Superstitious Brits Fear Friday 13th
09 November 2015
With Friday 13th looming for the third time this year, a new survey has revealed just how superstitious we are as a nation.
According to the survey from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, some 15% of us will choose to avoid making this our date for moving home for fear of misfortune.
But it is breaking a mirror which tops the worry list for those that are superstitious with 20% believing it will bring seven years of bad luck, according to the Banks’ latest Housebuyers Research.
Apparently nearly one in four (39%) of us are so superstitious that we refuse to open an umbrella indoors as well as avoiding stepping on any cracks in the pavement.
However, two thirds (61%) of us do not let superstitions spoil our day – even on Friday the 13th - believing them all to be old wives’ tales. Some even focus on the positive with one of us in six hopeful of finding a four leaf clover to bring about good fortune and a further 12% of us will be hoping a black cat crosses our path.
The research found that that those living in the North East were the most superstitious where the most commonly held fear was of opening an umbrella indoors.
Regional breakdown of Superstitions:
| Region | % who are superstitious | Region’s favourite superstition |
|---|---|---|
| North East | 47% | To open an umbrella indoors brings bad luck |
| London | 43% | If you walk under a ladder you will have bad luck |
| Midlands | 41% | To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck |
| Wales | 41% | It is unlucky to spill salt and if you do you must throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder |
| North West | 40% | To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck |
| UK average | 39% | To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck |
| Scotland | 39% | If you walk under a ladder you will have bad luck |
| South West | 39% | If you find a four leaf clover you will have good luck |
| South East | 38% | To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck/ If you find a four leaf clover you will have good luck |
| Yorkshire | 36% | To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck |
| East | 32% | To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck |
Steve Fletcher, Director Retail Banking said: "Everyone has their own view of luck. I don't consider myself superstitious, but the fact I always put my right shoe on first because my grandad said it meant I'd be right through the day means maybe I am!
"As for Friday 13th we know that some customers will actively try to avoid this date when moving home. Personally it wouldn't bother me as I don't feel a date has any bearing on happiness in a new property."
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