![]() Sasukekun22, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0 You’re also never supposed to give a book with a red cover, as it is sure to break a friendship, because red is the color of anger and misunderstanding. Giving or receiving black items is said to always be bad luck, as the color black brings death with it. The recipient should then spit on it, throw it into the fire, and make a wish as it burns, and that wish will come true. In old English tradition, it’s lucky to put a lump of coal among the Christmas presents in the stocking. An old rhyme warns: “Give a thing and take it back, Old Nick will give your head a crack.” Another says: “Give a thing and take again, And you shall ride in hell’s wain.” ( Wain is a word for a wagon or cart.) 8. It is unlucky to give a gift and then take it back again. Portraitsīad news for ego-maniacs and narcissists: Receiving a present with your own likeness on it is bad luck, and to receive a portrait of yourself is a sign of treachery. However, in other cultures, if your partner gives you an actual cat as a present, it means you will never be parted. In Sicily, it’s said you should never give a gift in the shape of a cat to someone who is engaged to be married, as this foretells sudden and violent death. Soap is also supposed to be an unlucky gift, as it will wash your friendship away. ![]() In Sweden, a man is never supposed to give his lover a silk handkerchief, or she will wipe away her affection for him. Some gift-giving superstitions are quite literal-giving a handkerchief is said to signify tears to come. Some folklorists err on the side of caution and also recommend repeating the rhyme: “If you love me, as I love you, no knife can cut our love in two.” 2. However, the damage can be mitigated if the receiver gives something small, like a coin, in return to make the exchange a transaction. Giving anything sharp, such as a knife or scissors, is bad luck, as it’s thought to sever the relationship. (We’ve included some tips for lucky gift-giving, too.) 1. To guard against any gift-related mishaps, take heed of the following 20 old-fashioned gift-giving superstitions. The holiday season is a time for giving, but one thing you really don’t want to give is the gift of bad luck.
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