Those nails you’re working on today may bring you more than your weekly wages. In cultures around the world, there are (or were) superstitions about the good, the bad, and the ugly those nails can bring a person. Here is a sampling of some global nail superstitions and beliefs.
NO CLIPPING TODAY!
Need an excuse to take off work today? Just say you’re from one of these countries and don’t want to bring your clients bad luck by working on this day believed to bring misfortune to those who clip and cut their nails.
| Croatia |
Sunday (scissors or needles should not be used on anything on this day) |
| Greece |
Wednesday and Friday |
| Italy |
Friday |
| Philippines |
Friday |
| Russia |
Monday (for newborns) |
CLIP, CLIP FOR HAPPINESS!
And for those who need a good reason to get to work on time… there are days that are best for clipping, too.
Germany: Friday
Russia: Thursday
According to an article by Mary-Anne Alvaro at Global Psychics, there is also an old rhyme from England regarding the right days for cutting hair and nails:
“Cut them on Monday, you cut them for health;
Cut them on Tuesday, you cut them for wealth;
Cut them on Wednesday, you cut them for news;
Cut them on Thursday, a new pair of shoes;
Cut them on Friday, you cut them for sorrow;
Cut them on Saturday, see your true love tomorrow;
Cut them on Sunday, the devil will be with you all the week.”
FOR THE MOMMIES
In some countries, family elders passed down these superstitions as a guide to new parents to know about their newborn’s nails.
| Croatia |
Only use nail scissors on a baby after it is one year old: otherwise the baby will not talk properly |
| Poland and Russia |
Only cut a child's nails after it is one year old (before that they should only be bitten); otherwise the baby may become a thief. |
| Philippines |
The first nail clippings of a baby should be placed in the stairs to prevent the baby from falling off the stairs when he starts walking. |
| Russia |
If you cut a newborn's nails outside on a street, he will be a good singer. |
For expectant mothers:
| Poland |
If you're pregnant and stare at a very ugly person, your child will be the same. The solution? You must stare at your nails for a while. |
| Russia |
If you're pregnant, do not step on any nail clippings, which may cause a miscarriage. |
