Does Walking Under A Ladder Bring Bad Luck?

Superstitions have been around for centuries, so ingrained in our brains that we often don’t even realize that it affects our actions. From black cats crossing our paths to Friday the 13th, these universal superstitions have seeped into our daily lives. If you are a superstitious person then you must have heard that walking under a ladder is bad luck. 

Where did this superstition come from and is there any truth to this? People often dismiss this as nothing more than a cautionary tale, just to avoid any accidents. However, those who believe it link it to deeper, more historical roots. 

Let’s have a look at the history of this superstition and where it came from. We will also discuss how many years of bad luck it brings and is it actually bad luck to stand under a ladder?

Why Is It Considered Unlucky To Walk Under A Ladder?

Avoiding walking under a ladder seems common sense and it can be dangerous. If a ladder is set outside, chances are that someone is working on it. By avoiding walking under it, you can reduce the risk of accidents.

 But what happens if you walk under a ladder and why is it considered unlucky? 

This belief that walking under a ladder is bad luck is deeply rooted in cultural, religious as well as practical concerns. 

In Christianity, 3 is a very holy number because it symbolizes the Holy Trinity. A triangle is also known to represent the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—making it a sacred symbol. Coincidently, this looks a lot similar to the triangle formed by a ladder leaning against a wall.

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Walking under a triangle shaped ladder would mean that the person broke the Holy Trinity. This was seen as an act of desecration, something that lured devils and invited misfortune in one’s life. This belief was particularly strong during medieval times when religious symbolism played a central role in everyday life.

If you look at the more practical reason, it’s not safe to stand under a ladder. Walking under a ladder can be dangerous as ladders can be inherently unstable. Walking under it increases the risk of an accident, which might have led to the superstition. 

Over time, this practical caution likely evolved into a broader superstition.

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Where Did The ‘Walking Under A Ladder Is Bad Luck’ Superstition Originate From?

The origin of the superstition that walking under a ladder is bad luck has historical roots going back to ancient civilizations. 

In ancient Egypt, triangles– the same shape as the pyramids– were considered sacred symbols. They considered this a sacred symbol that represented the trinity of gods. This belief was so strong that it was actually forbidden to walk under a ladder. 

This is also the same shape that is formed by a ladder leaning against a wall. This led them to believe that if someone passes through this triangle, they would disrupt the sacred balance and anger the gods who might be climbing this ladder. 

Different cultures hold this superstition for different reasons. For Christians, not only does the symbol represent the Holy Trinity, but some also believe that the crucifix rested against a ladder. Thus, it symbolizes wickedness, death and brings really bad luck. 

Psychologically speaking, people tend to find explanations for random events in an unpredictable world. There is no scientific evidence to this. However, it is simple human thinking. If you trip after walking under a ladder, it’s easy to blame superstition for it. People try to avoid these certain actions to protect themselves. 

The fear of breaking a taboo, such as walking under a ladder, reinforces the idea that one should avoid certain behaviors to maintain good fortune. 

But worry not! If you have walked under a ladder and think you have angered the gods, then there are a few things you can do to reverse bad luck from walking under a ladder.

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Can I Get Rid Of Bad Luck From Walking Under A Ladder?

According to the “The Encyclopedia of Superstitions,” you can do a few things that can help you break the curse of the angered spirits. Here are some of the things that will help you break the curse: 

• Walk backwards through the ladder. This might reverse the curse. 
• Make a wish while you walk under the ladder. This helps calm the spirits. 
• You can try crossing your fingers and keep them crossed until you see a dog. 
• Say the words “bread and butter” as you walk under the ladder. 
• You can also try and spit on your shoe to cancel the curse. 

These might make you look silly but will definitely bring your mind at peace. 

If you still find yourself accidentally walking under a ladder and thinking: how long is bad luck for walking under a ladder? We might be able to help you with that. It is said that walking under a ladder brings bad luck for 7 years. However, there is no scientific evidence for this as well. 

Walking Under A Ladder: Debunking The Myth

Many people still believe in bad luck superstitions, such as breaking a mirror or walking under a ladder, even today. For many people, cursed or forbidden things often increase their interest. For example, a diamond that is cursed will be sold at a higher price. 

What’s more important is to identify what’s real and what’s merely a superstition. While it is common to see accidents related to objects falling from ladders, or people tripping on ladders, there is no proof that suggests that it actually brings bad luck. 

As generations passed, these old wives tales evolved into what we now know as modern superstitions. Walking under a ladder is bad luck is a superstition that has endured because it combines religious symbolism as well as cultural beliefs. Other than that, practical concerns and some common sense would naturally make one avoid walking under it.