Finding a penny is commonly considered good luck. Remember the rhyme: ?Find a penny pick it up; all day long you?ll have good luck?? The origins of this superstition may stem from ancient times when metals were believed to offer protection from evil and harmful spirits to those who possessed them. When cultures began using coins as currency, obviously those who had more of them were considered wealthy. Thus, the accumulation of money translated into good fortune. Perhaps this fact contributed to the good luck association with finding a penny or any coin.
Some people believe that different outcomes will occur if the penny is found either heads up or down. If the penny is heads up you may freely and joyfully pick it up, and experience good luck. If the penny faces tails up, you can pick it up and turn it over for the next person ? just do not take it with you because you will be bringing yourself bad luck. Some believe that the penny you pick up should be passed along to someone else the same day to ensure your own good luck.
Others believe the penny superstition may have evolved from a pagan ritual: ?See a pin and pick it up; all day long you?ll have good luck.? This lucky pin would then used in a good luck incantation. Exactly when the change occurred to use the word penny in the rhyme is not known; but we do know that both a pin and a penny are metal, and that may be the common thread between the two.
Another ritual associated with the penny is that a bride should put a penny in her shoe to ensure a happy and prosperous marriage.
So what will you do the next time you find a penny?
TO FIND OUT ABOUT OTHER SUPERSTITIONS, PLEASE VISIT THE SUPERSTITION ROOM.
