Opening an umbrella indoors: is it bad luck?
umbrella indoors superstition · never open an umbrella inside
- umbrella
- home
- bad luck
- superstition
In folk belief an umbrella opened indoors brings bad luck or tears. Many people only open theirs on the balcony, even to dry it.
What does the superstition say?
An umbrella is meant for outside, to keep off the rain, and opening it indoors is said to bring the rain, meaning trouble, into the house. Some say it means a quarrel or tears.
Where does it come from?
A popular explanation is that old spring-loaded umbrellas were quite dangerous and could hurt someone or break something when opened indoors. Another version says the belief is older, but its exact source is unknown.
How to dry your umbrella
If you follow the superstition, leave it half open on the balcony or in the hallway. If not, an open umbrella in the room simply dries faster, as long as nobody trips over it.