Superstitions About Our Hair and Nails

A host of superstitions from a myriad of cultures spring from the most common and most mundane aspects of human existence. Anything and everything that grows seems to have had much meaning assigned to it. This installment looks at some of the superstitions surrounding the care and maintenance of two very common natural growths – hair and nails. Here are more excerpts from my copy of “A Dictionary of Superstitions” (edited by Iona Opie and Moira Tatem, published by Oxford University Press). All that follows is directly quoted. The sources date back through the centuries and where possible, the dates of publication are included. The superstitions themselves, however, date back farther than their publication dates. Most are western beliefs and come from England.

About Red Hair

This old Irish superstition was submitted by one of our visitors:

In ancient Ireland if a traveler was to happen upon a woman with red hair he must turn around and start his journey all over again. The superstition comes from the legend of the goddess Macha who was said to have cursed the men of Ireland for nine generations with horrible pangs (like labor.)

The curse was not unwarranted of course. While in human form and pregnant the king of the land forced her to race against his fasted horses (for her husband had boasted of her speed) lest he be killed. She begged for sympathy and received none from the warriors in the crowd who were eager to see the sport. She won the race but the stress caused her to give birth to her children in the field. This is still known as Emain Macha (Macha’s twins.) For causing her this pain she cursed the men of Ireland except the hero Cucculain and her own children. When war came to the land only Cucculain could fight.

Macha as it turns out, had red hair.

Being a red head myself I find it a little unfair, but ever if I were in Ireland who knows who would turn tale from me…

A correction from a visitor

I was looking through your listing of superstitions (my left hand was itching like mad – editor’s note – a left hand itching is supposed to mean money coming)) and stumbled upon your superstition about red heads. Most of the story of Emain Macha is correct, except a couple of important details.

1) Macha raced a stag – the swiftest in Ireland not a horse.

2) Cuchallain was the only member of the Red Branch to not have any facial hair, thus was not considered a “man” in the full definition. If you read the Cattle Raid of Cooley, it will give you the full details of the incident. The labor pains (or menstrual cramps) that the men suffered through were to last 9 days and leave them completely incapacitated.

I know that most sources of tales and superstitions are incomplete at best, and I don’t mean to correct you, but you might want to read the book “The Story of the Irish Race” by Seamus McManus. He did a fantastic job of tying together fairy tale and reality. FYI – I am not only surrounded by red heads (fiance, mother and little cousin, but we are all Irish as well.

Hair and Nails to Harm

The scientists tell us that viruses producing illness are transmitted either through the air or through physical contact. Apparently, our ancestors had a different take on the subject.

As far back as AD77, and prevalent through the 1500’s and 1600’s, we find this recipe: Take the parings of the toe-nails and the finger-nails of a sick person, and mix them up with wax…then stick this wax, before sunrise, upon the door of another person… Highly criminal, if they really do thus transfer diseases from one person to another!

In 1830, – In a remote part of the Highlands, an ignorant and malignant woman…meditated the destruction of her neighbour’s property, by placing in a cowhouse…a pot of baked clay, containing locks of hair, parings of nails, and other trumpery…. The formidable spell is now in my possession.

Hair and Nails to Heal

It seems, not only can one send one’s disease to another through hair and nail clippings, but, more significantly, these can be used to “take away” the illness. In fact most of these ancient folks were less concerned with giving their illness to another than with lifting their affliction from themselves. How did they do it? Well, hair and nails…..

1866 – In Sunderland, the crown of the head is shaved and the hair hung upon a bush…in the firm belief that the birds carrying it away to their nests will carry away the cough along with it.

1590 – A criminal trial took place – the accused being both indicted and accused of being a witch by virtue of having taken the hair and nail clippings of their sick brother, wrapping in cloth and burying in the ground to cure the brother of his illness. We hope the brother was cured after all that….

1887 – Ireland – Clipping of the hair and nails of a child tied up in a linen cloth and placed under the cradle will cure convulsions.

1874 – The parings of the nails and the cuttings of the hair, and ashes from the four corners of the hearth, were put three times round the crook (iron pothook). A cock was buried alive along with these on the spot where the victim was first seized with the disease (epilepsy).

So, now we know, we can send an illness to another or send the illness away, with the clippings of our hair and nails. But, it doesn’t end here.

The Right Day for Cutting

It seems that choosing a day to cut your hair or nails will bode for you in the following way:

Cut them on Monday, you cut them for health;
cut them on Tuesday, you cut them for wealth;
cut them on Wednesday, you cut them for news;
cut them on Thursday, a new pair of shoes;

cut them on Friday, you cut them for sorrow;
cut them on Saturday, see your true love tomorrow;
cut them on Sunday, the devil will be with you all the week.

There are a few variations on that rhyme, but in all circumstances, cutting on Sunday is cutting for evil. Ah, imagine what they would have thought about Sunday shopping!

The Right Age for Cutting

Lest you think this is where it ends, I have more for you.

“If the finger or toe nails of an infant are cut previous to the age of 12 months, it will prove a thief in mature age”

So, what were they to do, let the nails and hair grow wild for the first year of life? Oh no, to that we have this advice:

“Mothers and nurses beware; and mind you continue the good old-fashioned custom of ‘nibbling’.”

1865 – The poor woman assigned as a reason for their propensity to pilfer and steal, that their mothers must have cut their nails before they were a year old. She always bit her babies’ nails.

1851 – I always, when I cut the nails of my children, let the cuttings fall on the open Bible, that they may grow up to be honest.

1882 – - A gardener’s wife having an infant in arms with long hair…was desirous of improving the child’s appearance by cropping it, but as it is said to be unlucky to cut a baby’s hair, she gained the desired end by biting it off with her teeth.

And finally, remember this….

1678 – Friday’s hair and Sunday’s horn goes to the dule (devil) on Monday morn.

1824 – But alas! Who can look into fate’s book of laws? Mr. Lowe would have married Miss Cundy; He lost her and only because, he cut his toe nails on a Sunday!

1851 – - Friday cut hair, Sunday cut horn, better that man had never been born!

So now we know. Funny thing about these superstitions, some fragment of them carries forward into the future generations. I know many people who are familiar with the edict to “never cut their hair or nails on Friday or Sunday.” Until now though, they didn’t know why.

Continue reading here: Superstitions About Elephants and Their Trunks

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Readers' Questions

  • nadine ehrlichmann
    Is it badluck to cut your nails at night?
    1 month ago
  • There is a superstition in some cultures that cutting your nails at night can bring bad luck, but there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. It is ultimately up to personal belief and preference.
    • mikki
      Why noty cut nails on friday?
      1 month ago
    • There is a superstition that cutting nails on Friday is considered unlucky in some cultures. It is believed that cutting nails on a Friday could bring bad luck or even invite evil spirits. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief, so it ultimately comes down to personal beliefs and superstitions.
      • benjamin
        Which days of the bad luck to cut finger nzils?
        1 month ago
      • lorena
        Is it bad luck to cut nails on a saturday?
        1 month ago
      • Some people believe that cutting nails on a Saturday is bad luck because it is believed to bring poverty and bad luck. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief, and ultimately it is up to personal belief and superstition.
        • karri
          What clipping fingernails bring bad luck for the year?
          1 month ago
        • There is no specific evidence or superstition that clipping fingernails brings bad luck for the year. However, in some cultures and beliefs, it is considered unlucky to clip your nails at night, as it is believed to invite evil spirits. It is also believed in some cultures that cutting nails on certain days of the week or using certain tools can bring bad luck. Ultimately, superstitions around clipping fingernails and bad luck vary across different cultures and beliefs.
          • leon
            Is getting a trim before new yrs good luck meaning?
            3 months ago
          • There is no specific meaning or superstition associated with getting a trim before the new year. However, some people believe in the notion of starting the year fresh and making positive changes, so getting a fresh haircut before the new year can be seen as a symbolic way to start anew. Ultimately, whether it brings good luck or not is subjective and based on personal beliefs.
            • Lyla
              Is brown hair good luck or bad luck?
              3 months ago
            • In many cultures and superstitions, hair color is not associated with luck. Instead, luck is typically attributed to personal actions, beliefs, or external circumstances. Therefore, brown hair is neither considered good luck nor bad luck in and of itself.
              • rebecca
                Why do some cultures believe in burying toenails?
                3 months ago
              • The belief of burying toenails after clipping them is rooted in cultural and superstitious beliefs. Here are a few possible reasons:
                1. Hygiene and cleanliness: Some cultures believe that burying toenails helps prevent others from using them for harmful purposes. Burying them ensures that they are safely disposed of and do not pose any sanitation or health risks.
                2. Preventing spiritual harm: In certain cultures, toenails are considered to contain a person's essence or energy. By burying them, it is believed that any negative spiritual influence carried by the toenails can be severed and prevented from affecting the individual.
                3. Maintaining personal power and identity: In some belief systems, body parts or items associated with an individual are believed to possess their essence or vitality. By burying toenails, people may feel that they are preserving their personal power and ensuring their identity remains intact.
                4. Superstitions and taboos: Some cultures associate toenail clippings with bad luck or negative energy. Burying them is seen as a way to avoid inviting misfortune or harmful supernatural forces.
                5. It's important to note that beliefs and practices around burying toenails may vary significantly across cultures and individuals.
                • luke postell
                  Why do people think getting a haircut on friday the 13th will result in the death of a family member?
                  3 months ago
                • The belief that getting a haircut on Friday the 13th will result in the death of a family member is a superstition or folklore that has no rational basis. Superstitions vary across cultures, and this particular belief may have originated from a specific cultural or historical context. It is important to note that superstitions are often based on fear, traditions, or folklore and are not supported by evidence or logical reasoning.
                  • Berhane Neftalem
                    What will happrn if you cut your nails on friday the 13th?
                    5 months ago
                  • If you choose to cut your nails on Friday the 13th, nothing specific or unusual will happen. Superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th are mostly cultural beliefs and folklore, with no scientific basis. Cutting your nails is a common personal grooming activity that won't lead to any particular consequences on this day or any other.
                    • Petra
                      Why do people not cut their fingernails on friday 13th?
                      5 months ago
                    • The belief that people should not cut their fingernails on Friday the 13th is actually a common superstition in some cultures. Superstitions often arise from cultural traditions or religious beliefs, and the reasons behind them can vary. One possible explanation is that people associate the number 13 with bad luck. In many western cultures, Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day. According to folklore, cutting your nails on this day could invite misfortune or bad luck into your life. Another explanation could be rooted in religious beliefs. In some religious traditions, Friday is considered a day of mourning or regarded as unlucky. Cutting your nails on this day may be seen as disrespectful or inviting negative energy. It is important to note that these beliefs are not based on any scientific evidence and vary from culture to culture. Whether or not someone adheres to these superstitions is a personal choice.
                      • rolando
                        Why not clip your nails on friday the 13th?
                        5 months ago
                      • The belief that it is bad luck to clip your nails on Friday the 13th is rooted in superstition and folklore. While there is no logical or scientific explanation for it, some people may choose to abide by this superstition out of tradition or personal beliefs. Ultimately, the decision is up to individual preference and beliefs.
                        • amethyst
                          Is cliping you finger nails bad?
                          5 months ago
                        • Clipping your fingernails is not necessarily bad, but it is important to do it properly and safely to avoid any potential harm. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and healthy nail clipping experience:
                          1. Use proper nail clippers: Invest in a good quality nail clipper that is designed for fingernails. Avoid using scissors or other sharp objects that might cause damage.
                          2. Cut straight across: Trim your nails in a straight line to help prevent ingrown nails. Avoid rounding the corners too much, as this can increase the likelihood of ingrown nails.
                          3. Don't cut too close: Leave a small amount of white at the edge of your nails. Cutting them too short can increase the risk of nail infections and discomfort.
                          4. Avoid jagged edges: Smooth out any rough edges with a nail file after clipping to prevent snagging or tearing.
                          5. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands before and after clipping your nails to reduce the risk of infections. Keep your nail clippers clean by disinfecting them regularly.
                          6. Watch for signs of infection: If you notice redness, swelling, pain, or pus around your nails after clipping, it may indicate an infection. Consult a healthcare professional if these symptoms persist.
                          7. Overall, clipping your fingernails is a regular part of nail hygiene. By following proper techniques and being mindful of your nail health, you can avoid any negative consequences.
                          • RAIJA AHOKAS
                            Is there anything spiritual about cutting a one year old baby girl's hair?
                            5 months ago
                          • The significance of cutting a one-year-old baby girl's hair can vary depending on cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. In some cultures or religions, a baby's first haircut can hold ceremonial or symbolic meaning. For example: - In some Hindu traditions, a baby girl's first haircut or "mundan" is seen as a way to bring good luck and symbolize the removal of negativity. - In some Native American tribes, a baby's first haircut represents their introduction to the community and their identity within the tribe. - In some Christian traditions, a baby girl's first haircut may be part of a religious or baptismal ceremony. However, it is important to note that whether an individual attaches spiritual significance to a baby girl's first haircut is subjective and varies from person to person.
                            • Mary Ramirez
                              What nils fo you not cut on a dunday sup?
                              5 months ago
                            • I'm sorry, but I couldn't understand your question. Can you please rephrase or provide more context?
                              • georgia cunningham
                                Why is it bad luck to cut a babies hair before a year old?
                                5 months ago
                              • The belief that cutting a baby's hair before they reach one year of age brings bad luck is a superstition prevalent in some cultures. Different cultures have various reasons for this belief, and it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support the idea of it being bad luck. Here are a few reasons behind this superstition:
                                1. Symbolic Protection: In some cultures, it is believed that a baby's hair acts as a protective shield against negative energy or evil spirits. Cutting the hair too early is thought to remove this protection and potentially expose the baby to harm.
                                2. Delayed Development: In certain traditions, cutting a baby's hair before they are one is thought to disrupt their natural growth or development. There is a belief that it can affect the thickness, texture, or color of the child's hair.
                                3. Traditional Customs: In many cultures, the first haircut is a significant milestone, often celebrated with rituals or ceremonies. These customs may dictate waiting until the baby is older to ensure a more meaningful celebration and a smoother transition from infancy to toddlerhood.
                                4. However, it is essential to recognize that these explanations are based on cultural beliefs and personal preferences rather than any factual basis. Ultimately, whether or not to cut a baby's hair before the age of one is a personal choice that varies from culture to culture and family to family.
                                • kyle
                                  Is breaking your nail good luck?
                                  5 months ago
                                • In many cultures, breaking a nail is not considered good luck. It is often seen as a sign of carelessness or bad luck. However, superstitions and beliefs vary across different cultures and individuals, so some people may have different perspectives on this matter. Ultimately, whether breaking a nail is considered good or bad luck is subjective and based on personal beliefs.
                                  • valentin
                                    Is manicure on sunday good luck?
                                    5 months ago
                                  • There is no specific belief or superstition that states getting a manicure on a Sunday will bring good luck. Good luck is not determined by the day of the week you choose for personal grooming activities. It is more about personal beliefs and actions.
                                    • Ermenegildo
                                      Is it your hair this way for friday and saturday can you tell me please?
                                      5 months ago
                                    • I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I do not have the ability to see or know what someone's hair looks like. Therefore, I cannot determine how someone's hair is styled on a specific day.
                                      • jorma
                                        Which day luclky to cut yournails?
                                        7 months ago
                                      • There is no specific day that is universally considered lucky for cutting nails. It is generally up to individual beliefs and cultural practices. In some cultures, it is believed that cutting nails on certain days or times may bring good luck, while in others it is considered unlucky. It is always best to adhere to your personal beliefs or consult with those who follow specific cultural practices for guidance.
                                        • MANUELA KIRSCH
                                          Where did the old saying of dont cut your nails on a sunday come from?
                                          7 months ago
                                        • The saying "Don't cut your nails on a Sunday" is rooted in various cultural and religious beliefs. Its origins can be traced back to different superstitions and practices followed by different societies. Here are a few possible explanations:
                                          1. Christian tradition: In some Christian traditions, Sunday is considered a day of rest and worship, and certain activities are discouraged on this day. Cutting nails might have been seen as a form of unnecessary work or a distraction from observing the Sabbath.
                                          2. Astrology and numerology: Some ancient beliefs attribute different activities to specific days of the week based on the ruling planets or numerological significance. In some cultures, Sundays are associated with the Sun, and cutting nails on this day might have been considered unlucky or disrespectful to the Sun's celestial influence.
                                          3. Folklore and superstitions: Folklore often encompasses various traditions and customs passed down through generations. Superstitions related to specific days of the week, such as avoiding certain activities, including cutting nails, might have been ingrained in common folklore as a precaution against bad luck or negative consequences.
                                          4. It is important to note that these explanations are based on historical interpretations and cultural practices. The saying's exact origin may be difficult to pinpoint, as it has likely evolved and been influenced by different cultural norms over time.
                                          • isaias
                                            What iis the different maening for cuting nails what are the best days?
                                            7 months ago
                                          • The different meanings for cutting nails can vary depending on cultural beliefs and practices. In general, cutting nails is often seen as a basic grooming task to maintain hygiene and appearance. However, in certain cultures or superstitions, there may be additional meanings associated with nail cutting. For example, in some traditions, cutting nails at night is believed to bring bad luck or even death. Regarding the best days to cut nails, again, it depends on cultural or personal beliefs. Some people might have specific days or times they prefer to cut their nails based on astrology, lunar calendar, or personal preferences. However, from a practical standpoint, it is generally suitable to trim nails when they become too long or start to hinder normal activities.
                                            • luce
                                              Is it bad luck to cut babies nails on a sunday?
                                              7 months ago
                                            • There is no objective evidence or cultural belief that suggests it is bad luck to cut a baby's nails on a Sunday.
                                              • MARIA PIA
                                                How did they cut their toenails in medieval times?
                                                7 months ago
                                              • In medieval times, people did not have access to the same tools and techniques that are commonly used today to cut toenails. However, they still found ways to keep their toenails trimmed and maintained. Here are a few methods that were potentially used:
                                                1. Using a knife or blade: Many people likely used knives or blades to cut their toenails. They would have had to be careful and cautious while using these tools to avoid any accidental injuries.
                                                2. Using a small pair of scissors: Though less common, some individuals might have used small scissors specifically designed for cutting toenails. These scissors would have been similar to the ones used for cutting hair or fabric but with a different shape and size for nail trimming.
                                                3. Biting or tearing: In situations where no tools were available, some people may have resorted to biting or tearing their toenails. This method would have been less precise and potentially harmful, but it could have been used as a last resort.
                                                4. It is important to note that the methods used for cutting toenails in medieval times would have varied depending on the person's social status, access to tools, and cultural practices.
                                                • Dominique
                                                  Is it bad luck to cut your hair while pregnant?
                                                  7 months ago
                                                • There is no scientific evidence or cultural belief that suggests cutting your hair while pregnant brings bad luck. It is safe to cut your hair during pregnancy if you want to, and the decision is entirely personal.
                                                  • NATALINO
                                                    How did they cut nails in ancient times?
                                                    8 months ago
                                                  • In ancient times, there were various methods used to cut nails, depending on the region and time period. Here are a few examples:
                                                    1. Metal Nail Clippers: The ancient Egyptians were known to use metal nail clippers. These clippers were typically made of copper or bronze and had a lever handle that was used to cut the nails.
                                                    2. Knife or Scissors: In many cultures, people would use a sharp knife or scissors to trim their nails. This method required careful precision and would often result in uneven or jagged nails.
                                                    3. Thumbs and Teeth: Some ancient civilizations, such as the Romans, used their thumbs and teeth to trim their nails. They would bite or tear their nails and then use their thumbs to shape and smooth the edges.
                                                    4. Files or Stones: In the absence of dedicated nail-cutting tools, people would often use files made of metal, bone, or stone to shape and shorten their nails. This method allowed for more precise and controlled grooming.
                                                    5. It is important to note that hygiene and personal grooming practices varied greatly depending on the culture and socioeconomic status during ancient times.
                                                    • Marko
                                                      Why is it superstitious to cut nails on a sunday morning?
                                                      8 months ago
                                                    • The belief that it is superstitious to cut nails on a Sunday morning is rooted in certain cultural and religious beliefs. While this superstition may vary across different cultures, here are some possible reasons:
                                                      1. Religious Significance: In some cultures, Sunday is considered a sacred day, associated with worship and rest. Performing activities like cutting nails on this day may be seen as disrespectful or a violation of religious norms.
                                                      2. Folklore and Traditions: Some superstitions have been passed down through generations as part of cultural traditions. They may not have a specific logical reasoning but are still believed and followed as a cultural practice.
                                                      3. Bad Luck: Cutting nails on a Sunday morning may be associated with bringing bad luck or misfortune according to certain superstitious beliefs. This may be rooted in the idea that altering the body on a sacred day disrupts the natural order or attracts negative energy.
                                                      4. Symbolic Meaning: Nails, especially fingernails, can be associated with luck in some cultures. Cutting them on a Sunday, which is considered an auspicious day by many, may be seen as diminishing or wasting that luck.
                                                      5. It's important to note that these beliefs are based on superstitions and personal convictions rather than any scientifically proven reasons. Different cultures and individuals may have their own specific beliefs and practices regarding cutting nails on a Sunday morning.
                                                      • Katharina
                                                        Why is it superstitious to cut nails on a sunday?
                                                        8 months ago
                                                      • The superstition of not cutting nails on a Sunday is prevalent in some cultures and beliefs. The origins of this superstition are not entirely clear and may vary across different cultures and traditions. However, there are a few possible reasons behind this belief:
                                                        1. Religious Significance: In some religious beliefs, Sunday is considered a sacred day. It is viewed as a day of rest, worship, and higher spiritual activities. Cutting nails might be considered a mundane or worldly task that detracts from the solemnity and reverence of the day.
                                                        2. Bad luck associated with bloodshed: It is believed by some that cutting nails on a Sunday can lead to accidents, injuries, or drawing blood. This superstition may have emerged because Sundays were traditionally a day of rest, and any accidental injuries on that day would cause inconvenience or disrupt the day of rest.
                                                        3. Etymological reasons: Interestingly, the name for Sunday in several languages is derived from the word "sun," which represents life, light, and energy. Collectively, some people may associate Sundays with favorable energies and believe that trimming nails might disrupt these positive forces.
                                                        4. It is important to note that superstitions are based on cultural and traditional beliefs rather than factual evidence. Different cultures may have their own unique set of superstitions, including this one about cutting nails on a Sunday.
                                                        • kyllikki
                                                          What mean of superstition the nails and hair does not cut on thursday and saturday?
                                                          8 months ago
                                                        • The superstition that nails and hair should not be cut on Thursdays and Saturdays is prevalent in certain cultures and traditions. It is believed that cutting nails or hair on these days may bring bad luck or negative energy into one's life. Instead, it is recommended to perform these grooming activities on other days of the week. This superstition may vary in interpretation and significance depending on the specific cultural beliefs and practices.
                                                          • LUUKAS
                                                            Is it considered bad luck to trim nails if you're sick?
                                                            8 months ago
                                                          • There is no specific superstition or belief that suggests trimming nails while sick is bad luck. It is generally safe and acceptable to trim nails while sick. However, if you are dealing with a contagious illness, it is recommended to take necessary precautions, such as washing your hands before and after the process, to prevent the spread of germs to others.
                                                            • anna-liisa
                                                              What days is bad luck to cut your nails if greek?
                                                              8 months ago
                                                            • In Greek culture, it is believed that cutting nails on specific days can bring bad luck. The days considered unlucky to cut nails in Greek superstition are:
                                                              1. Tuesday: Cutting nails on Tuesday is believed to bring arguments and conflicts into your life.
                                                              2. Thursday: Cutting nails on Thursday is believed to bring bad luck, financial loss, or poverty.
                                                              3. It is important to note that these beliefs are rooted in Greek superstition and may not hold any factual basis. They are followed by some individuals who are more superstitious.
                                                              • venanzio
                                                                How did our ancestors cut their nails?
                                                                9 months ago
                                                              • The techniques our ancestors used to cut their nails varied depending on the time period and culture. Here are a few examples:
                                                                1. Ancient Egyptians: Egyptians would use bronze tools like knives or small blades to trim their nails. These tools were similar to modern-day nail clippers but were likely more primitive and less efficient.
                                                                2. Ancient Greeks and Romans: The ancient Greeks and Romans primarily used a small knife called an "onychotheca" to cut their nails. It was a small, hook-shaped blade specifically designed for nail grooming purposes.
                                                                3. Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, people often used small scissors or nail nippers to trim their nails. These were handheld tools with two blades that could be squeezed together to cut the nails.
                                                                4. Eastern cultures: In many Asian cultures, including China, Japan, and India, traditional nail-cutting techniques involved the use of curved blades or small scissors. These tools were often made from materials like bamboo, metal, or even animal bone.
                                                                5. Indigenous cultures: Indigenous tribes around the world may have used various implements such as sharpened stones, shells, or even biting their nails to maintain nail length and hygiene.
                                                                6. It's important to note that these practices were highly dependent on the resources available to each culture and changed over time as technology and knowledge evolved.
                                                                • rudolph
                                                                  Is it bad luck to cut a baby's hair before 1?
                                                                  9 months ago
                                                                • There is no scientific evidence or cultural belief to support the idea that cutting a baby's hair before the age of 1 brings bad luck. It is simply a personal choice and cultural tradition that varies from family to family. Some may choose to wait until a certain age or milestone, while others may cut the baby's hair earlier. Ultimately, it is up to the parents or caregivers to decide when they feel comfortable cutting their baby's hair.
                                                                  • Michelle
                                                                    Where in wales is it consideres unlucky to cut a babies nails?
                                                                    10 months ago
                                                                  • The superstition that it is unlucky to cut a baby's nails is most commonly associated with Wales, however, it is found in many other places in the British Isles.
                                                                    • Marcello Bergamaschi
                                                                      Why should you not cut your nails on certain days ac vording to superstition?
                                                                      10 months ago
                                                                    • According to some superstitions, cutting your nails on certain days is considered bad luck. For example, it is believed that cutting your nails on Tuesday or Sundays will bring bad luck. It is also believed that cutting your nails on the first day of the month brings bad luck. Additionally, some people believe that it is bad luck to cut your nails after sunset.
                                                                      • Piper
                                                                        Is it unlucky to cut your nails on a sunday?
                                                                        11 months ago
                                                                      • No, it is not unlucky to cut your nails on a Sunday.
                                                                        • Sara
                                                                          Why is it unlucky to cut your toenails on a friday?
                                                                          11 months ago
                                                                        • There is no scientific evidence that cutting your toenails on a Friday is unlucky, but some cultures believe it is a bad omen because it symbolizes cutting into luck and good fortune. This superstition is also connected to the belief that cutting your nails too late in the day is bad luck in general.
                                                                          • robel
                                                                            Is cutting your nails on a sunday bad luck meaning?
                                                                            11 months ago
                                                                          • No, there is no bad luck associated with cutting your nails on a Sunday.
                                                                            • Ensio
                                                                              Are toenails good luck?
                                                                              1 year ago
                                                                            • ? No, toenails are not considered good luck.
                                                                              • tanja
                                                                                Does finger nails give you good luck or bad luck ?
                                                                                1 year ago
                                                                              • Finger nails do not give you good luck or bad luck. They are considered to be a superstitious belief, and luck is seen to be random and unpredictable, influenced only by decisions and actions.
                                                                                • Uwe
                                                                                  Does any body know if kerry wilson still does nail cutting in oxenholme?
                                                                                  1 year ago
                                                                                • I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with Kerry Wilson and can't answer your question.
                                                                                  • adaldrida
                                                                                    Can we cut nails on thursday?
                                                                                    1 year ago
                                                                                  • No, it is not recommended to cut nails on Thursday. It is considered a bad omen to do so and is not in keeping with religious customs.
                                                                                    • fikru semere
                                                                                      Is it bad luck to clip?
                                                                                      1 year ago
                                                                                    • No, it is not bad luck to clip. Clipping can have many beneficial effects for a variety of purposes, such as trimming hair, nails, and plants.
                                                                                      • sharon
                                                                                        What is the bad dat removing hair supersittion?
                                                                                        1 year ago
                                                                                      • The bad data removing hair superstition is the belief that removing body hair will bring bad luck or cause harm. This superstition is rooted in the belief that body hair is associated with life force, and thus removing it will disrupt one's energy.
                                                                                        • jackson
                                                                                          Is it good or bad luck to cut your toe nails on a friday?
                                                                                          1 year ago
                                                                                        • Good luck and bad luck are superstitious beliefs and so there is no scientific evidence to suggest that cutting one's toe nails on a Friday has any impact on luck.
                                                                                          • semhar
                                                                                            How did the saying if you cut your finger nails on sunday the devil will rule you all day start?
                                                                                            1 year ago
                                                                                          • The exact origin of this saying is unknown, but it likely began as part of a longer superstition based on the superstitious belief that particular days, or doing certain activities on particular days, could be unlucky and bring bad luck to oneself.
                                                                                            • aman
                                                                                              Is it bad luck to hair or nail when someone in your family passed away?
                                                                                              1 year ago
                                                                                            • No, there is no bad luck associated with cutting your hair or nails when someone in your family passes away.
                                                                                              • Gilda
                                                                                                Why is it wrong to cut toe nails on a friday?
                                                                                                1 year ago
                                                                                              • Cutting toe nails on Friday is considered unlucky in some cultures due to its association with the superstition that it will bring bad luck. There is actually a Yiddish saying, "Don't cut your nails on a Friday, no matter how much they bother you."
                                                                                                • Tesfay
                                                                                                  Is it ok to iron on a sunday?
                                                                                                  1 year ago
                                                                                                • It is ultimately up to your personal preference. Some religions and cultures observe Sunday as a day of rest and worship, so for those people, ironing on Sunday may not be appropriate. However, others may not have any restrictions and may find it perfectly acceptable.
                                                                                                  • yvonne
                                                                                                    Is it unlucky to cut your hair on a sunday?
                                                                                                    1 year ago
                                                                                                  • No, it is not unlucky to cut your hair on a Sunday.
                                                                                                    • ROBEL
                                                                                                      Is it ok to cut hair on fridays?
                                                                                                      1 year ago
                                                                                                    • It depends on your personal beliefs and cultural habits. Generally, there are no restrictions in most cultures against cutting hair on Fridays, however, some people may choose to avoid cutting hair on Fridays as a personal preference.
                                                                                                      • katja kuester
                                                                                                        What to do with hair and nail to trow?
                                                                                                        1 year ago
                                                                                                      • For hair, you can donate it to organizations that make wigs for people with medical conditions, like cancer patients. For nails, you can donate them to organizations that recycle and repurpose them for other uses, like making jewelry.
                                                                                                        • Tim
                                                                                                          Is it unlucky to cut your nails on a friday?
                                                                                                          1 year ago
                                                                                                        • No, it is not considered unlucky to cut your nails on a Friday.
                                                                                                          • Askalu Eyob
                                                                                                            Can we cut nails on wednesday?
                                                                                                            1 year ago
                                                                                                          • It depends on your culture, religious beliefs, and personal preferences. Some cultures and religions may prohibit nail cutting on Wednesdays, while others may not. Ultimately, the decision is yours.
                                                                                                            • erik konig
                                                                                                              Can we cut nails on tuesday?
                                                                                                              1 year ago
                                                                                                            • Yes, you can cut your nails on Tuesday.
                                                                                                              • mary
                                                                                                                Can we cut nails on monday?
                                                                                                                1 year ago
                                                                                                              • No, it is considered a superstition in many cultures to cut nails on Mondays.