You know how sometimes you hear a superstition and you’re like, “Wait, that’s a thing?” Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled upon this one: the idea that you should always leave a house by the same door you came in. Apparently, failing to do so can bring bad luck. I’ve heard of not walking under ladders or avoiding black cats, but this one was new to me. Naturally, I had to dig into it a bit more. What’s the deal with doors and bad luck? And are there other superstitions like this out there?
What’s The Story Behind This Superstition?
The superstition goes like this: when you enter a house through a specific door, you must leave through that same door. If you don’t, you’re inviting bad luck—or worse. Some versions of this belief say that leaving through a different door can disrupt the “energy flow” of the house, while others claim it could lead to arguments, accidents, or even prevent you from ever returning to that home.
This belief likely ties into the symbolic importance of doors. Doors aren’t just practical—they’re also seen as thresholds between different spaces, both physically and spiritually. In many cultures, doors represent transitions, like moving from the outside world into the safety of a home (or vice versa). Messing with that transition—like leaving through a different door—might feel like you’re breaking some kind of cosmic rule.
Similar Superstitions About Doors And Thresholds
Doors are a big deal in the world of superstitions. Here are a few other door-related beliefs that might make you think twice the next time you walk through one:
Don’t shake hands over a threshold: In some cultures, it’s considered bad luck to shake hands with someone while standing in a doorway. The idea is that the threshold is a kind of neutral zone, and making agreements (like a handshake) in that space can lead to misunderstandings or bad outcomes.
Carry a bride over the threshold: This one’s a classic. In many Western traditions, a groom is supposed to carry his bride over the threshold of their new home. The superstition says that if the bride trips or stumbles while entering, it’s a bad omen for the marriage. Carrying her ensures a smooth transition into married life. (Also, let’s be honest, it’s kind of romantic.)
Don’t leave a door open: In some cultures, leaving a door open—especially at night—is believed to invite bad spirits or negative energy into the home. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for trouble. So, if you’re visiting someone’s house and they’re super insistent on closing the door behind you, now you know why.
Knock on wood after walking through a door: This one’s a bit of a stretch, but it’s related. In some traditions, knocking on wood after walking through a door (or saying something you don’t want to jinx) is a way to ward off bad luck. It’s like a little insurance policy for your good fortune.
Don’t whistle indoors (especially near doors): In Russia and some other cultures, whistling indoors is said to bring financial ruin. And if you do it near a door? Double trouble. Apparently, whistling can “call” bad spirits into the house, and doors are their preferred entry point. So, maybe save your whistling for outdoor concerts.
What’s The Takeaway?
Superstitions like this one are a fascinating glimpse into how humans try to make sense of the world. Whether it’s carrying a bride over the threshold or making sure you leave a house by the same door you entered, these beliefs remind us that even the most ordinary actions can carry deeper meanings.
The next time you’re visiting someone’s house, maybe take a mental note of which door you came in. And when it’s time to leave, try to stick to the same one—just in case. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Maybe it’ll save you from a streak of bad luck. Or at the very least, it’ll make for a fun story to tell.
