The survey carried out in July shows that superstitions are alive and well among Polish people, and the practice of irrational customs to bring good luck or ward off bad luck remains common. Only 15% of those surveyed do not accept superstitions and the everyday behaviours associated with them, which means that the remaining 85% either believe in superstitions (2%), engage in superstitious practices (31%) or both (52%).

One in eight people (12%) believe that the number thirteen is unlucky and as many as one in five (20%) are particularly careful on Friday the thirteenth. From what people say, the most common custom continues to be holding thumbs (equivalent to crossing fingers): three quarters (75%) of those asked do this at least sometimes. Over a half touch wood to avert bad luck (53%) or blow on a coin they’ve found for luck (52%). More than a third of adults grab one of their buttons if they see a chimney sweep (39%), take care not to shake hands or hug over the threshold (36%) and throw coins into fountains or wells in the hope that they will return to the same place in the future (35%).

More on this subject in the CBOS report.