The Folklore:
E: What peculiar superstitions do you follow?
L: I never put a hat on a bed.
E: Why is that?
L: It’s believed that if someone puts their hat on their bed they are too ill or injured to set it down where it needs to be.
E: What happens if you do set a hat on a bed?
L: You get all sorts of bad luck.
E: Is it all headwear or just hats?
L: Glasses are fine. But I stray from putting beanies or anything else of the sort.
E: Where did you hear this from?
L: I heard it from my father when I was a little girl.
E: What does it mean to you?
L: It makes me a bit less lazy. I have to remind myself to place my hat where it needs to be or else I receive supernatural consequences.
Context:
This is a family member of mine from France. I was taught this superstition at a very young age and it came to mind when beginning my research. I called said family member and transcribed our phone call.
Analysis:
This sort of story works well to deter laziness. I feel as though all superstitions hold some sort of deeper meaning or lesson. I wonder circa what year this came from and by proxy the circumstances that created it. I think it is interesting to people who follow superstitions for fear of sway in their faith. I personally heard this superstition when I was younger and have since always practiced it. I won’t even let friends put their hats on beds.