
Tales of luck and fortune have long been told across cultures and generations, many of which are still told today.
As Halloween approaches, we decided the best way to get into the spooky spirit – other than sporting arguably the spookiest colour of all (orange) – was to hear from our customers about their money superstitions.
Here’s what they had to say:
- Money plants
As well as adding a touch of greenery to your space, in some East Asian and South African cultures, certain plants are believed to attract wealth and prosperity. Money trees (Pachira aquatica) for instance, can often be found with a few plants braided together as one, as it’s thought to bring luck in numbers. Others with similar reputations, but a lot less intervention, include the money plant (Crassula ovata), and the coin plant (Pilea peperomioides) which has leaves resembling coins. - A clear flow of money
Dirty doors and windows are believed to obstruct the flow of money into your home. If fortune is what you seek, get scrubbing! - Itchy left palm
Do you feel that? An ever so slight tickle on your left palm. You may be in luck! In some South Asian cultures an itchy left palm can mean money is coming your way. The reverse, an itchy right palm, may suggest you'll have to pay out some money soon. So, be sure to keep that right palm moisturised! - Lucky penny
If you’ve purchased a used car recently, it might be worth checking under those floor mats and between the seats, as you might come upon a lucky penny! Allegedly originating in Ireland, it’s believed that when selling a car, the seller should give the buyer a small amount of money back for luck, otherwise known as a lucky penny. In Australia, it’s probably more likely to be a 5, 10, or 50 cent piece, but that doesn’t have the same ring to it. Something to keep in mind when it comes time to upgrade your car. - The floor is no place for a handbag
It might seem convenient, but to some people placing your handbag on the ground is a no-go. This is because the floor is generally considered to be a dirty place, literally and symbolically, and placing your bag on it could lead to the money falling out. This belief can be found in many cultures, with some attributing it to the old Chinese proverb, “a purse on the floor is money out the door”. - Interrupting a bird's business
If a bird poops on you, you’re in luck, as some European and South Asian cultures, consider bird dropping to be a symbol of incoming wealth. This could mean money is coming your way, as well as a sanitary wipe, and perhaps another shirt? - The number eight
In many systems of numerology, particularly those observed in East Asian cultures, the number eight is considered a sign of good luck, wealth, and money. Maybe it’s time to add it into your lotto number mix.
Avoid the money scaries
If your money tree or coin plant didn’t survive the winter – don’t fret! While we aren’t very green thumbed, we do know a thing or two about growing your savings. With a BCU Bank term deposit you can enjoy guaranteed returns thanks to the fixed interest rate, for a timeframe that suits you.