Top Five Money Superstitions From Around The World

Superstitions vary from country to country and are rooted in practices and beliefs that have existed before modern science could provide rational answers. The superstitions we have about money, particularly, tend to linger as habits are passed down from generation to generation.  

Early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise! Or so they say... Just don't ask us who "they" is. 

And while we'd like to sit here and tell you that love does indeed make the world go around, we have an inkling that money might have something to do with it too. That explains why, since the dawn of time, we've been doing everything and anything we can in order to keep, save and earn our money. So, we're making a list of our favourite money superstitions around the world and letting you pick and choose which ones you want to adhere to.

According to this Turkish folklore tale, if you want to get rich quick, all you need to do is hold gold in your hand as you sleep. The hardest part of this tradition seems to be getting your hand on some real gold to take to bed first! Nevertheless, it may be worth taking it out for dinner and then sleeping with it if you happen upon some.

If you're a Chinese child on New Year, then you're in luck! Why? Because you're set to be the recipient of some red wrapped money courtesy of gracious parents and older relatives. In China, the red wrapping paper or envelope is a symbol of good luck, and it isn't actually about how much money you give. And, just like opening your card and going to the money first, it isn't polite to open your envelope while the gift giver is still present!

'Find a penny, pick it up, and have good luck all day!" The saying might not have originated in Argentina, but they have a similar superstition. Argentinians believe that finding money on the pavement is a sign that you're going to be getting some money! But... don't be too hasty to celebrate- the legend has it that if you spend the money immediately, you're going to reverse your good luck.

Perhaps one of the most famous traditions surrounding money (and gold!) originates in Ireland. The Irish have upheld the myth of leprechauns placing a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for centuries. And, if you're ever lucky enough to see a rainbow (which in rainy Ireland you probably will be) then make sure you try and get to the end of it- experience says it impossible, but it's worth a try all the same

No... not the rain dance, the money dance! The tradition supposedly originates in Poland somewhere around the beginning of the 20th Century. The dance usually takes place midway through a celebration after the guests have had a fair bit to drink. If you're at a wedding, then the dance is customarily announced by the best man and danced by the best man and bride. After a few bars, the male guests are then invited to pin money to the bride's dress. Brides who don't like perforating their very expensive dresses usually carry a purse specifically for this occasion.

So, regardless of whether you're a big believer in superstitious practices, if you're ever in the position to do so, try them out and let us know if they work.

According to this superstition, you will bring financial misfortune upon yourself and your home if you lend money after sunset. A rich, beautiful, love-filled Goddess of fortune, wealth, beauty, and wealth, Lakshmi, is the inspiration for this prayer. This superstition goes back to when salt was used as currency; it stated not to exchange salt after sunset.

It's unclear why, but in Italy, there's a superstition that says you shouldn't kill a spider because it will bring you financial bounty in the future.

The belief dates back to ancient Rome when people believed spiders brought wealth and good luck in business. A spider symbol can be seen on many coins and pieces of jewellery from this era.

Vultures can help you fill your pockets, didn't you know? Vultures do have future-seeing eyesight, according to South African folklore. It has been reported that some people keep vulture heads as a good luck charm as part of their South African gambling ritual

A bit different to the Argentinean's belief is what the people in Mexico think about 'wealth luck'. The people in Mexico suggest that you make a cross on the pavement after picking up money lying on the roadside. Yes, you read it right! Getting the money on the road provides more. Also, yellow is a colour of abundance – one if worn at a dinner party together prior to the season ends, will gather wealth for you in the getting close new year. Wax lights and flowers on the dining stand act as emblems of prosperity.

Snakes are lucky for the Japanese people, and that's why they buy and sell snakeskin purses to attract happiness and wealth.

In the United Kingdom, new clothes express luck and riches. The English people like always to keep the profit in storage compartments of recent garments and even have on new clothes in New Year's working day as they feel it can attract funds for much more new clothes!

Money, which has usually been viewed as something of utmost significance, continues to be considered to come with the best of luck. Therefore, some historic pearls of wisdom deem ‘wealth luck’ to depend on particular methods, like identifying money-winning positions, fixing the colour for ‘bad luck’, putting a money plant in your house and not washing your hands when successful in winning money in the gambling session.

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