Throughout history, money has been entwined with superstitions and folklore. From ancient beliefs about the power of coins to modern quirks about specific bills, people have long sought to make sense of their financial fortunes through symbolic gestures and sayings. Whether it’s picking up a lucky penny or tossing coins into a fountain, these money superstitions reveal a lot about our fears, hopes, and connection to the past.
Here are a few well-known money superstitions and their fascinating origins:
1. See a penny pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck.
The rhyme traces its origins to old superstitions surrounding luck and fortune—not to mention good and evil. In times when pennies had more significant value, finding one was considered a sign of good luck or a potential blessing. The act of picking up the penny was believed to bring prosperity or good fortune throughout the day. This belief may have stemmed from ancient cultures that saw metal, especially coins, as symbols of wealth and protection. Over time, the phrase evolved into a simple rhyme passed down through generations as a playful encouragement to embrace luck wherever it’s found, even in small amounts. Unless, of course, that penny is face down. It’s unclear where the association began, but over time, the heads on the penny became associated with prosperity. The tails-up penny became associated with evil or bad luck. To this day, many people will not touch or pick up facedown coins for fear of inviting bad luck.
2. Toss a coin in the fountain
The practice of throwing coins into a fountain dates back to ancient times when people believed water sources had divine or healing powers. In Roman and Celtic cultures, offering coins to water deities was seen as a way to gain favor, such as protection or good health. Over time, this evolved into the modern-day custom of tossing a coin into a fountain while making a wish. The act represents an exchange—offering something of value (a coin) in hopes of receiving a positive outcome, whether luck, love, or other desires. This tradition is still common today, especially at historic fountains and tourist spots around the world, like the Trevi Fountain.
3. Purse on the floor, money out the door
This Chinese proverb reflects an old belief rooted in respect for money and financial stability. The phrase warns purse carriers that leaving their bag on the ground symbolizes carelessness or disregard for one’s wealth. In many cultures, placing a purse on the floor is seen as bad luck because it invites money to “leave” or slip away. The concept is tied to the symbolic value of keeping money elevated and well-protected. It reflects the notion that how you treat your possessions affects your financial fortune. Of course, there’s also a practical side to the proverb since an unwatched purse is much easier to steal.
4. Penny for your thoughts
This phrase dates back to the early 16th century and was first recorded by Sir Thomas More in 1522. In those days (much like today), pennies were one of the smallest units of currency. However, back then they still held enough value to be used in everyday transactions. The phrase was a polite way to ask someone to share what they were thinking. The penny, small but not meaningless, represented a token in exchange for their thoughts. While it was never meant literally, it implied that even a person’s idle musings had value. Over time, the phrase became a common idiom for inquiring about someone’s inner thoughts, whether they appeared deep in contemplation or merely daydreaming.
5. Something old, something new…here’s some money for your shoe?!?
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe” is the famous rhyme that engaged couples often follow in pursuit of good luck on their wedding day. The first part of the phrase is commonly known. The bit about the sixpence is less widely followed—especially since the sixpence has been out of circulation for decades. The rhyme dates back to Victorian England and refers to what was thought to be a recipe for a successful marriage. The “old” was meant to celebrate the bride and groom’s roots while the “new” was a nod to their future. The “something borrowed” was supposed to be transferred from a happily married woman to the new bride in hopes of passing on the good luck. “Blue” is representative of fidelity, love, and purity. The sixpence—traditionally given by the father of the bride—was a symbol of his wishes for the couple’s happiness and prosperity.
6. As phony as a two-dollar bill
This is a funny one because two-dollar bills are very real. However, American beliefs about them are ripe with superstition and intrigue. Although the bill has always been legal tender, it’s rare—especially compared to the $1, $5, $20 or other denominations. This rarity has made it a symbol of both good and bad luck. Some people believe that possessing a two-dollar bill brings fortune, particularly when kept in a wallet or purse. The superstition may stem from the fact that two-dollar bills have historically been seen as a novelty, with fewer of them in circulation. However, there’s also a negative connotation, as some associate the bill with misfortune or poor sales, especially in gambling or business dealings. This mixed reputation has made the two-dollar bill a quirky symbol of wealth, luck, and occasional suspicion in American culture.
7. Itchy palms? Keep an eye on your wallet.
The belief that itchy palms are linked to money stems from folklore and superstition. However, there are different meanings depending on which hand is affected. In many cultures, an itchy right palm indicates financial gain, while an itchy left palm signifies that money will soon leave your hands. This belief traces back to ancient civilizations, particularly in Europe, where itching was seen as a sign of energy or change. The correlation with money likely arose from the idea that hands are the primary tools for exchanging currency. Thus, any unusual feeling in the palms symbolized an imminent shift in one’s financial situation. To this day, the superstition persists. On social media and in conversation, we reference itchy palms as a lighthearted predictor of financial fortunes.
Money superstitions offer a unique glimpse into how societies view wealth and luck. While many of these beliefs may seem quirky or outdated, they reflect a universal desire to gain control over financial outcomes and invite prosperity. So, maybe it’s an old rhyme or a fleeting gesture. Maybe it’s a silly tradition that we chuckle about but still practice (knock on wood, anyone?). These superstitions have a way of sticking with us. So, the next time you see a penny on the ground or feel an itch in your palm, you might find yourself wondering—what does fate have in store for you?
Want to learn more about the history and fundamentals of banking?
- Check out our article on how to kickstart your savings for National Savings Day.
- Learn how Maps Credit Union got its start—almost 90 years ago.
- Discover what those blue NCUA signs at your local branch mean.