Why do people throw old pairs of shoes over above ground cables in neighborhoods?

Answer 1

I like this idea:
In some neighborhoods, shoes tied together and hanging from power lines or tree branches signify that someone has died. The shoes belong to the dead person. The reason they are hanging, legend has it, is that when the dead person's spirit returns, it will walk that high above the ground, that much closer to heaven.

There are many reasons it appears. Please see the wikipedia link below.

Answer 2

In the Army, guys who were being discharge would throw their old boots on the wires or trees. Somehow, signifiying that the Army could keep their boots as they were leaving.

In neighborhoods, it is a cultural thing in a way. Just like in my times, we would go around breaking windows on old houses. Throwing shoes is just like spray painting slogans. Just to be rebellioous. And cuz everyone else is doing it. Next year, it may be letting the air out of tires.

Answer 3

It's a signal that drugs are available in the neighborhood.

Answer 4

Kids have seen it on MTV videos.and try to mimic them. In the inner cities it is meant to show that a gang member has died, in the country or sub-burbs it can show who is holding drugs to sell.

Answer 5

A hippie told me that is the way they know other squatters are around or in a particular building.

Answer 6

well there certainly are some interesting answers so far. i have always thougth that it crazy teenagers that wanted to show off to their friends about how "gangsta" they are. but i guess the answer would come differently to people depending on their experience or knowledge.

Answer 7

unfortunately, it means that there are drugs for sale at that location. God Bless America