Moving into a New House on a Friday Is Bad Luck

Unlucky Thresholds and the Forbidden Friday

Details

According to widespread household superstition, relocating to a new residence on a Friday invites misfortune that will affect the household throughout its occupancy. This day-specific prohibition is taken seriously enough that many people will pay for extra storage or temporary accommodations rather than move on a Friday. Some traditions specify that the taboo applies specifically to carrying the first item across the threshold, while others consider the entire moving process inauspicious if conducted on this day of the week.

Historical Context

This temporal household taboo has specific cultural and religious origins:

In Christian tradition, Friday was associated with Christ’s crucifixion and considered generally unlucky.
The Norse goddess Frigg (Friday’s namesake) was associated with household management and potentially jealous of new homes.
Many cultures view transitional activities like moving as spiritually vulnerable moments requiring auspicious timing.
Traditional astrological systems often marked Friday as inauspicious for beginning new ventures.
Similar prohibitions exist regarding Friday weddings, business openings, and other new beginnings.

This day-specific taboo represents the intersection of religious calendar significance with major life transitions requiring community cooperation.

Modern Relevance

Despite declining religious observance, this superstition remains surprisingly influential in modern society. Moving companies report persistent customer concerns about Friday relocations, particularly among older clients and certain cultural communities. Real estate agents sometimes accommodate this belief when scheduling closings and possession transfers. The superstition exemplifies how calendar-based prohibitions originally rooted in religious symbolism can persist long after their theological significance has faded from common understanding, particularly regarding major life transitions like establishing a new home.

Sources

Opie, I., & Tatem, M. (2005). A Dictionary of Superstitions. Oxford University Press.
Albanese, C. L. (1999). America: Religions and Religion. Wadsworth Publishing.

Quick Facts

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