Many people have probably had some sort of an experience with a good luck charm. Obviously, there is no scientific evidence for these items working. So if you still have bad luck, don’t blame us.
Horseshoes
The first horseshoes ever found are from the Etruscans in 400 BC. When the superstition was first introduced in northern Europe, most likely by wandering Celtic tribes, horseshoes were hung from above the doorway in an effort to ward off evil fairy folk who wandered the forests. They were also made of iron, which was considered lucky as well. (The fairy folk were also said to be afraid of the weapons of their enemies, which just happened to be made of iron.)
The shoes were said to resemble the Celtic moon god’s crescent symbol. Depending on the source, horseshoes hung with the two ends pointed up collect the luck like a bowl, while horseshoes hung with the two ends pointed down spill out their luck on those who walk underneath it. Another traditional aspect said to provide luck was that they were usually held up by seven iron nails—which, as we’ll see later on, is often seen as an important number.
Knocking On Wood
The act of knocking on wood does not have a clear origin. Most likely because ancient pagans used to have a lot of spirits who called the forests home, knocking on wood can be seen as a ward against evil or a plea from a deity for favor. It might also have something to do with ancient pagans making a lot of noise when chasing away evil spirits or trying to prevent them from hearing about (and then ruining) someone’s good luck.
Knocking came about before the 19th century but really caught on because many games played by children involved the action. By the 20th century, the superstition had become as widespread as it is today.
The Number 7
There are many numbers that are considered lucky, but the highest of them all is 7. Considered lucky because of its connection to nearly every religion, 7 is especially precious to Jews (where the practice most likely originated) and Christians because it is seen as a divine number of sorts. There are seven different levels of heaven, and there were seven days in God’s first week.
The number also features prominently in several myths around the world. In ancient Egypt, there were seven paths to heaven. However, in China, 7 is considered unlucky, as it is associated with death, and they prefer the number 8, as it rhymes with the word for prosperity or wealth.