20 Traditional Gift-Giving Superstitions π
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Holidays are generous seasons, but the last thing you want to give is bad luck. To avoid any accidents related to gifts, please remember these 20 classic superstitions - such as giving a clock or an umbrella, which all have their own rules! However, instead of being fixated on avoiding taboos, it's better to proactively choose a blessing filled with heartfelt wishes.
Why not give a gift that is born with warmth and good luck?
At SNXDO Personalized Wood Products, we believe that every piece of wood carries a unique emotion and temperature. Wooden gifts, born warm and moist, carry the beautiful meaning of "long-lasting companionship", and are themselves a lucky choice to avoid all "gift giving taboos".
1. Knives and Scissors
Gifting anything sharpβlike knives or scissorsβis believed to cut ties and bring bad luck. To counter this, the recipient can offer a small token (like a coin) in return, turning it into a transaction. Some even recommend reciting the rhyme:
βIf you love me, as I love you, No knife can cut our love in two.β
2. Handkerchiefs
Giving a handkerchief is said to invite future tears. In Sweden, gifting a silk handkerchief to a lover means she may wipe away her affection. Soap is also considered unluckyβit may βwash awayβ your friendship.
3. Opals
Opals are widely seen as unluckyβunless the recipient is born in October (their birthstone). Then, the stone brings good fortune. Avoid opals in engagement rings; theyβre linked to widowhood and are more fragile than diamonds or sapphires.
4. Shoes
Gifting shoes may suggest the receiver will βwalk awayβ from you. Oddly, itβs also said to prolong their life. But never gifting shoes might mean youβll go barefoot in the afterlife. Quite the dilemma!
5. Cats
In Sicily, never give a cat-shaped gift to an engaged coupleβit foretells a violent death. Yet in other cultures, receiving a live cat from your partner means youβll never part.
6. Portraits
Receiving a gift featuring your own image is considered unluckyβa portrait of yourself may even signal betrayal.
7. Giving a Gift Back
Taking back a gift is very unlucky. One rhyme warns:
βGive a thing and take it back, Old Nick will give your head a crack.β
Another says:
βGive a thing and take again, And you shall ride in hellβs wain.β
(βWainβ means wagon.)
8.Coal
In old English tradition, placing coal in a Christmas stocking is lucky. The recipient should spit on it, toss it into the fire, and make a wishβit will come true as it burns.
9. Bad Luck Colors
Black gifts are thought to bring death, while a book with a red cover may break a friendshipβred symbolizes anger and misunderstanding.
10. Roses
In the Victorian era, roses conveyed secret passions. Different colors held different meanings: red for passion, white for purity. Giving the βwrongβ color could send an unintended message.
11. Emeralds
Emeralds were believed to protect from evil and bring luck, happiness, and successβunless given on a Monday. If a loverβs emerald pales, their love is fading; if it deepens, love grows.
12. Flowers
Never say thank you for cut flowersβitβs bad luck. White lilac given to a sick person hinders recovery, while yellow flowers may bring a monetary gift.
13. Gloves
Gifting gloves may lead to a fight with a friend. Also, never give or receive a gift with your left handβit risks the friendship.
14. Parsley
Parsley is tricky to grow and linked to superstition. Giving it may bring bad luck or even death. If a friend admires your parsley, let them βstealβ a plant instead.
15. Turquoise
This gem is said to dissolve animosityβperfect for in-laws!
16. Peacock Feathers
Never gift theseβhaving one indoors invokes the evil eye. Umbrellas and mirrors also cause estrangement.
17. Metal
Pewter or zinc gifts promise long life and happiness, while tin foretells mischief.
18. Coral
Coral necklaces protect children. Red coral is said to fade during illness and regain color with recovery. (Note: Due to sustainability concerns, coral is not an eco-friendly gift.)
19. Purse or Wallet
Always place a coin inside a gifted purse or wallet to ensure itβs never empty and to attract future wealth.
20. Spread the Love
Gift-giving shouldnβt stop with family and friends. Offer food or salt to visitors to protect against fairiesβ mischief, and give gifts to carolers for good luck.