Folk omens
Whistling indoors: why is it bad luck?
don't whistle in the house · whistling indoors money
- whistling
- money
- home
- superstition
In folk belief whistling indoors scares money away: whoever whistles at home will never have money. That is why grandmothers stop you straight away.
Why not whistle at home?
The most common explanation is that whistling blows money out of the house. Some say it attracts quarrels or unwelcome guests.
Where does it come from?
The exact origin is unknown. Some think whistling was once linked to calling up wind and evil spirits, especially among sailors. Others think it was simply a rule of good manners: noise in the house was not polite.
Is it fine outside?
The folk rule only covers the home, so feel free to whistle in the street or the garden. And if the money still isn't coming, it is better to look at your budget than blame the whistling.