8 Polish Superstitions & Beliefs

Superstitious beliefs are plenty in various cultures and communities around us. And no matter how silly or strange or interesting they may sound to us, especially if we’ve never been exposed to them, we know that they have shaped and reshaped cultures and communities for ages. Poland is not exempt from these beliefs or practices, as there’s a list of them that are unique and specific to Polish culture. What are they? Let’s find out.

• Don’t get a haircut right before an important exam: Getting a haircut before an exam might cause you to "lose" some of the knowledge you've studied.
• Marry in an “r” month: For luck and love, set your wedding date in a month that has the letter “r” in its Polish name, such as marzec (March) or grudzień (December).
• Stay away from number 7: In some Polish traditions, the number 7 is viewed as dangerous because its shape resembles a scythe, a tool associated with the Grim Reaper.
• Don’t count the pierogi: Never count pierogies while they are boiling! Legend says if you do, they will tear or get stuck to the bottom of the pot.
• Step with your right foot first: To ensure a happy day, make sure your right foot is the first one to touch the floor when you get out of bed in the morning.
• Ask the dwarves: If you've lost something, step out of the room, close the door, and say "Play and put away." The Polish household dwarves (chochliki) might just help it reappear.
• Don’t drop your notebook: Be careful with your school supplies! Dropping a notebook is said to be an omen of a surprise exam on that specific subject.
• Don’t sit down when baking a cake: If you sit down while your cake is in the oven, the cake might "sit down" too—meaning it will sink in the middle and come out flat.