How The Horseshoe Became A Symbol Of Good Luck
Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - It's a common ancient superstition that a horse symbolizes good luck. The lucky emblem's status has survived over the centuries, and many ancient societies considered a horseshoe sacred. There are still debates about how a horseshoe should be positioned to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits in modern times.
The ancient history of how the horseshoe became associated with good luck is rather fascinating.
Left: Horseshoe. Credit: Pixabay - Public Domain - Right: The St Dunstan legend. French painting by Antoine St Aubert. Credit: Public Domain
Horseshoes Were Made By Blacksmiths Who Possessed Supernatural Skills
One reason horseshoes were considered lucky was that they were made by blacksmiths who held a high status in society. It was believed that blacksmiths possessed supernatural skills and knowledge of white magic against witchery.
There were many famous blacksmiths, such as Wayland the Smith, a legendary master blacksmith, and Lord of the Elves. Wayland the Smith was known under different names in the folklore of many ancient cultures; in French, he is Galand. In German folklore, this prominent figure is known as Wieland. In Norse mythology, the Smith is called Volund.
Fairies Were Afraid Of Iron
Ancient myths and legends tell stories about fairy folk that lived what is now Northern Europe and the British Isles during the Stone Age period.
Credit: Pixabay - Public Domain
Around 400 B.C. Celtic tribes invaded the lands, and the fairy people had to hide in forests where they camouflaged themselves by wearing green clothes. Sometimes, the Celts encountered the mysterious, magical "little people" living in the woods. These tiny beings were also referred to as elves and goblins.
There are many ancient stories about the fairy folk. Several of the tales have been passed down from one generation to another.
The leprechaun is one of the most famous and influential creatures of the Irish Faerie Folk.
A portrait of a fairy, by Sophie Gengembre Anderson (1869). Credit: Public Domain
It was believed that witches got their power from the fairy people in the very distant past. The fairies were accused of causing many misfortunes among the settlers. People thought the creatures possessed evil powers and they could cast spells. However, people became convinced the fairies were afraid of iron. Horseshoes were made of iron, a metal that was considered sacred in ancient times.
To ward off goblins and evil spirits from their homes, the people hung iron horseshoes over their front doors. "Horseshoes were doubly frightening to the little people because they looked like the Celtic moon god's crescent," Donald E. Dossey states in his book, "Holiday Folklore, Phobias, and Fun."
St. Dunstan And His Meeting With The Devil
Legend credits St. Dunstan with giving the horseshoe, hung above a house door, special power against evil. St Dunstan, the 10th century English saint, was born near Glastonbury in England.
Dunstan was a blacksmith, and he became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 959 A.D. he became the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is also St Dunstan, the 10th century English saint born near Glastonbury in England.
From The Horse Shoe by Edward G. Flight, we learn that one day, St. Dustan was visited by a man the saint quickly recognized as the devil.
Monastic Chapel 1920, Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, New York. Credit: Randy OHC - Flickr - CC BY 2.0
The devil asked him to attach horseshoes to his cloven hooves. St. Dustan did what he was told, but he also explained that he would have to shackle the devil to the wall to perform the service. The blacksmith deliberately made the job so excruciatingly painful that the bound devil repeatedly begged for mercy. St. Dunstan refused to release him until he gave his solemn oath never to enter a house where a horseshoe was displayed above the door.
This is the story behind one of the great traditions of folklore: the nailing of a horseshoe over a door.
Many people still believe that hanging a horseshoe in the home can ward off evil spirits, provided it hung with the two ends hanging up, forming a u-shape.
Updated on January 14, 2022
Written by Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com
Copyright © AncientPages.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of AncientPages.com
Expand for referencesMore From Ancient Pages
-
Ancient Hand Grenades: Explosive Weapons In Medieval Jerusalem During Crusades
Archaeology | Apr 26, 2022 -
On This Day In History: Antonio Neri Was Born in Florence, Italy – On Feb 29, 1838
On This Day In History | Feb 29, 2020 -
Legendary Helike – Uncovering Lost City of Poseidon
Civilizations | Dec 19, 2018 -
What Is The History Of Pancakes?
Ancient History Facts | Mar 7, 2024 -
Impressive 2,700-Year-Old Farmhouse And 1,500-Year-Old Monastery Uncovered In Rosh Ha-‘Ayin
Archaeology | Dec 30, 2015 -
Rich 2,000-Year-Old Chinese Tomb May Reveal Secret Identity Of Its Owner
Archaeology | Dec 18, 2015 -
The Majestic Lion: Ancient Symbol Of Power And Royalty Found World-Wide
Ancient Symbols | Oct 10, 2017 -
Ancient Health Center Discovered In Philadelphia, Central Anatolia, Turkey
Archaeology | Apr 22, 2016 -
Prince John’s Plot Against King Richard The Lionheart
Featured Stories | Nov 20, 2018 -
Bizarre Event – Why Did Hundreds Of Individuals Suddenly Freak Out At A Cemetery?
Featured Stories | May 30, 2023 -
Were There Gladiators In Roman Britain? An Expert Reviews The Evidence
Featured Stories | Mar 14, 2023 -
Hidden Prophecies Inside The Great Pyramid Of Giza Discovered By Scientists
Featured Stories | Jun 21, 2017 -
On This Day In History: The Peace Of Etaples Signed Between Kings Of France And England – On Nov 3, 1492
News | Nov 3, 2016 -
Ancient Flying Canoes And Magic In The Pacific – Clues In The North – Part 2
Featured Stories | Feb 1, 2020 -
Maori God Pourangahua And His Flying Bird Traversing The Ancient Skies
Featured Stories | Oct 4, 2015 -
Rare 13,000-Year-Old Artifacts And Paleoindian Camp Uncovered in Connecticut Shed New Light On The First Ancient People In America
Archaeology | Mar 18, 2022 -
Massive Head Of Hercules Pulled From The Antikythera Shipwreck
Archaeology | Jun 23, 2022 -
Mystery Of Biblical Adam – A Hidden Story Within A Story Open To Interpretation
Biblical Mysteries | Jan 18, 2018 -
Amazing Ancient One-Stroke Dragon Art Tradition – Painting Dragons With A Single Brush Stroke
Ancient Traditions And Customs | Apr 29, 2021 -
Number 13: Coincidence Or Bad Luck – Are We Still Superstitious?
Featured Stories | Dec 9, 2020