11 Weird House Building Superstitions

All houses have their strange quirks, that squeaky floorboard, the mysterious switch that doesn’t actually do anything, but along with their unique character, many houses were built with curious traditions.

Here are some of the strangest house building superstitions from around the globe.

Sainted Medals

While some people wear sainted medallions for personal protection, in some Catholic countries necklaces of St Joseph and St Benedict are buried in the foundations to bless the new home. As the patron saint of carpenters, Joseph is believed to ensure a strong construction. St Benedict medals are believed to protect against illness.

That’s The Spirit

In parts of Southern Asia, ‘spirit houses’ are built close to homes to give dead ‘guests’ somewhere to live away from the main house (“Mum! Great-great-great-grandma’s floating around the garden again!”).

Which Witch

In Europe, housebuilders were more worried about the living, witches to be precise. Mummified cats, animals’ hearts pieced with iron nails, pots of urine… all manner of anti-witch totems would be buried within the chimney or under the hearth to keep the pointy-hatted harridans away. A ‘witch’s crook’ was another tactic, essentially building a bend in the chimney to stop witches flying down it.

Stair-raising Superstition

Housebuilders in the Philippines are very careful with the number of stairs, which are counted in threes “Oro, plata, mata” meaning, gold, silver and death. Superstition states that the topmost step must not end in mata (death), as this will bring bad luck to the new occupants. It’s also unlucky for there to be 13 stairs.

Buy-Day The 13^th

Did you know the fear of the number 13 is reflected throughout our homes. Many people won’t buy a house that is numbered 13. Some property developers simply skip number it as on average houses numbered 13 sell slower and for 2% less. 28% of British streets don’t have a number 13 (check your street). While less than 5% of high-rises in New York have a 13^th floor.

Thank You

Topping out ceremonies began in Scandinavia where builders would celebrate the finished house by hanging a bough from the top of the roof to thank the forest and tree dwelling spirit for allowing the use of the wood. The tradition is occasionally observed by different trades such as masons, brickies and carpenters to mark to reaching the highest point.

Chinese Numbers

In China, 8 is a lucky number and homes with 8 in the number tend to fetch a higher price. Chinese buyers will also often include 8 in the final fee. 4, 17, 19 and 53 are all considered unlucky (not great news if you were born on the 17/04/1953).

Buried Wealth

One repeating superstition found across the world is the idea of burying coins in the foundations to bring the homeowners good fortune. In some versions, coins are placed under the doorstep to encourage wealth into the home.

Shoe Business

Horseshoes were often nailed above the door of a new house but… which way? Some believe having it pointing up meant it would catch luck, others thought it should point down or it might make a resting place for the Devil.

Exit This Way

Back in the Philippines, spirits were thought to hide in low, dark places, so special escape routes were often built into basements to allow ghosts and spirits to leave.

Long & Winding Road

Some Chinese gardens have winding paths and houses built with curved rooves, both of which are said to confuse spirits who can only travel in straight lines.