Why do people think that horseshoes are so lucky?

Question

I once had one hanging above my door for luck, but it fell when I was standing directly under it...it wasn't lucky; it was painful!

Answer 1

From another Q&A place called Answerbag:

"In many places throughout the world, horseshoes are nailed above the doorway or carried about as a lucky charm. There are a number of their supposed properties:

-The horseshoe invokes the crescent moon or 'sacred vulva' shape of pagan moon goddesses (Artemis, Diana, etc.), and so invites their protection.
-The (usually) seven nail holes in a horseshoe invoke the traditionally lucky number 7.
-Horseshoes are usually iron, and iron repels fair-folk, keeping your house free of mischievous demons, imps, pixies, and elves.
-Horseshoes are associated with blacksmiths, and smithing is considered a lucky profession.
-A witch cannot walk under a horseshoe.
-If the devil gets to close to a horseshoe, he will be sucked in.
-A horseshoe in your bedroom will keep nightmares away.
-Horseshoes can cure hiccups.

In order to glean the benefits, there are rules, too:
-The horseshoe must have been worn by a horse.
-The horseshoe must have been found, not purchased.
-(Mainly England/Ireland) The horseshoe must be placed facing up, or the luck will run out.
-(Everywhere else) The horseshoe must be placed facing down so the luck can pour on you.

As far as why they're thought to be lucky, there seem to be two factors: 1) They're roughly a crescent shape, which has been used as a protective amulet for centuries, and 2) They were once very common, and therefore an easy amulet for anyone to obtain. If you're going to imbue an object with magical properties, it might as well be one you can easily find!"

Also, this interesting tale:

"Folks often ask me why horseshoes are considered lucky and to be honest I never even knew myself! I would like to share with you what I have learned about lucky horseshoes and why some are luckier than others.

A long time ago, on a dark and cloudless night, the Devil was making his rounds. In the small town where the Devil was causing havoc, a lone rider came galloping past. The Devil stopped what he was doing and watched in awe at the hoofs of the passing horse sparking on the cobble stones. An evil smile melted across the Devil's face with the thought he too could spark like that!

The Devil called on one of the blacksmiths in his debt and demanded the blacksmith fasion him some iron shoes. The blacksmith worked well into the night heating and pounding shoes for the Devil's hoofs while the Devil cackled with delight. When the shoes were ready, the blacksmith heated the shoes red hot and slapped them onto the Devil's hoofs. You see, the Devil's hoofs are different from those of a horse, they are just as sensitive as our feet. The Devil tried his best to withstand the pain of the heated shoes but when the blacksmith started pounding in the nails to hold the shoes in place, the Devil could take no more. "Get them off, get them off, get them off!" he screamed. When the shoes were jerked off, the Devil hobbled away shouting obsenities towards all the horses and blacksmiths of the earth. For days after while the Devil recovered from his misadventure, all was quiet, dogs didn't even chase cats. From that day forward whenever the Devil sees a horseshoe it reminds him of that sorrowful night and it makes him step quietly past. When the Devil sees a used horseshoe or a horseshoe that has been pulled from a horses hoof, he shivers with the rememberence of the pain and quickly slips into the shadows.

So you see, hanging a horseshoe over your doorway or using a horseshoe in everyday items can make the Devil think twice about bothering you, but having things made of used horseshoes can make the Devil run away without a backward glance. This is why I make things of used horseshoes, it truly is more beneficial."

Sorry about the "bonk" -- hope you feel better!!

Answer 2

lol well that sucks, and you know i don't know why it is lucky. It's weird my mom being from Peru has a lot of things that are lucky. like if you give a person a statue of an elephant or elephant shaped jewelry it's suppose to be good luck for the person that receives the gift. Also owls are lucky and theres this little satute tree with color rocks in it thats lucky and well i can't explain any of those but i go along with it. : )

Answer 3

you forgot lucky nails and lucky charms

Answer 4

They work for the horse. Their hooves don't split.

Answer 5

wow yahzmin that was a nice tale, thx for sharing.