Australia’s cultural fabric is woven from Indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and modern beliefs. While kangaroos and koalas might be the first thing that comes to mind, this land Down Under has its fair share of quirky superstitions. Here are 13 strange and curious Australian superstitions you probably didn’t know!
Table of Contents
1. Magpies: The Birds You Must Greet
Australians are cautious around magpies, especially during nesting season when the birds can swoop aggressively. There’s an old belief that if you don’t greet a magpie respectfully (“Hello, Mr. Magpie”), you risk being swooped—and possibly cursed with bad luck! But don’t worry, a polite greeting may bring you good fortune instead.
2. Knocking on Wood to Ward Off Bad Luck
While “knocking on wood” is common in many cultures, Australians have embraced it fully. If someone says something positive that might jinx them, they quickly tap wood as a protective measure to ensure their luck doesn’t change. It’s a habit many Australians practice without even thinking.
3. Beware the Bunyip: The Superstition of the Swamp Spirit
In Australian Aboriginal superstition, the Bunyip is a menacing spirit that lurks in swamps, rivers, and billabongs. Locals believe that anyone who ventures too close to these waters may invoke the creature’s wrath. The Bunyip is said to either devour intruders or use its supernatural powers to manipulate the water levels, trapping its victims. To stay safe, it’s believed that people should respect nature and avoid these areas, especially at night.
4. Avoid Killing Daddy Longlegs
Killing a daddy longlegs spider is said to bring bad luck in Australia. These leggy creatures are considered harmless and even useful, as they eat other pests. Some Australians even believe that having daddy longlegs around the home brings good fortune, so best leave them be!
5. The Curse of the Broken Mirror
Much like other parts of the world, Australians believe breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. This superstition is tied to the ancient belief that mirrors reflect part of the soul, and shattering one can throw your life out of balance.
6. Leaving a Hat on the Bed
Leaving a hat on the bed is thought to invite bad luck. This superstition is believed to have roots in European traditions, where placing a hat on the bed was associated with death, as priests often left their hats on beds when visiting the dying.
7. Spilling Salt: A Recipe for Trouble
Spilling salt is seen as a bad omen, just as in many other countries. To counteract this misfortune, Australians quickly toss a pinch of the spilled salt over their left shoulder to ward off any lurking evil spirits.
8. Australian Superstitions: Opals, The Unlucky Gemstone
Despite Australia being one of the world’s biggest producers of opals, many Australians believe the stone is unlucky. This superstition dates back to European settlers who thought opals brought bad fortune unless they were given as a gift.
9. The Superstition of the “Willie Wagtail”
Indigenous Australians hold the willie wagtail, a small black and white bird, in high regard, but with mixed superstitions. In some regions, the wagtail is seen as a bad omen, often associated with death or bad news, while in others, its appearance can be considered a good sign, bringing messages from the spirit world.
10. Birds Flying Into Houses
If a bird flies into an Australian’s house, it’s often considered a bad omen. This is particularly true if the bird happens to be black, as it can be seen as a sign that bad news or even death is on the horizon.
11. Itchy Palms
In Australia, itchy palms are believed to be a sign of money. If your right palm itches, it’s time to prepare for some cash flow. But beware—if your left palm itches, it might mean you’ll be parting with your hard-earned money soon.
12. Walking Under Ladders
A common superstition worldwide, walking under a ladder is seen as bad luck in Australia as well. This belief is tied to the idea that walking under a ladder disrupts the sacred triangle formed by the ladder against a wall, tempting misfortune.
13. Rain on Your Wedding Day
Australians, like many others, believe that rain on your wedding day brings good luck. While it may seem inconvenient at first, many see the rain as a blessing, symbolizing cleansing and a fresh start for the newlyweds.
Conclusion
Australia’s superstitions blend Indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and modern-day beliefs, creating a fascinating cultural patchwork. Whether it’s the friendly greeting to a magpie or the ancient wariness of a broken mirror, these customs add depth to daily life in Australia. Next time you visit, watch where you step, and perhaps knock on wood—you never know when good luck might strike!