There are many superstitions out there when it comes to coins. Some of them you’ve probably heard, while some are more obscure. From tossing a coin into a fountain, to picking up a lucky coin off the ground, here are some coin superstitions from around the world.
Tossing a Coin into a Fountain
One of the most well-known coin superstitions is throwing a coin in a fountain or a “wishing well.” It is believed that if you make a wish while tossing a coin into a fountain, your wish will be granted. That is why you tend to see a lot of coins at the bottom of fountains– because many people before you have made a wish while tossing a coin into the fountain. The most famous is the Trevi Fountain in Rome. The legend is that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, it will ensure your return to Rome. If you throw two coins, you will find true love and three coins thrown into the fountain mean you will get married soon.
Related reading: Throwing Coins in the Trevi Fountain
Picking a Coin up off the Ground
You’ve probably heard the saying “find a penny, pick it up. All day long you’ll have good luck.” However, be careful! Some people believe that only coins that are found “heads up” on the ground bring good luck. If the “tails” end of the coin is facing up, you might want to leave it on the ground as it can bring you bad luck.
Feng Shui Coins
Another coin superstition that is hugely popular in China is Feng Shui Coins. Feng Shui Coins are round coins that have a square hole. The round symbolizes the heavens and the square symbolizes the four corners of the globe. The coins are then tied together using a red ribbon that is tied in an endless knot to symbolize eternity. The most auspicious number of coins to tie together is three. Chinese Lucky Coins are thought to attract wealth and prosperity. It is customary to hang your Feng Shui Coins on the inside of your front door.
Turning a Coin in your Pocket While Looking at the Full Moon
In Italy, another well-known coin superstition is to turn a coin inside your pocket while gazing up at the full moon. Many Italians and Sicilians believe that if you say the phrase “benvenuta luna che mi porti fortuna” while turning over a silver coin in your pocket, you will soon be rich. It translates to “welcome moon and may you bring me good fortune!”
Related reading: Chinese New Years Traditions and Superstitions
Sixpence Coin for Weddings
A famous British coin superstition is great for brides-to-be. Sixpence coins were in circulation in Britain from 1551 to 1980 and an old Victorian rhyme became a popular wedding-day superstition. The saying is “something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. A lucky sixpence in your shoe.” It was believed that placing the sixpence coin in the bride’s left shoe would bring good luck and a happy marriage.
Related reading: Traditional Lucky Wedding Foods Around the World
Always Carry a Coin
In Greece, many people have the superstition that you should always carry a coin in your pocket, wallet, or purse. Greeks believe that always having a coin in your possession will attract more wealth to you. Not carrying a coin in your possession is a sign of bad fortune and symbolizes having an empty bank account.
