The Come Clean Blog
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Many of us might scoff at the idea of bad luck brought about by mere household objects. Yet, we knock on wood, avoid cracked mirrors, and give in to the urge to throw salt over our left shoulder. Many Superstitions have been passed down from generation to generation, advising us to avoid bad luck, especially within the sanctuary of our homes.
Following are 13 superstitions that have been considered harbingers of misfortune. Whether you're a staunch believer in the power of superstitions or a curious skeptic, learn the origins of 13 of these superstitions and the fascinating stories that surround them. Oh, if you consider the number 13 is unlucky - we added one more for good luck.
Rocking chairs - In Irish folklore, the humble rocking chair takes on a mystical significance. According to age-old legend, an empty rocking chair was believed to be an open invitation for spirits, a doorway left ajar between the world of the living and the realm beyond. In the quiet corners of Irish homes, empty rocking chairs stood as an invitation for spectral guests to rest their ethereal feet. Each sway was a whispered welcome to the otherworldly visitors. The Irish, with their deep-rooted connection to the supernatural, held this belief close to their hearts, reminding us that even in the stillness of an empty chair, there exists a bridge to the mystical, a reminder that the boundaries between our world and the spirit realm are often thinner than we might dare to imagine.
Green Paint - The allure of green paint is stained with a somber history. In the 18th century, the creation of synthetic green dyes involved the use of cupric hydrogen arsenic, a lethal concoction. Little did artisans of the time know that this seemingly innocent color held a sinister secret: when dampened, it released toxic gases, silently threatening lives and casting a shadow over creativity. Even today, the mere mention of green paint evokes a sense of foreboding, a superstition etched in the collective psyche. It serves as a chilling reminder of an era where beauty concealed danger, where the stroke of a brush could inadvertently summon peril. This cautionary tale of green paint resonates through the ages, reminding us that beneath the surface of artistry, there can lie a treacherous past, one that cautions us to tread carefully in the colorful realms of creativity.
Broken or stopped clocks - In the art of Feng Shui, broken or stopped clocks are more than just a malfunctioning timepiece; they are symbolic gateways to unbalanced energies and stagnant life forces. Feng Shui vehemently warns against harboring broken items within the sanctuary of one’s home. A broken or stopped clock represents more than just an inconvenience—it embodies both internal and external clutter, disrupting the flow of energy within and around us. Timekeeping tools should always be in perfect working order, acting as metaphors for the seamless passage of time and the fluidity of life itself. A faulty timepiece risks more than just arriving late; it jeopardizes the natural progression of our lives, potentially leading us to a state of stagnation and hindering our journey toward growth and progress.
Cacti - The placement of objects in our homes is said to have a profound impact on the flow of energy, or chi. According to Feng Shui practitioners, plants with spiky or thorny exteriors, such as cacti, can bring tension and negative energy into our homes and relationships. Plants with sharp points emit a type of energy known as sha chi, which is often associated with conflict, arguments, and other forms of discord. This energy can be particularly disruptive in areas of the home where we want to relax and create a harmonious atmosphere, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
An Unmade Bed - In the quiet sanctum of our bedrooms, there exists an age-old superstition that leaving your bed unmade, or encountering an interruption while making it can cast an eerie spell upon your night’s rest. The superstition suggests that an unmade bed is a harbinger of sleepless nights as if the disheveled blankets and tousled pillows disturb the harmony of the slumbering space. The act of smoothing the sheets and plumping the pillows safeguards the tranquility of the night. So, next time you dismiss the allure of a well-made bed, remember, the simple act of making your bed might just hold the key to a peaceful night’s rest.
Open Umbrella - In ancient traditions, the symbolism of an open umbrella stretches far beyond its practical purpose. Rooted in the sands of ancient Egypt, this peculiar superstition weaves a tale of respect and guardianship. In times of antiquity, bringing any object designed to shield one from the weather, such as an umbrella, into the sacred confines of one’s home was deemed profoundly disrespectful to the guardian spirits diligently watching over the dwelling. This act implied a lack of trust in the protectors, suggesting that their vigilant eyes and shielding presence were insufficient. The open umbrella, once a protective shield against the elements, became an unintended affront, questioning the very essence of divine protection. It serves as a reminder that even in the most mundane of objects, there lies a profound lesson about respect, trust, and the ancient wisdom that once guided our ancestors' beliefs.
Dead Plants/Taxidermy - According to ancient beliefs, the presence of dead plants or taxidermy trophys hold an unspoken weight. Having deceased entities in our living spaces invites a somber, stagnant energy into the home. The vibrant pulse of life is a fundamental force, and the absence of this vitality in the form of withering plants or preserved creatures creates a void. In the subtle language of energy, the presence of living things not only adds aesthetic beauty but also sustains the harmonious balance, infusing our spaces with the vibrant, living energy that defines a truly vibrant home.
An Outdated Calendar - There is an intricate dance of time and fortune in which the presence of an outdated calendar carries a subtle yet significant weight of superstition. Much like the ominous ticking of a broken clock, displaying a calendar stuck in the past is believed to invite misfortune and push your luck to the edge. According to age-old beliefs, this seemingly harmless act has the power to curtail prosperity and even shorten one's life, a stark reminder of the intricate ties between time, luck, and destiny. The calendar, once a symbol of order and foresight, transforms into a precursor to ill fate when its pages remain trapped in yesteryears. In the subtle language of superstitions, let it be a reminder that staying current isn't just about dates and days, but can also influence our destinies.
Fireflies (Lightening Bugs) - In the twilight hours of summer, when fireflies light up the evening, if one finds its way into your home it carries with it an unsettling prophecy. This age-old Victorian superstition whispers that the presence of this creature heralds an imminent departure, foretelling the passing of someone within the confines of the house. The firefly, once a symbol of nature's ethereal beauty, becomes an unwitting messenger, reminding us of the fragility of our existence and the unseen forces that weave the fabric of our lives.
Broken or Chipped Dishes - In the art of Feng Shui, where every object carries profound symbolism, dishes stand as emblems of wealth and health, representing abundance and nourishment within the home. Chipped plates or cracked bowls can usher negative energy. The cracks, small as they may be, serve as conduits for discord, inviting misfortune into our lives. In the pursuit of balance and serenity, it becomes essential to address these imperfections not just in our surroundings but in our cleaning rituals as well. Choosing products like JAWS Kitchen Cleaner not only ensures the physical cleanliness of our space but also plays a role in restoring the metaphysical balance. By treating our dishes with care and, we not only maintain the physical integrity of our belongings but also foster an environment of positive energy, where abundance and harmony can thrive.
Windows - The position of the windows in our homes becomes more than a mere architectural choice—it becomes a conduit for energy and luck. According to Feng Shui philosophy, east facing windows invite the morning sun, symbolizing new beginnings, positive energy, and good luck. However, the absence of windows facing the east can disrupt this harmonious balance, potentially blocking the influx of positive energy. You can't change your window placement, but you can adjust your living space to align with the natural flow of energy. Maintain the clarity and brightness of existing windows by using products like JAWS Glass Cleaner to not only ensure the physical cleanliness, but to invite positive energy and good fortune into our homes. In the sparkle of clean glass, we find more than just a reflection of our surroundings – we find a metaphor for the clarity and positivity that can flood our lives when we embrace the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui.
A Dirty Toilet - In the tranquil realm of Zen Philosophy, the toilet—a vessel guided by the element of water, symbolizes wealth and abundance. According to this ancient philosophy, the cleanliness of our toilet transcends mere hygiene; it becomes a powerful metaphor for the flow of prosperity in our lives. A meticulously maintained toilet signifies more than just cleanliness; it embodies the promise of being flushed with wealth, a reminder that when we respect the elements and maintain the balance in our surroundings, abundance follows suit. Utilizing products like JAWS Bathroom Cleaner not only ensures the physical purity of our spaces but aligns with the deeper intention of inviting prosperity and wealth into our lives. In the sparkle of a clean toilet, we discover not just hygiene, but a manifestation of the abundant flow that awaits when we honor the elements and embrace the principles of balance and purity.
Cracked or Broken Mirrors - Mirrors and the images they reflect have long been thought to have mysterious significance. The ancient Greeks were believed that one’s reflection in the water was an image of his or her soul. The Romans continued this belief and were the first to create mirrors from polished metal surfaces and, eventually, glass. Given the labor involved, mirrors were far from commonplace, further enhancing their mystical powers. The Romans not only believed that a mirror reflected one’s soul, but that the gods used these images to see one’s inner identity. A broken mirror would be such a violation of this portal to the soul that a punishment from the gods was warranted. Consequently, it was thought that seven years of bad luck would ensue. Why seven? The ancient Romans believed that the body and soul renewed itself every seven years. Once this seven-year period elapsed, the cycle of bad luck would be over and a new seven-year cycle would commence. According to feng shui, broken mirrors distort our visions of ourselves, breaking up the flow of good energy in our homes and bringing us bad luck. Would it make any difference if the mirror were streak-free? With JAWs Glass Cleaner it would at provide a better reflection at least.
An Old Broom - If you move into a new home, don’t bring the broom you used in your old digs! It’s a common superstition that an old broom may sweep away good luck. This caution may have its roots in common sense, since using old cleaning tools in your new digs could introduce pests and grime from your previous residence. So, superstitious or not, you may want to spring for a new broom when you move.
