Building on Bad Luck? Superstitions of Home Building Industry
With the spooky season upon us we get in the Halloween spirit and investigate some of the common and not so common superstitions in the building industry. At Pzazz we have vigorous Health & Safety procedures but perhaps a new chapter is ready to be added?
Unlucky 13
Have you ever been in the lift of a high rise building or hotel and noticed a number is missing – the floors go from 12 straight to 14 with no thirteenth floor or the thirteenth floor is labelled M. This is the practice of architects who believe in the concept of triskaidekaphobia – fear of thirteen. In addition to this some East Asian countries also have superstitions around the number four (tetraphobia).
Haint Blue
This superstition originates in South Carolina and refers to painting the ceiling of your front porch a light blue colour to mimic the colour of water. Why you ask? Seeing as its believed that spirits arent’t able to cross a body of water this looks to protect your home from any spirits crossing the threshold.
Spirit Houses
In some parts of South Asia Spirit Houses are common companions to a family dwelling – providing a shelter away from the main house for the spirits of passed loved ones to remain nearby.
Church Gargoyles
Many gothic style churches and cathedrals are adorned with creepy (or cute depending on your opinion) gargoyles manning the roofline. These are believed to be a deterrent to churchgoers, reminding them what company awaits them in hell should they end up there. They also often serve a more practical purpose when designed with spouts in their mouths to drain water away from the building like a gutter.
Coins & Medallions
Buried or inset in the foundation of some homes you will find two sainted coins or medallions. One of Saint Jospeh the Patron Saint of Carpenters to ensure a strong construction and one of Saint Benedict to ward off evil spirits. Other cultures bury coins in the foundation or place them under the doorstep to encourage wealth to enter the home.
The Red Door
A popular choice for many NZ homes is the classic red front door - albeit hotly debated among the Pzazz Design team. Not only is this visually striking its believed that the hue expresses to the visitor that the home is a safe and welcoming place. This has a biblical origin and in the running theme of this article its believed that the colour red wards off evil spirits.
Like more home inspirations, ideas and tips?
Subscribe to our Come Alive! Newsletter
It's FREE and comes to you via email every month providing informative articles, tips and ideas!
Newsletter Form
Visit our FREE E - Library
Have you thought about renovating but don't know where to start? Browse and download a variety of E-Books and other resources that cover tips and tricks, latest trends and renovation processes.
