Walking Under a Ladder: Bad Luck Superstition

Walking Under a Ladder: Bad Luck and the Backwards Fix

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Walking under a ladder is one of the world's most enduring superstitions. Millions of people still go out of their way to avoid it, and those who accidentally stroll beneath one often perform a quick ritual to undo the damage. But where did this belief come from, and does walking backwards really help?

Ancient Roots

The superstition dates back roughly 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. Egyptians placed ladders in tombs so the deceased could climb to the heavens. They believed the space between the ladder and the wall housed spirits—both good and evil—that would become enraged if disturbed by a living person passing through.

Later, Christianity added another layer. A ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, representing the Holy Trinity. Walking through it was seen as breaking this sacred shape, an act of blasphemy that could summon the devil himself.

The Gallows Connection

Medieval times brought a darker association. Ladders were used at executions—criminals climbed them before being hanged. Walking under a ladder became symbolically linked to your own death by hanging, as if you were rehearsing your final walk.

The Backwards Cure

So what if you've already walked under a ladder? The most popular remedy is simple: walk backwards through the ladder the way you came. By retracing your steps in reverse, you supposedly undo the transgression and cancel the bad luck.

This isn't the only fix, though. Other traditional remedies include:

Crossing your fingers and keeping them crossed until you see a dog
Saying "bread and butter" as you pass under
Spitting three times through the rungs
Making a wish while beneath the ladder

How Bad Is It?

According to the superstition, walking under a ladder brings seven years of bad luck—the same penalty as breaking a mirror. Of course, there's no scientific evidence for any of this.

The most practical reason to avoid walking under a ladder? Someone might drop a paintbrush on your head. That's bad luck with actual consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is walking under a ladder bad luck?

The superstition has multiple origins: ancient Egyptians believed the space housed spirits, Christians saw it as breaking the sacred Trinity triangle, and medieval Europeans associated ladders with gallows and death by hanging.

How do you reverse bad luck from walking under a ladder?

The most common remedy is to walk backwards through the ladder the way you came. Other methods include crossing your fingers until you see a dog, saying "bread and butter," or spitting three times through the rungs.

How long does walking under a ladder bring bad luck?

According to the superstition, walking under a ladder brings seven years of bad luck, though there's no scientific evidence supporting this belief.

Where did the ladder superstition originate?

The superstition dates back about 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, where ladders were placed in tombs for the deceased to climb to the heavens and the space beneath was believed to house spirits.