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Superstitious Brits Fear Friday 13th

09 November 2015

With Friday 13th looming for the third time this year, a new survey has revealed just how superstitious we are as a nation.

According to the survey from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, some 15% of us will choose to avoid making this our date for moving home for fear of misfortune.

But it is breaking a mirror which tops the worry list for those that are superstitious with 20% believing it will bring seven years of bad luck, according to the Banks’ latest Housebuyers Research.

Apparently nearly one in four (39%) of us are so superstitious that we refuse to open an umbrella indoors as well as avoiding stepping on any cracks in the pavement.

However, two thirds (61%) of us do not let superstitions spoil our day – even on Friday the 13th - believing them all to be old wives’ tales. Some even focus on the positive with one of us in six hopeful of finding a four leaf clover to bring about good fortune and a further 12% of us will be hoping a black cat crosses our path.

The research found that that those living in the North East were the most superstitious where the most commonly held fear was of opening an umbrella indoors.

Regional breakdown of Superstitions:

Region % who are superstitious Region’s favourite superstition
North East 47% To open an umbrella indoors brings bad luck
London 43% If you walk under a ladder you will have bad luck
Midlands 41% To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck
Wales 41% It is unlucky to spill salt and if you do you must throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder
North West 40% To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck
UK average 39% To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck
Scotland 39% If you walk under a ladder you will have bad luck
South West 39% If you find a four leaf clover you will have good luck
South East 38% To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck/
If you find a four leaf clover you will have good luck
Yorkshire 36% To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck
East 32% To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck

Steve Fletcher, Director Retail Banking said: "Everyone has their own view of luck. I don't consider myself superstitious, but the fact I always put my right shoe on first because my grandad said it meant I'd be right through the day means maybe I am!

"As for Friday 13th we know that some customers will actively try to avoid this date when moving home. Personally it wouldn't bother me as I don't feel a date has any bearing on happiness in a new property."

 

This media release and its contents are intended for journalist and editorial purposes only. It is not intended as an advert or invitation to customers or potential customers to take or enquire about any products and/or services from the Bank.

 

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