10 Ukrainian Superstitions

Ukrainian culture is rich in folklore and traditions, and superstitions still play a role in shaping the everyday life of Ukrainians. These superstitions have been passed down through generations, with some dating back to the ancient pagan rituals, and many still observed today. From not whistling indoors, to bringing bread and salt when moving to a new house, Ukrainian superstitions are fascinating. Join us as we explore 10 Ukrainian superstitions and the meaning behind them.

1. Do not Whistle In the House

Не свистіти у хаті

This superstition is deeply rooted in Ukrainian culture, making it one of the most commonly known ones. It is still observed by many people to this day as a way to avoid back luck!

Whistling inside the home is believed to be one of the most common causes of financial problems. Some regions believe that this will create financial problems, with the saying going:

Не свисти — грошей не буде!

Don’t whistle – we’ll have no money!

Other oblasts in Ukraine say that whistling inside the house will “invite the devil into your home” and bring bad luck. It is also considered bad luck to whistle at a wedding, so you better learn some Ukrainian songs to sing instead!

2. Bread and Salt

Хліб-сіль

Bread and salt is a traditional gift in Ukrainian culture. The offering is given to guests as a sign of deep respect and hospitality. Usually, the bread is wrapped in a traditional embroidered cloth known as a rushnyk (рушник), and is often accompanied by well wishes. You can find out more information about this welcome gift here.

3. Don't Pass Over the Threshold

Не через поріг

The belief to not pass anything over the threshold (не можна передавати речей через поріг) is an extremely old tradition. Our ancestors strongly believed that the threshold acted as a boundary not only between their private world and the wider community, but also as between the ‘real’ and ‘other’ world.

Another explanation derives from the past act of burying the ashes of ancestors were under the doorstep of the home. Ukrainians believed that the spirits of relatives would protect the home from negative energy. To avoid disturbing them, people refuse to pass anything through the doorway, or even sit on the doorstep. This tradition of burying under the threshold finished a long time ago – but the tradition of respecting the threshold remained!

4. Never Eat From A Knife

Не їж з ножа

The superstition that you should never eat from a knife is believed to have originated from the ancient pagan belief that the knife is a symbol of death. Many Ukrainians therefore believe that if you eat from a knife, you will become an angry person and invite misfortune into your life.

The knife also used to be a sacred item – an instrument of protection – but also a tool for manual work. Some claim that knives were also used in black magic. The original Pagan belief was later incorporated into Christian traditions, where it became associated with the betrayal of Christ by Judas.

Unlike many other superstitions, this one is not commonly observed in modern times. However, it is still considered good manners to avoid eating from a knife at the table!

5. Sit Before a Journey

Присісти перед дорогою

Lots of Ukrainian families believe that a spirit resides in our homes, known as a домови́й (domovyi). When we leave our homes quickly the house spirit follows us, thus leaving the home without protection. Another explanation dates back to Pagan times, when it was believed that the spirit of the home would try and make the resident return, ruining the journey in the process. By sitting down before leaving, the spirit would believe that no one was going anywhere, calm down, and then allow them to leave.

6. Never Gift An Even Number of Flowers

Ніколи не даруйте парну кількість квітів

Even numbers of flowers are typically gifted only during periods of grief or at funerals, so it is thought to bring bad luck if they are given for another occasion. If you are visiting a florist in Ukraine, they will usually advise you if they think you have chosen an odd number accidentally!

7. Unmarried People Should Not Sit in the Corner of a Table

Незаміжнім не можна сидіти на куті стола

Another common superstition is that unmarried people should not sit at the corners of a table, or they shall remain unwed for life. However, in some regions, sitting at the corner of the table actually produces the opposite effect – meaning you are more likely to marry!

This belief has roots in the traditional folk times, in which the corners of a table were considered as another boundary between the ‘real’ and ‘other’ world.

8. 'Knock on Wood'

Постукати по дереву

Knocking on wood is a popular superstition in Ukraine that is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The tradition involves knocking on a wooden surface, usually three times, after making a hopeful or positive statement, to prevent any possible jinxing or reverse of the statement.

9. A Black Cat Crossed the Road

Чорна кішка перебігла дорогу – трапиться нещастя

This belief is not unique to Ukraine, and is actually quite common across the world. It is claimed that if a black cat crosses the road or path ahead of you, then this will bring misfortune and bad luck.

Dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, many of our ancestors believed that witches had the ability to shapeshift into a black cat. Thus, when a black cat crossed in front of you, people believed that it was actually a witch. In folklore times, the cat was also considered different to other animals – namely because it could cross the boundary into the domestic sphere, entering the house.

10. Never Return Home Halfway

Потрібно подивитися у дзеркало, якщо щось забув!

If you leave your house but forget something and turn back to grab it, think again! If you return home before completing your day outside, you will bring bad luck with you. Just like passing things over the threshold, this superstition stems from our ancestors’ belief that the doorstep is the border between the worlds of life and death. Therefore, you must be careful in crossing it! However, if you absolutely have to come back, we have one more superstition for you: look in the mirror and your initial good energy will return to you!