French Superstitions You Probably Didn’t Know About
French culture is filled with quirky superstitions that make everyday life a little more mysterious. These are ancient beliefs passed down through generations, and odd traditions still alive today. Good and bad luck lurks in the most unexpected places! Here are a few surprising French superstitions you may not know about:
1. Don’t Put Bread Upside Down
In France, it’s considered bad luck to place a loaf of bread upside down on the table. This tradition goes back to the Middle Ages, when the town baker would set aside bread for the local executioner.
The upside-down loaf was a signal that this bread was reserved for him, and as executioners were often seen as figures of ill omen, it became a widespread belief that placing bread this way would bring misfortune to your home.
2. Black Cats Bring Bad Luck
In France, black cats are traditionally seen as bad luck. This belief dates back to the Middle Ages, when black cats were linked to witchcraft and evil spirits. Even today, someone thought to bring bad luck is sometimes called a “chat noir” (black cat).
3. Avoid walking Under a Ladder
The belief that walking under a ladder brings bad luck isn’t unique to France, but the reasoning behind it differs slightly. In France, this superstition has religious roots. A ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, which symbolizes the Holy Trinity. Walking through the triangle is seen as disrespectful and could invoke bad fortune.
4. Knock on Wood
The French believe in knocking on wood to avoid jinxing good fortune. The tradition is linked to ancient pagan beliefs that spirits lived in trees, so knocking on wood was a way to call upon these protective spirits. In modern France, people often knock on wood or simply say “toucher du bois” when they want to ward off bad luck.
5. Seeing a Spider in the Evening
While spiders are generally feared or avoided, in France, seeing a spider in the evening is actually considered a sign of good luck. A spider appearing late in the day brings prosperity. The more spiders you see, the more wealth you’ll accumulate.
6. Never Wish "Happy Birthday" Early
In France, wishing someone a happy birthday before the actual day is considered bad luck. It’s believed that celebrating too soon can tempt fate and bring misfortune. To stay on the safe side, the French avoid early birthday greetings and only celebrate on or after the person’s birthday.
7. Stepping in Dog Poop (Yes, Really)
Stepping in dog poop is actually considered good luck in France - but only if you step in it with your left foot! If it’s your right foot, the luck flips, and it’s a sign of misfortune.
