7 Lesser-Known Superstitions and Their Meanings

1. An Itchy Nose Means Unexpected Company is Coming

This first offering, in all of its forms, is one of my mother’s favorites. Growing up, the number of occurrences that were thought to predict the arrival of an unexpected guest were truly mind-boggling.

For most people, an itchy nose signals an oncoming allergy attack or a reaction to dust or some other irritant. For those whose feet are firmly planted in the world of superstitions, a sudden tickling sensation in one’s nose is a sure sign that company will be arriving at any minute.

Supposedly, if only the right nostril is affected, the visitor will be female; if the itching manifests on the left, then the guest will be male. If both sides are equally afflicted, expect a combination of the two.

Acts of clumsiness are also known to precede the arrival of an unexpected caller. For instance, if you happen to drop a dish towel, be prepared for company to show up at any minute. More often than not, the visitor will be someone whose cleaning skills are questionable at best. The fact that the dish towel made contact with the floor is a warning that a less-than-hygienic individual is headed your way.

If a plate slips out of someone’s hand while they are seated at the dinner table, the host or hostess would do well to…