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13 Snowday Superstitions That Might Just Bring on the Snow
When winter arrives and snowstorms threaten to blanket the ground, many students and even some adults hope for a snow day—a day off from school or work due to heavy snowfall. Over the years, various quirky superstitions and rituals have developed, believed to increase the chances of a snow day. While these practices are playful and fun, they offer a glimpse into the lengths people will go for an unexpected day off. Here are 13 popular snow day superstitions that might just bring on the snow 🙂
1. Wearing Your Pajamas Inside Out
One of the most common snow day superstitions is to wear your pajamas inside out the night before a snowstorm is expected. It’s believed that this will encourage the snow to fall, leading to a cancellation of school or work. Kids across snowy regions swear by this ritual, and it has become a winter tradition in many households.
2. Sleeping with a Spoon Under Your Pillow
Another popular superstition is to sleep with a spoon under your pillow. The idea is that the spoon will help “stir up” the snow clouds, causing a heavier snowfall. Some even say that using a specific type of spoon, like a silver spoon, can increase the chances of a snow day.
3. Flushing Ice Cubes Down the Toilet
This quirky ritual involves flushing one or more ice cubes down the toilet before bed. Each ice cube is supposed to represent one inch of snow that will fall overnight. The more ice cubes you flush, the more snow you’re hoping for. This superstition is a favorite among kids, who often make it part of their snow day routine.
4. Placing a White Crayon on the Windowsill
In some regions, people believe that placing a white crayon on the windowsill will help attract snow. The crayon’s color is thought to symbolize snow, and leaving it on the windowsill invites the snow to cover the ground outside. This simple yet imaginative superstition is another way to try and influence the weather.
5. Doing a Snow Dance
Similar to a rain dance, a snow dance is a playful ritual performed to encourage snowfall. There’s no specific way to do a snow dance, but it typically involves hopping around, spinning, and chanting about snow. The more enthusiasm you put into the dance, the more likely it is to work—or so the superstition goes.
6. Putting a Spoon in the Freezer
Another variation of the spoon superstition is placing a spoon in the freezer overnight. The cold spoon is thought to attract cold weather, bringing snow along with it. Some people combine this with the practice of sleeping with a spoon under their pillow to double the effect.
7. Throwing Ice Cubes Out the Window
In addition to flushing ice cubes down the toilet, some people toss ice cubes out the window to encourage snow. The idea is that by throwing ice outside, you’re helping to “seed” the clouds, which will result in more snow falling to the ground. This superstition is often performed in conjunction with other snow day rituals.
8. Placing a Spoon Under the Bed
A twist on the spoon superstition, this version involves placing a spoon under your bed instead of under your pillow. It’s believed that the placement of the spoon beneath you while you sleep will help to “weigh down” the clouds, causing them to release their snow.
9. Leaving a Penny on the Windowsill
In some areas, it’s believed that leaving a penny on the windowsill will increase the chances of snow. The superstition is that the shiny surface of the penny reflects light and energy into the sky, encouraging the clouds to produce snow. This ritual is sometimes combined with the white crayon on the windowsill for added effect.
10. Placing an Ice Cube in Each Corner of the House
Another ice-related superstition involves placing an ice cube in each corner of your house or bedroom. The idea is that the ice cubes will create a cold barrier that attracts snow to your location. This ritual is often done in conjunction with other snow day superstitions for maximum snowfall potential.
11. Wearing a Hat to Bed
Some believe that wearing a hat to bed will bring on the snow. This superstition may be rooted in the idea that staying warm and cozy in bed encourages the weather outside to become cold and snowy. It’s a simple and easy ritual to add to your snow day repertoire.
12. Running Around the Dining Table
One playful superstition involves running around the dining table a certain number of times, often counterclockwise, to bring on a snowstorm. The number of laps you run is supposed to correspond to the number of inches of snow you want to fall. This ritual is usually done the night before a snow day is desired.
13. Putting a Silver Coin Outside
Some people believe that placing a silver coin, such as a dime or quarter, outside will attract snow. The superstition suggests that the reflective surface of the coin will draw the snow clouds to your location, ensuring a snowy day. This ritual is sometimes combined with others, like the penny on the windowsill, to increase its effectiveness.
Conclusion
These snow day superstitions are a fun and whimsical way to try to influence the weather and bring about a day off from school or work. While there’s no scientific evidence to support these rituals, they offer a playful way to engage with the excitement and anticipation of a potential snow day. Whether you’re wearing your pajamas inside out, flushing ice cubes, or doing a snow dance, these traditions add a bit of magic to the winter season.