Money makes the world go round, and along with its power comes a host of superstitions and beliefs that have shaped societies for centuries. From rituals to bring wealth and good fortune, to folk tales warning against greed, these customs tell a fascinating story about our relationship with money. Let’s embark on a journey to explore some of the most intriguing money superstitions from around the world.
- North America: The Lucky Penny In the United States and Canada, finding a penny on the ground is considered lucky, especially if it’s heads up. People often pick up these pennies and keep them for good luck. This belief is so ingrained in the culture that it even inspired the saying, “Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long, you’ll have good luck.”
- Europe: Tossing Coins in Fountains Throwing coins into fountains, wells, or other bodies of water is a long-standing European tradition to attract good fortune and ensure a return to the place. One of the most famous examples is the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, where visitors toss a coin over their shoulder with the belief that it guarantees a return to the Eternal City.
- Asia: The Chinese Red Envelope In China and other East Asian countries, red envelopes containing money are gifted during special occasions, such as weddings and the Lunar New Year. Red symbolizes happiness, luck, and prosperity, and it’s believed that giving these envelopes ensures good fortune for both the giver and the receiver.
- Africa: The Malagasy Money Tree In Madagascar, the Malagasy people believe that planting a coin with the seed of a tree ensures prosperity. The idea is that as the tree grows, so too does the wealth of the person who planted it.
- South America: Argentina’s Sweet Money In Argentina, it is customary to give a small sum of money, called “la propina,” to children on their first day of school. This money is wrapped in a piece of candy or chocolate, symbolizing the sweetness of knowledge and encouraging the child to associate learning with pleasure.
- Oceania: The Maori Jade Token In New Zealand, the indigenous Maori people have a strong connection to the greenstone, or pounamu, which they believe possesses spiritual properties. These stones are often carved into tokens and given as gifts to bring good fortune and protection to the recipient.
- India: The Lakshmi Footprint In India, the goddess Lakshmi, associated with wealth and prosperity, is honored during the festival of Diwali. People often draw her footprints on the floor of their homes with rice flour, leading to the entrance. This is done to welcome her and invite prosperity into their lives.
Conclusion: Money superstitions are a fascinating aspect of human culture, reflecting our deep-rooted beliefs about wealth, luck, and prosperity. They remind us that, across the globe, people have developed unique rituals and customs to attract good fortune and ward off misfortune. Whether you believe in these superstitions or not, they offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experience and our ongoing quest for prosperity and happiness.
