Walking Under a Ladder

The informant was told to not walk under a ladder because it can cause bad luck, and be dangerous if the ladder happens to fall because of it. This bad luck lasts for seven years.

Age: 24

Date: April 5th 2025

Language: English

Nationality: White/Hispanic

Occupation: Student

Primary Language: English

Residence: California

Analysis: This story falls into the category of superstition, and both originates from a safety concern to keep people from walking under ladders if they may fall, and also a belief that the triangle shape that is formed under a ladder is sacred, and walking under it can break its shape and cause bad luck. This superstition originated in ancient Egypt, and the triangle is thought to represent the trinity of the gods.