France, the land of Descartes and the Enlightenment, is also a country steeped in ancient traditions and deep-seated beliefs. It is estimated that there are approximately 500 superstitions that still weave their way through modern French life. These beliefs, or superstitions, govern everything from dinner table etiquette to fashion choices, reflecting a charming paradox in the national character. From the fear of an upside-down baguette to the luck found in a dog’s misstep, here are 40 of the most enduring superstitions in France.
1
Upside-Down Bread
Placing a baguette or any loaf of bread upside-down on a table invites bad luck or even death into the house. It’s linked to the executioner (le bourreau).
2
Stepping in Dog Poop
This is a famous one: stepping in dog poop with your left foot brings good luck. Stepping in it with your right foot brings misfortune.
3
Toasting Etiquette
When toasting (Trinquer), you must look everyone directly in the eyes as you clink glasses. Failing to do so results in seven years of bad luck in the bedroom.
4
Touching Wood (Toucher du bois)
To prevent bad luck after saying something positive (tempting fate), one must quickly tap on wood, often while saying “Je touche du bois.”
5
Friday the 13th (Vendredi 13)
This is supremely unlucky. Many people will avoid travel, new projects, or important decisions on this day. It’s taken very seriously.
6
Spilling Salt
Spilling salt is a bad omen. To counteract it, you must throw a pinch of the spilled salt over your left shoulder to blind the devil waiting there.
7
The Color Green
Green is considered deeply unlucky in the theatre world, as it’s said the famous playwright Molière died while wearing a green costume on stage.
8
Gifting Knives
Giving a knife or scissors as a gift will sever the friendship. The recipient must “pay” a symbolic coin (e.g., one cent) to buy the item.
9
Black Cat Crossing
Unlike in some cultures, a black cat crossing your path (un chat noir) in France is a sign of impending doom or misfortune.
10
Walking Under a Ladder
Walking under a ladder forms a “triangle,” symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Walking through it is disrespectful to God and brings bad luck.
11
Broken Mirror (Miroir Brisé)
Just like elsewhere, breaking a mirror is believed to bring seven years of bad luck (sept ans de malheur).
12
Itchy Left Palm
If your left palm itches (la main gauche qui gratte), it means you are about to receive money. An itchy right palm means you will give it away.
13
Gifting Yellow Flowers
Giving a bouquet of yellow flowers, especially roses, is a symbol of infidelity, jealousy, or a fading relationship.
14
Unlucky Number 13
Many buildings avoid having a 13th floor. It is also considered unlucky to have 13 guests at a dinner table (a “quatorzième” or 14th guest is sometimes hired).
15
Spilling Wine
Accidentally spilling wine on a table is actually good luck. To activate it, dab a finger in the spilled wine and touch it behind your ears.
16
Four-Leaf Clover (Trèfle à quatre feuilles)
Finding one is a powerful symbol of good fortune, bringing luck, wealth, and love.
17
Hat on a Bed
Never place a hat on a bed. It invites bad luck or even death, possibly because it’s what a doctor or priest would do when visiting a dying person.
18
Seeing Magpies (La Pie)
Seeing one magpie is a sign of bad luck (“une pie, c’est la harde”). Seeing two or more brings better fortune.
19
First Entry to a New Home
When moving into a new home, you should enter first with bread and salt to ensure you will never lack food or wealth.
20
Toasting with Water
Never toast with a glass of water. It is considered extremely bad luck, akin to wishing death upon the people you are toasting.
21
“Rabbit” on a Boat
On a fishing boat, you must never say the word “rabbit” (lapin). It brings terrible luck. Use euphemisms like “the long-eared one.”
22
Spider in the Morning/Evening
“Araignée du matin, chagrin” (Spider in the morning, sorrow). “Araignée du soir, espoir” (Spider in the evening, hope).
23
Bird in the House
A bird (especially a dove or blackbird) flying into the house is a portent of death or very bad news.
24
Gifting Carnations
Carnations (œillets) are associated with funerals and bad luck (especially in the acting world). Never give them as a gift.
25
Itchy Nose
An itchy nose means you will either get into a fight or kiss a fool very soon.
26
Crossed Cutlery
If a knife and fork are left crossed on a plate, it signifies an upcoming argument.
27
Moon and Money
When you see the new moon, it is good luck to jingle the coins in your pocket to ensure prosperity for the coming month.
28
Mistletoe (Le Gui)
Mistletoe, hung over a door, is a powerful porte-bonheur (good luck charm) that wards off evil spirits.
29
Shoes on a Table
Placing shoes on a table is extremely bad luck and is associated with death, as it’s how a coffin is placed.
30
Whistling Indoors
Whistling inside a house is said to invite the devil or financial ruin.
31
Ringing Ears
“Oreille gauche, on parle en mal. Oreille droite, on parle en bien.” Left ear ringing means gossip about you; right ear means praise.
32
Drawing Cross on Bread
Before cutting a round loaf, many traditionally draw a cross on the bottom with the knife to bless it and ward off evil.
33
The Evil Eye (Le Mauvais Œil)
A glance filled with envy or jealousy can cause misfortune, illness, or failure. Amulets or touching iron are used to ward it off.
34
Three from one Match
A military superstition (WWI) states that lighting three cigarettes with one match is bad luck, as the third person will be shot.
35
Candlemas (La Chandeleur)
To ensure prosperity for the year, you must successfully flip a crêpe in the pan while holding a gold coin in your other hand.
36
Don’t Cross-Toast
While toasting, never cross your arm over someone else’s to clink glasses. It’s a sign of betrayal or bad luck.
37
Starting Work on Friday
It’s considered bad luck to start a new job or a major project on a Friday, as it’s doomed to fail or be difficult.
38
Garlic for Protection
Hanging a braid of garlic in the kitchen is believed to ward off the evil eye (le mauvais œil) and keep evil spirits away.
39
Iron on a Ship
Similar to “rabbit,” saying the word “iron” (fer) on a boat is considered very unlucky by sailors.
40
Shooting Star (Étoile Filante)
Seeing a shooting star grants you one wish, but you must make it before the star disappears and not tell anyone.
References
- France.fr – “French Superstitions: Get Lucky!” — The official website of the French government, detailing common cultural beliefs.
- University of Illinois Library – “French Superstitions” — An academic resource exploring common superstitions in France.
- Wikipedia – “Superstitions in France” — A comprehensive overview of various French superstitions and their origins.
- The Connexion – “French Superstitions: 13 of the most common beliefs” — A news resource for French culture, outlining prominent superstitions.