In Serbian folklore, numerous, often unbelievable beliefs are passed down from generation to generation—born from imagination, experience, and oral tradition. Serbian ancestors truly believed that luck could be summoned, preserved, or even “attached” to oneself—but only if the right symbols, objects, and customs were known. Lucky charms (amajlije) were an integral part of everyday life, and many of the unusual beliefs surrounding them persist today, even if we mention them half-jokingly.
In this article, we present the most well-known Serbian lucky charms and the strangest beliefs about how to attract and keep good fortune.
What Are Lucky Charms and Why Are They Important in Serbian Tradition?
Lucky charms are objects believed to possess magical powers that bring good fortune. In Serbian language and culture, charms were often worn around the neck, sewn into clothing, or kept at home—not without reason. They served as protection from evil eyes, illness, misfortune, and poverty and as tools to summon prosperity and fertility.
During the time of our ancestors, due to a lack of education, people believed that these objects held mystical power. Many of them were associated with the Church and Christian symbols, which were deeply respected—as they still are today.
Most Famous Serbian Lucky Charms
- Horseshoe
Originally used to protect horses’ hooves, the horseshoe is one of the most recognized symbols of good luck in Serbia. While it also appears in English, Egyptian, and Greek folklore, in Serbia, it is commonly hung above doors, near icons of saints, or in children’s rooms. Less commonly, it may be worn as a necklace. When turned upside down, it is believed to act like a magnet for luck and serve as a shield against evil forces.
- Four-Leaf Clover
Though it originates from Celtic tradition, Serbians also believe that the rare four-leaf clover brings good luck—but only if found by accident. As it’s rare, like true luck, people often keep it in their wallets to keep the luck close.
- Red Thread
A red thread is often tied around a baby’s wrist immediately after birth. While more closely related to protection from the evil eye than attracting luck, it remains a symbol of spiritual defense. The belief in harmful “evil eyes” is deeply rooted in Serbian tradition. To protect themselves, people wear red thread bracelets or prayer ropes (brojanice) to this day.
- Wolf Tooth
In the Serbian version of the rabbit’s foot, the wolf tooth symbolizes strength, independence, and protection. It is worn on a necklace or placed in the family home as a defense against dark forces.
- Garlic
Forever associated with warding off vampires, witches, and evil, garlic is a symbol of health and resistance. For centuries, it was believed to protect people from illness and malevolent energies.
The Strangest Beliefs About Luck in Serbian Culture
The Serbian people developed surreal, humorous, but deeply rooted beliefs about how to attract luck. Some are still alive today:
- Don’t Sweep at Night – You’ll Sweep Away Your Luck!
Sweeping or taking out the trash after dark is believed to remove good fortune from the home.
- Don’t Whistle Indoors – You’ll Attract Poverty and Mice!
Whistling inside is thought to summon bad spirits, poverty, and even mice.
- Itchy Palms Mean Money
If your left palm itches, money is coming your way. If it’s the right one, you’ll spend or lose money. This belief is still widely repeated today.
- Breaking a Mirror Means 7 Years of Bad Luck
Although of broader European origin, this superstition is firmly rooted in Serbian homes. A broken mirror is quickly removed, and the person who broke it is considered “cursed” for seven years.
- Spilled Coffee or Boiling Over Brings Visitors
Spilled coffee or water boiling over on the stove means guests are coming soon, which is considered a good omen.
- A Spider on Your Clothes Means Money
If you see a small spider crawling on your clothes, it’s a sign of incoming wealth.
- If a Bird Poops on You – It’s Good Luck
Perhaps the oddest belief. If a bird defecates on you, it’s said to bring good luck (despite the trip to the dry cleaners).
- Don’t Sit at the Corner of the Table – You’ll Never Marry
Arguably, the most famous belief is aimed at young women. No one really knows why the corner is “cursed,” but when warned, people usually get up immediately. It’s also said that married women who sit there won’t get along with their mother-in-law—but let’s be honest, that probably has nothing to do with furniture.
Why Do Serbs (and All People) Believe in Lucky Charms?
Serbian tradition is a blend of Orthodox Christianity, pagan heritage, and a long-standing connection to nature. Charms and luck-related beliefs are not just superstitions but ways to preserve hope, meaning, and a sense of inner safety in a world full of uncertainty.
Psychologically, belief in lucky charms stems from the need to give form to the intangible. Luck cannot be seen or touched—but if we assign it a physical object, it becomes real, holdable, and emotionally comforting. People choose symbolic objects to carry the weight of their wishes, hopes, and protective energy.
Even today, in the modern world, many still keep a clover in their wallet, avoid whistling at home, or wear a red thread. Not necessarily because they blindly believe in magic—but because it is part of their identity, family legacy, and because… just maybe, it works.
