Feeling Lucky? Put Your Superstitions to the Test

Friday the 13th is here, and whether you’re avoiding black cats or laughing at the idea of bad luck, there’s no denying that superstitions can get pretty weird. But have you ever wondered why breaking a mirror supposedly brings seven years of bad luck or why people knock on wood? Grab your lucky charm and see how many of these superstitions you can get right!

by Luna Botero

Nov 13, 2026

GettyImages-184137448-triviaQuestion

5 QUESTIONS

TIMER: 60 SECONDS PER QUESTION

Breaking a mirror is said to bring how many years of bad luck?

The belief that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck may come from an ancient Roman idea that the body renewed itself every seven years.

The belief that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck may come from an ancient Roman idea that the body renewed itself every seven years.

The belief that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck may come from an ancient Roman idea that the body renewed itself every seven years.

The belief that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck may come from an ancient Roman idea that the body renewed itself every seven years.

In Japan, which number is sometimes considered unlucky because it sounds like the word for death?

In Japanese, one pronunciation of the number four sounds like the word for death. Because of this association, some buildings and hospitals avoid using the number in certain room labels.

In Japanese, one pronunciation of the number four sounds like the word for death. Because of this association, some buildings and hospitals avoid using the number in certain room labels.

In Japanese, one pronunciation of the number four sounds like the word for death. Because of this association, some buildings and hospitals avoid using the number in certain room labels.

In Japanese, one pronunciation of the number four sounds like the word for death. Because of this association, some buildings and hospitals avoid using the number in certain room labels.

What are you traditionally supposed to do if you spill salt?

According to superstition, tossing spilled salt over your left shoulder helps ward off bad luck. One traditional explanation says the salt is meant to blind the devil lurking behind you.

According to superstition, tossing spilled salt over your left shoulder helps ward off bad luck. One traditional explanation says the salt is meant to blind the devil lurking behind you.

According to superstition, tossing spilled salt over your left shoulder helps ward off bad luck. One traditional explanation says the salt is meant to blind the devil lurking behind you.

According to superstition, tossing spilled salt over your left shoulder helps ward off bad luck. One traditional explanation says the salt is meant to blind the devil lurking behind you.

In some Spanish New Year’s traditions, what are people supposed to eat at midnight for good luck?

In Spain, eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve is a popular tradition. Each grape represents one month of the coming year, with the hope of bringing good fortune.

In Spain, eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve is a popular tradition. Each grape represents one month of the coming year, with the hope of bringing good fortune.

In Spain, eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve is a popular tradition. Each grape represents one month of the coming year, with the hope of bringing good fortune.

In Spain, eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve is a popular tradition. Each grape represents one month of the coming year, with the hope of bringing good fortune.

Why is walking under a ladder traditionally considered bad luck?

One explanation links the superstition of walking under a ladder to the sacred symbolism of triangles, which the act was thought to disturb.

One explanation links the superstition of walking under a ladder to the sacred symbolism of triangles, which the act was thought to disturb.

One explanation links the superstition of walking under a ladder to the sacred symbolism of triangles, which the act was thought to disturb.

One explanation links the superstition of walking under a ladder to the sacred symbolism of triangles, which the act was thought to disturb.

One explanation links the superstition of walking under a ladder to the sacred symbolism of triangles, which the act was thought to disturb.

No result