Work begun on a Tuesday is believed to remain unfinished, so people avoid starting tasks on that day.

Avoid Starting New Work on Tuesdays for Better Success

Details

According to this superstition, people should avoid starting new tasks, ventures, or projects on a Tuesday, as it is thought they will not be completed or will face numerous obstacles. In some cultures, especially in countries like Greece and Spain, Tuesday is considered an unlucky day due to its association with Mars, the Roman god of war. Believers may postpone activities like job interviews, business deals, home renovations, or weddings to other days of the week. In Greece, Tuesday the 13th is particularly feared, much like Friday the 13th in Western cultures. Adherents may instead choose other auspicious days to initiate significant work.

Historical Context

This belief is particularly strong in Mediterranean cultures such as Greece, where Tuesday is called ‘Triti,’ or ‘the third day,’ and the number three is associated with bad omens. Its ominous reputation is also tied to the fall of Constantinople, which occurred on a Tuesday (May 29, 1453). In line with Greco-Roman astrological beliefs, Tuesday is ruled by Mars (the god of war), symbolizing conflict and destruction. This planetary association reinforced the idea that beginning anything on this day would lead to struggle, hence making it a day to be avoided for initiating important endeavors.

Modern Relevance

In modern times, the superstition about Tuesdays is still followed in certain parts of Greece, Spain, and Latin American countries. While globalization and changing cultural norms have lessened the influence of such beliefs, some people—especially among older generations—continue to avoid starting new jobs, making travel plans, or signing contracts on Tuesdays. In Greece, wedding planners and contractors may still report fewer bookings for Tuesdays. On social media platforms, snippets of this superstition are sometimes shared humorously or as part of discussions about cultural differences in superstition. However, its influence is waning among younger, more secular populations.

Sources

Superstitions and Folk Beliefs of the Greeks by Aglaia Kremezi

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