Five Swedish Superstitions: Tips for Keeping Your Luck in Sweden

While Swedes are often regarded as rational and quite pragmatic, you might be surprised to discover that superstition is still quite prevalent in Sweden. Here are some superstitions to be aware of:

» Published: November 04 2024

Five Swedish Superstitions: Tips for Keeping Your Luck in Sweden
Photo: Envato

1. Avoid Putting Keys on the Table

The origin of this superstition is not entirely clear, but one theory suggests that keys were historically vital for a family’s safety and needed to be kept under close watch - hence, they should never be left on the table.

2. Do Not Spill Salt

In Sweden, spilling salt is thought to bring bad luck. This belief likely stems from the fact that salt was once a valuable commodity. By warning against spilling it, the superstition encouraged people to be more cautious.

3. Never Let a Slice of Cake Lie Fall Its Side

A popular superstition says that a slice of cake should always be placed upright on your plate. If it falls on its side it is said that you will not get married.

4. Breaking Mirrors

Another well-known superstition is that breaking a mirror results in seven years of bad luck. This belief may have originated from historical economic factors, as mirrors were once considered luxury items.

5. Do Not Walk Under Ladders

This is another superstition that many people still abide by. There are several theories to why this superstition arose, but the consequences are the same - walking under a ladder brings bad luck.

Saga V. BohinenS
By Saga V. Bohinen - Feature Writer & Columnist

More news

Johan Forsell

Changes when applying for Swedish citizenship from March 2025

Mulmholk sweden stockholm

What is a Mulmholk?

Ticks and myths

8 Myths about Ticks

Easter Sweden

Swedish Easter Traditions - How To Celebrate A Classic Easter In Sweden

Skatteverket

Tax Declaration in Sweden and Important Dates

Loppis in Sweden

Sweden is leading the way towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly shopping

Torsplan Systembolaget

Sweden's Unique Alcohol Culture

Ludvig Åberg Swedish Golf Star

Ludvig Åberg's Success Creates Traffic Jams on Swedish Golf Courses

What is ETIAS

ETIAS - What is it and when will it be introduced?

Waymo Self Driving Car

Will Self-Driving Cars Come to Sweden Soon?

Foodora autonomous robot delivery

Robot Food Deliveries Have Arrived in Sweden and Södermalm

Shibua crossing

Last Call for the Low-Yen Advantage: Seize Your Chance for Budget Travel in Japan

Stockholm archipelago trail

Stockholm archipelago trail, A hidden Gem in Baltic sea

Ebba Busch - boycott retailers ICA Coop

What impact does the Swedish boycott of food retailers have on the stores themselves?

Sweden food retailers boycott

The Swedish boycott of food retailers begins this week

Toxic food for dogs

Keep Your Dog Safe: 11 Human Foods to Keep Out of Reach

Sweden ranks 3rd deepfake report

Sweden Ranks 3rd in Global Deepfake Interest Report

Ida Lundkvist - Urban Hiking in Sweden

Urban Hiking is a fun and growing activity in Sweden and globally

Childcare Sweden

In Sweden You are entitled to Childcare on Unconventional Working Hours

How to Increase and Support Your Partner's Pension

SCB statistics immigration

Immigration 2024 increased according to latest statistics from SCB

Unemployment rose

Unemployment rose in Sweden in January 2025

Teacher jobs in Stockholm

Is it easy to get a job as newly graduated teacher in Stockholm?

Deepseek ban Sweden

Sweden does not ban Deepseek yet

Young adults - Ungdomsbarometern 2025

Swedish youth prioritize personal finance over social issues

Sweden Valentines day

What Swedish women wish for on Valentine's Day.

Sweden Dialects

The Diverse Dialects of Sweden: A Linguistic Journey Across Regions

Sweden Public Holidays 2025

Public holidays in Sweden 2025

Subway Stockholm

Public transport in Sweden - among the best in the World

Melodifestivalen 2025

Melodifestivalen 2025 starts now on Saturday February 1

Pippi Longstocking Sweden's most beloved character

Pippi Longstocking, one of Sweden's most beloved and well-known figures in the world

WWE Tiffany

WWE Wrestling Show Now Available to Many Viewers via Netflix

minimum wage sweden

This applies to the minimum wage in Sweden in 2025

Melodifestivalen 2025 deltagare

Why Melodifestivalen Is So Popular In Sweden

Future jobs 2025

Jobs are expected to be driven by AI, geopolitics, and green transformation in 2025

RUT discount in Sweden

RUT Discount (Rutavdrag) for Moving and Cleaning in Sweden

Save money on your electricity bill

Tips to Save Money on Your Electricity Bill: What You Need to Consider

Sales of alkohol outside of Systembolaget

Farm Sales of Alcohol in Sweden from June 2025

new driver license in sweden

What does the new driver's license in Sweden 2025 entail?

dogs fireworks new year what to do

Dogs and New Year's - Top Nine Best Tips for Handling New Year's Eve for Dog Owners