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13 Property Buying Superstitions for Friday the 13th
This article is an external press release originally published on the Landlord News website, which has now been migrated to the Just Landlords blog.
There’s no better time than one of the spookiest days of the year – Friday the 13th – to explore some of the superstitions we have traditionally associated with the properties and houses we own.
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The number 13
There are many theories as to why the number 13 is associated with mayhem and misfortune. The first could be that in Christianity, the 13th disciple to sit at the Last Supper, Judas, went on to betray Jesus. Also, there are traditionally 13 witches in Pagan/Wicca circles, to the aborted Apollo 13 space mission. There is no shortage of reasons as to why individuals are more reluctant to associate the number 13 with their investments than other numbers.
Friday the 13th Superstitions
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Leave your previous broom behind
Another superstition dictates you should leave the broom you used in your old house behind. Bringing it with you is thought to transfer some bad luck of your old place to your new one. However, replacing an old broom of course sounds wise anyway for your brand new property!).
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New shoes upon the table
A well-known ‘old wives tale’, putting new shoes upon the table is thought to be a bad omen. This superstition is thought to originate from back when the dead were dressed and prepared for funerals on a table at home.
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Broken mirrors
Breaking a mirror is thought to signify the start of seven years of bad luck. In Roman time, it is said to have signified the soul being trapped in the fragments of glass. Either way, there’s no harm in placing an extra layer of bubble wrap when moving reflective items to your new property!
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Fridays are unlucky for a move
Apparently, Fridays, Saturdays and all rainy days are unlucky for a move, according to Indian superstitions, and could prevent you from truly settling in to your new home. A Thursday is apparently the luckiest day to move into a new property.
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Opening an umbrella inside
The action of opening an umbrella indoors could result in angering the sun gods, according to ancient Egyptians. However, in a country like the UK with so much rain anyway, it may not make too much of a difference.
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Sage cleansing
The ritual of burning certain herbs has long been commonplace to many cultures across the world. However, performing a sage cleansing ritual is still a good opportunity to focus on dispelling any negative energy, thoughts and toxicity you might want to leave behind.
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Scatter coins
Scattering coins into the corners of your living room is thought, according to a Philippine tradition, to bring the new homeowner peace and prosperity in future months.
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Lucky numbers
Certain individuals and societies attribute significance to numerology. The numbers 6, 8 and 9 are seen as sources of good luck in Chinese culture, whereas the number 4 is considered particularly unlucky.
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Exit the door you entered
This one is an old Irish tradition for the first time you enter and exit your new property. Leaving through the same door you entered home is thought to ensure you’ll avoid any lurking bad luck that might have previously been heading your way.
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Feng shui
Perhaps less of a superstition than some others on this list, this ancient Chinese practise looks to harmonise the environment to create a tranquil living space. It’s also still popular today among many interior designers, aiming to ensure the property works its best for the health and happiness of the inhabitants.
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Paint your front porch blue
This particular superstition originates from the American Deep South. It was thought that ghosts weren’t able to cross water, so painting your porch blue will surely dissuade any ghosts nearby from entering your new property.
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Don’t walk under a ladder
This familiar superstition is thought to originate from when ladders were, quite morbidly, a symbol of the gallows. To walk under a ladder meant that you were tempting the same fate. However, nowadays, it might just be a practical means to avoid any accidental injuries or items falling!
Whilst the above superstitions may really have little significance in today’s modern world, there is arguably still some measurable difference in properties labelled the number 13.
A 2017 Zoopla survey found properties with the number 13 are on average, £9,000 cheaper than their 12 or 14 neighbours. So, whilst Friday the 13th may be considered unlucky for some, if you’re in the property market for a home and you’re not too superstitious, it could be a very lucky day to obtain a bargain.
