Everyday Superstitions: What They Really Mean

Sep 17
2 min read

Superstitions are little pockets of magic we carry without even realizing it. From crossing our fingers to whispering “he loves me, he loves me not” over a daisy, they remind us that humans have always looked for luck, love, and protection in everyday gestures.

The truth? Superstitions aren’t about fear. They’re about wonder, connection, and the stories that stick with us generation after generation.

Young girl in a white hat and coat smiles playfully, crossing fingers with both hands. Bright, soft background adds cheerful mood.

Superstition 1. Crossing Your Fingers: A Tiny Hand-Spell

We’ve all done it — crossed our fingers before a big test, a job interview, or even just hoping the cake won’t burn in the oven.

Where it comes from: Early Christians used crossed fingers as a secret sign of unity and protection. Later, it was believed that making a cross with your fingers “trapped” good spirits until your wish came true.

A little enchantment: Crossing your fingers is like making a mini spell with your own hands. Try it next time you make a promise to yourself. And think of it as a gesture of hope and intention.

Blue evil eye charms hang from strings, clustered together in a soft focus background. Multi-colored beads are visible, creating a protective vibe.

Superstition 2. The Evil Eye: Turning Bad Energy Away

Where it comes from: The “evil eye” shows up in cultures all over the world — a glare said to carry misfortune or envy. To protect against it, people created charms, especially the blue glass eye (nazar), to reflect negativity right back.

A little enchantment: You don’t need a charm if you don’t want one. Imagine yourself surrounded by a mirror-like shield that bounces negativity away. Sometimes the simplest visualization is the most powerful.

Hands gently hold a daisy against a red polka dot background, conveying a calm and delicate mood.

Superstition 3. Daisy Petals: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

Where it comes from: Plucking petals from a daisy to divine love might seem like child’s play, but it’s actually rooted in European folk practices. Flowers were often used for divination, and daisies — with their simple, pure beauty — became a favorite tool for questions of the heart.

A little enchantment: Instead of asking a daisy about someone else, ask it about yourself. Let each petal be a reminder: I love me, I love me not. Spoiler: you know the answer already.

A small fountain spouts water surrounded by scattered coins. The water ripples and glistens in the light, creating a serene mood.

Superstition 4. Tossing Coins into Fountains (Bonus!)

Where it comes from: This one’s too pretty to leave out. Tossing a coin into a fountain or well goes back to ancient Rome, where water was considered sacred and offerings brought blessings.

A little enchantment: Next time you toss a coin, make it more than a wish. Let it be a promise to yourself — a step you’re ready to take toward your own dream.

Everyday Magic Hiding in Plain Sight

Superstitions aren’t about bad luck. They’re proof that humans have always looked for meaning, connection, and a little magic in everyday life.

If you loved these, I’ve gathered 13 more superstitions and their curious origins in a free guide: Why We Toss Salt. Grab it [here] and keep the magic close at hand.

Superstitions remind us that magic is everywhere — in sidewalks, flowers, coins, and wishes. And if you’re ready to bring a little extra magic into your own space, you’ll find candles, salts, and sprays in my shop that turn old superstitions into everyday enchantments. [Visit the shop →]