Why Walking Under a Ladder Brings Bad Luck? Do This to Reverse Luck

One of the most well-known beliefs in many cultures is that about the ladder. People believe that passing under a ladder can bring bad luck; but what is the root of this idea, and why has it managed to survive up to now?

In this article, we will trace the history of this superstition, the different types of bad luck associated with it, and a few practical ways of reversing the perceived misfortune if one ever happens to walk under a ladder.

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Table of Contents hide

1 Key Takeaways

2 Does Walking Under a Ladder Really Bring Bad Luck?

3 Where Does This Ladder Superstition Originate?

4 Types of Ladder Bad Luck Superstition

5 How to Turn Your Luck Around: 5 Tips

6 Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways

The superstition of walking under a ladder has its roots in Ancient Egypt and early Christianity.
This superstition would, in addition, be a precaution against dangers apart from spiritual beliefs. There could be a connection of physical danger, such as falling objects or accidents while walking under ladders, which further strengthened their belief in bad luck.
The superstition had various forms of bad luck, including seven years of bad luck, financial problems, problems in relationships, health issues, and missed opportunities.
People believe that this bad luck may be reversed by performing simple rituals such as crossing fingers, spitting through the ladder, walking backward, knocking on wood, or throwing salt over the left shoulder.

Does Walking Under a Ladder Really Bring Bad Luck?

Many people believe that passing under the ladder can bring ill fortune. The superstition has been in existence for a long period of time and has spread across various cultures, and today forms a taboo of our lives.

While many of us avoid passing under the ladder, not all of us actually know the reason behind such belief. Is there a valid reason behind it, or was it just an old story which we people followed without giving it a thought?

This is an idea, or you could say a belief in the superstition that it is unlucky to walk under a ladder, where there is no involvement of science. Yet, it is still a captivating theme in folklore that has been carried across generations.

Whether one believes in superstitions or not, naturally, this would make one have second thoughts about walking under a ladder. But then again, maybe that is the reason this old belief keeps hanging on: perhaps there is something to it.

Where Does This Ladder Superstition Originate?

Many people believe that passing under a ladder invites misfortune. Actually this is an interestingly rooted superstition because it combines quite practical ideas with deeper meanings. Now, let’s get to the bottom of where it actually originated.

1. Ancient Egypt

This story goes back to Ancient Egypt, roughly 5,000 years ago. Ladders lean against the wall and take the shape of a triangle. Triangles were a very special shape to the Egyptians; they believed that it was the symbol of their gods. They would feel that passing underneath a triangle would disturb the gods and remove them from a state of harmony. Not wanting to upset the gods, Egyptians made sure not to walk under ladders. ^{[4, 5]}

2. Christianity

The triangle also had a great meaning in early Christianity. To Christians, the triangle represented the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Walking under a ladder was considered breaking this crucial unity that could result in bad luck. In the Middle Ages, many Christians avoided ladders due to fear of bumping their faith and resulting in severe punishment. ^{[1, 6]}

3. Safety Concerns

This superstition is for every reason not dealing with a symbol or belief. Rather, there are plausible reasons for concern with safety, too. Ladders are generally used in activities like painting, cleaning, or even building, and walking under one can be dangerous. Things can fall from above, and accidents occur with people being inattentive. This fear of getting hurt probably helped the superstition to stick around.

4. Symbolism in Other Cultures

Other cultures also have the same concepts about ladders. In some cultures, a ladder represents the link between the physical and spiritual world. Passing under a ladder breaks this crossing, hence the possibility of luck to turn sour. Moreover, there are ladders used in hangings at the gallows for criminals. Passing under such a ladder invites death or bad luck to enter your life.

By examining these angles, it would depict why many people believe that under the ladder it is a sign of bad luck.

Types of Ladder Bad Luck Superstition

Walking under a ladder has picked up some strange superstitions over the years. People believe this action can bring various kinds of bad luck. Here are some of the most common ideas about what might happen if you go under a ladder.

1. Seven Years of Bad Luck

The first is that it will give you seven years of bad luck when you walk under a ladder. It works very well with the superstition about breaking a mirror. Because it is not known where this seven-year curse came from, many cultures consider the number seven special and believe it holds mystical powers.

2. Bad Financial Luck

Others claim that passing under a ladder will bring financial problems into their lives. This is by being in a position where one would either lose money or make the wrong decisions concerning the same. They believe if you walk underneath a ladder, your money situation will go downhill.

3. Relationship Troubles

Others believe that the act of walking under the ladder may jinx your relationships in such a way that one finds themselves fighting, breaking up, or just basically being cringy around friends and family. The concept here is that passing under the ladder disrupts a symbolic “triangle,” signaling that your relationships might get out of balance.

4. Health Issues

People say, in diverse cultures, that walking under a ladder can bring health problems. These range from the common cold to serious conditions. The act of going under the ladder is metaphorically seen as passing into dangerous territory that might invite bad vibes into your life.

5. Loss of Opportunities

Others feel that it is an opportunity passed. That would mean you have an opportunity to achieve or get something very important in your life, but you cannot reach it, whether in your career or private life. Usually, the ladder symbolizes steps of success, passing under it blocks your way to the top.

How to Turn Your Luck Around: 5 Tips

So you accidentally walked under a ladder and feel that you’ve just called a spell of bad luck your way? Well, there are quite a number of cool tricks which, according to some belief, help reverse such bad luck. Here are five popular methods to turn things around.

1. Cross Your Fingers

Crossing your fingers is quite a popular method for fending off bad luck. Following walking under the ladder, try keeping your fingers crossed until you see a dog. This ancient superstition originally came from crossing fingers providing protection. ^{[2, 5]}

2. Spit Three Times Through the Ladder

Although this may sound a bit strange, many people believe that spitting three times through the rungs of the ladder can help. The number three is usually considered to be a lucky number. You are believed to push away any bad energy you may have picked up when you spit. ^{[4, 5]}

3. Make a Wish While Walking Backward

Other playful ways to reverse the lousy luck include making a wish and walking backward through the ladder. By walking backward, you undo what you just did. In addition, making a wish helps you concentrate your positive energy on bringing about a change in your luck for the best. ^[6]

4. Knock on Wood

Another common trick that works to reverse bad fortune is knocking on wood. People think that wood can absorb negative energies. When you knock on wood, it’s like you are transferring any bad luck away from you and into the wood.

5. Throw Salt Over Your Left Shoulder

Throwing salt over your left shoulder can also protect you from bad spirits. Salt has long been considered a means of purification, protection, and taboo. This can be done by tossing the salt over the shoulder to blind any evil spirits that may be following you; hence, offering protection from harm.

Final Thoughts

The ladder superstition—to bring in bad luck even by simply walking under a ladder—has been in existence since time unknown. This is probably because, in the said superstition, it amalgamates safety concerns with quite interesting ideas coming from various cultures. However trivial and inconsequential you may perceive superstitions to be, sometimes their origin and meaning tend to be pretty interesting.

But, if you’ve happened to walk underneath a ladder, it’s not quite time to freak out. There’s an easy trick to reverse that luck. You can simply go about your day in ignorance since these superstitions only take control of your life when you allow them to. Take a deep breath, cross your fingers, and toss a little salt over your shoulder.

After all, luck can be engineered through our thoughts and actions. How we perceive things can truly alter how it impinges on us. Remember this, and you may find that luck is rather a matter of your perspective than ladders!

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