Is it Bad Luck to Open an Umbrella Inside?

22 Jun

Is it bad luck to open an umbrella indoors? It will be if you poke somebody’s eye out with it!

Many people swear that opening an umbrella indoors will bring bad luck but is there any logic behind this superstition?

Why Do People Think Opening an Umbrella Indoors is Bad Luck?

Many people around the world believe that, yes, opening an umbrella indoors will bring bad luck.The belief has no concrete origin story, but it has been passed down through generations and found a place in folklore and cultural traditions. Although the specific details may vary across cultures, the overarching notion of misfortune remains consistent.

Ancient Egypt and the Sunshade Theory

Some trace the roots of this superstition back to ancient Egypt. It is believed that umbrellas or sunshades were initially used to shield against the scorching sun, and opening them indoors symbolized a blatant disregard for the sun god, Ra. Consequently, this act was considered disrespectful and brought forth a curse or misfortune.

Victorian England and the Superstitious Etiquette

During the Victorian era in England, a period marked by strict social etiquette and a proliferation of superstitions, the belief against opening an umbrella indoors gained prominence. It was thought that an opened umbrella could damage or break household items, leading to bad luck. Additionally, the superstition may have been fueled by the practical inconvenience of opening large, unwieldy umbrellas inside cramped Victorian homes.

Asian Beliefs and Symbolism Concerning Umbrellas

In many Asian cultures, the superstition surrounding opening an umbrella indoors is deeply ingrained. For example, in Chinese folklore, it is believed that opening an umbrella indoors invokes the wrath of the rain god, who may respond by withholding rainfall or bringing about calamities. In Japan, there is a similar belief that opening an umbrella indoors invites bad luck and the potential for misfortune to befall the household.

Possible Explanations for The Belief in Opening Umbrellas Inside Causing Bad Luck

While superstitions often lack a logical basis, they often arise from underlying factors such as cultural, psychological, or practical considerations. Here are a few possible explanations for the belief in bad luck associated with opening an umbrella indoors:

Practicality and Safety

One plausible explanation is rooted in the practicality of opening an umbrella indoors. Traditional umbrellas were large and unwieldy, designed to shield against the elements outdoors. Opening them indoors could result in knocking over objects, potentially causing damage or injury. Thus, the superstition may have emerged as a safety precaution to discourage the careless handling of umbrellas in confined spaces.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Symbolism plays a significant role in superstitions, and the umbrella is no exception. Umbrellas are associated with protection from rain, storms, and harsh weather conditions. Opening an umbrella indoors might be seen as an affront to the natural order or a symbolic rejection of divine protection. Over time, this symbolic interpretation could have led to the belief that such an act invites bad luck or divine disapproval.

Superstitions often persist due to confirmation bias, where people selectively remember and reinforce instances that support their beliefs. If an individual once opened an umbrella indoors and subsequently experienced an unfortunate event, they might attribute it to the superstition rather than chance. These personal anecdotes strengthen the belief and contribute to its perpetuation across generations.