New research reveals that the nation is filled with superstitious people, with an estimated 15.25 million people maintaining that if a bird poos on your head, it will bring good luck. The study, by Paddy Power Bingo, examined the nation’s thoughts on what they believe brings them the most luck, with 22% still thinking that bird poo brings good fortune.
Superstitions to swerve bad luck were also explored, with 34% of people admitting to thinking that breaking a mirror could bring 7-years bad luck. Walking under ladders (24%) and opening an umbrella indoors (22%) rounded out the top three.
|
Rank |
Things that Brits think will bring bad luck |
Percentage of Brits |
|
1 |
Breaking a mirror |
34% |
|
2 |
Walking under ladders |
24% |
|
3 |
Opening an umbrella indoors |
22% |
|
4 |
Putting shoes on the table |
19% |
|
5 |
The number 666 |
18% |
|
6 |
The number 13 |
16% |
|
=6 |
Crossing paths with a black cat |
16% |
|
8 |
Stepping on cracks in pavements |
10% |
The survey also quizzed Brits on the day-to-day scenarios they apply their superstitions to, with 14% of people admitting to make significant purchases like buying a house or a car with them firmly in mind. Boarding a plane (17%), attending a job interview (15%), going on a first date (14%) and even watching sport (12%) were also answered by many.
One in five people confessed that they apply their personal superstitions to everything they do. A spokesperson for Paddy Power Bingo said: “With over 15 million people seemingly hopeful that a bird poos on their head on their way into work, we still think there are far better ways to start a day.”