Many of these superstitions have their roots in old folklore, where some have survived as daily routines, while others are mainly for entertainment or tradition. Here, we list the most common Swedish superstitions and what they mean. It's said that around 25% of Swedes are superstitious. Especially number 9 is to watch out for at upcoming Swedish midsummer.
- Black cat crossing the road: this means bad luck, especially if the cat comes from the left side. To ward off the bad luck, spit three times over your shoulder and say "tvi, tvi, tvi".
- Keys on the table: placing your keys on the table is believed to bring bad luck and should be avoided.
- Walking under a ladder: walking under a ladder is believed to bring 3 weeks of bad luck!
- Opening an umbrella indoors: suddenly opening an umbrella when it's not needed indoors is believed to bring bad luck.
- Broken mirror: accidentally breaking a mirror or in some way damaging a mirror is believed to bring 7 years of bad luck.
- Spilling salt: is believed to bring bad luck, and the bad luck can be warded off by throwing a pinch of salt over your shoulder.
- Horseshoe: a horseshoe above the door is believed to bring good luck!
- If you sneeze: it's said that an enemy is saying your name, and this can be warded off by saying "prosit".
- Dreaming of your future love: an unmarried person can pick 7 or 9 types of flowers on Midsummer's Eve and place them under their pillow to dream of their future love and partner.
