Why is an umbrella open indoors considered a bad omen?

Open umbrella indoors is considered as bad omen as seeing broken mirror or meet black cat. Although the exact origin of the superstition has not been confirmed, there are several common theories that explain its roots.

One version takes us to 1200 BC e.when ancient Egyptian priests and royalty used umbrellas made from peacock feathers and papyrus to protect themselves from the sun. According to Reader’s Digestopening an umbrella under a roof, away from the sun’s rays, could be considered an insult sun god Rawhich allegedly led to negative consequences.

There is another theory, also related to Egypt. Early umbrellas reflected the image sky goddess Nutwhich “covered” the ground. Therefore, the shadow of an umbrella was considered sacred, and if a person without noble birth used such protection, he allegedly attracted misfortune to himself.

From myths to reality: the reasons have changed

Today, superstition is associated not so much with ancient deities, but with basic safety. The modern umbrella has gained popularity in Victorian era thanks to the invention of Samuel Fox, who provided it with a spring mechanism. It allowed the umbrella to open quickly, sharply and quite dangerously.

As Charles Panati notes in the book “Panati’s Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things”a structure with rigid spokes suddenly opening in a small room could easily injure an adult or child or damage fragile objects. Therefore, superstition gradually turned into a warning: “Don’t open your umbrella at home – you might get hurt”.

And indeed: Even if the bad luck sign doesn’t work, an open umbrella pointed straight at your face certainly won’t help make your day better.

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