Superstition says it’s bad luck to open an umbrella indoors – that doing so will cause misfortune to rain down upon you from above. Well, March 13 is the day to test your fate: bust open your umbrella and hope for the best! But, if we all take part in National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day, won’t we all get poked by umbrellas? Never mind. Best practice: make sure you’re not too close to other people (or table lamps) before you begin testing this age-old notion.
Where did this superstition come from? Some say the ancient Egyptians thought that to open a needless umbrella in the shade would offend the Gods. Thus, the Sun God would take out his anger on everyone in the home where the umbrella was opened. Seems about right.Strange to think that umbrellas have been around for over 3,000 years, and yet, still are so easily destroyed by an upward gust of wind.
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Luckily, some people believe that it’s not always bad luck to open an umbrella indoors. Fact is, it’s okay – but, only if: the umbrella isn’t black, has never been used outdoors, and there are no sick people in the house. SO, those inclined to throw caution to the wind on March 13 are encouraged to pop open a black, well-used umbrella in your aunt’s house while she has the sniffles … take THAT, superstition!
If you are an extremely rare and brave soul, here are three more umbrella superstitions to be aware of, in order to dominate this special day:
- If you drop an umbrella, never pick it up yourself. Ask someone else to pick it up for you (perhaps, passing the bad luck on to them instead … choose wisely).
- Do not give umbrellas as gifts (unless you want bad luck for both of you).
- Don’t place an umbrella on a table or bed. (Don’t mess with food and sleep, people.)
Enjoy National Open an Umbrella Indoors day! If trouble rains on you, well, it’s your own fault, really.
