Opening An Umbrella Indoors
Nathaniel Leverone of the Anti-Superstition Society celebrates Friday the 13th by challenging many common superstitions at once. Image Source: Pinterest
An umbrella is a controlled shield against the elements. Opening an umbrella indoors, where the elements are obviously not a factor, was seen as a defiance of the natural order. In ancient Egypt, umbrellas were used as a shield from the sun, and opening one indoors was disrespectful to the sun god, Ra, who would seek vengeance on the household in which the umbrella was opened.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
In addition, this common superstition may have stemmed from many ancient belief systems which assumed that evil forces were around at all times, constantly on the lookout for an opportunity to do harm. Good fortune fought these evil forces, but by placing a shield overhead, one was blocking good fortune’s protective powers. Thus, opening an umbrella inside meant that bad luck would “rain” down upon you.
Image Source: Rose & Womble Realty Co.
A more practical explanation of this common superstition dates back to the dangerous design of the first modern umbrella. Rough metal spokes and violent spring triggers posed a dangerous threat to anyone and anything inside a home.
