This survey, conducted in the United States in January 2014, shows common superstitious beliefs held by American men and women. 37 percent of American women believe that finding and picking up a penny is good luck, while 29 percent of male respondents stated the same.
Superstitions held by Americans in 2014, by gender
Characteristic
Men
Women
Finding and picking up a penny is good luck
29%
37%
It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding
22%
26%
Seven is a lucky number
24%
23%
Knocking on wood prevents bad luck
17%
24%
It’s unlucky to walk under a ladder
20%
20%
Opening an umbrella indoors is bad luck
13%
15%
Friday the 13th is an unlucky day
13%
15%
Breaking a mirror brings seven years bad luck
13%
14%
Throwing spilled salt over the left shoulder prevents bad luck
This question was asked of those respondents who previously answered that they believed in superstitions during the survey.
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
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Harris Interactive. (April 22, 2014). Superstitions held by Americans in 2014, by gender [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/297171/united-states-common-superstitions-believe-men-women/
Harris Interactive. "Superstitions held by Americans in 2014, by gender." Chart. April 22, 2014. Statista. Accessed January 29, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/297171/united-states-common-superstitions-believe-men-women/
Harris Interactive. (2014). Superstitions held by Americans in 2014, by gender. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: January 29, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/297171/united-states-common-superstitions-believe-men-women/
Harris Interactive. "Superstitions Held by Americans in 2014, by Gender." Statista, Statista Inc., 22 Apr 2014, https://www.statista.com/statistics/297171/united-states-common-superstitions-believe-men-women/
Harris Interactive, Superstitions held by Americans in 2014, by gender Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/297171/united-states-common-superstitions-believe-men-women/ (last visited January 29, 2022)
