked angering it.”
Put the broom down after saying goodbye
In many cultures, sweeping isn’t just a household chore. It carries symbolic weight tied to clearing, cutting ties and ‘removing’ energy from a space – in regions including the Caribbean, Latin America, Ukraine and beyond.
“The act of sweeping straight after someone leaves the home is considered unlucky, as sweeping too soon could symbolically sweep away their luck, or even their wellbeing or safe return.” www.casinokhajana.com
