Folk omens
Cutting your nails at night: why is it bad luck?
cutting nails in the evening · nail cutting superstition night
- nails
- night
- superstition
- luck
In folk belief cutting your nails at night or after sunset brings bad luck. The belief exists in many countries, from Japan to Eastern Europe.
What does the superstition say?
In different versions, cutting nails at night cuts away luck, health or money. Some say nails cut at that time attract evil spirits.
Is there a right day to cut nails?
Some families say not to cut nails on Sunday, others believe nails cut at the new moon grow back more beautifully. Every family has its own rule here.
What is the real reason?
The belief most likely comes from the time before electricity, when cutting with a sharp tool in the dark easily ended in a wound. Today, with good lighting, that risk has almost gone.