Left hand itches: Is money coming to you?

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What does left hand itches means?

What is the first thought that comes to your mind if you find your left hand itching?

If you’re like me, you may be thinking about money coming your way.

You can call it a silly superstition, a belief, or an old-wives tale, but let me tell you that I am not alone in thinking this way.

According to a survey by ResearchForGood, 52% of Americans put their faith in superstitions while only 22% believe they are silly.

Left hand itches

Why do palm itch?

According to doctors, itchy palms can be a symptom of –

  • Hand eczema
  • allergic reactions
  • diabetes
  • cirrhosis
  • reactions to medication
  • nerve disorders

Depending on the cause, your doctor may advise you to moisturize your hands more often, apply a topical ointment or place a cool, damp cloth on your palms.

But if you are a spiritual person, itchy palms can have a whole different meaning. 

What does itchy left hand means?

If your left palm or hand itches, it means that you are going to come into some money. Many cultures around the world believe that when your left hand itches, you will receive a great fortune.

This fortune can come in many forms. You may win a lottery, receive a tax refund or even find a shiny quarter on the ground. Though I won’t suggest making major life decisions based on such beliefs, there is no harm in having a little faith.

According to NY Post, Mary Shammas, a 73-year-old grandma from Brooklyn, New York, was riding a bus when she felt her left palm getting itchy. She remembered the superstition and got off the bus at the next stop and bought a lottery ticket. That night she won a $64 million lottery.

While some people may call it pure luck, had it not been for her belief in this superstition, she may have never got off the bus.

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How did money superstition left hand itches start?

You may have heard from your parents or grandparents that left palm itching means money is coming your way.

If you ask them how they know this, and they will not have an answer. They may tell you they are just repeating what their parents or grandparents told them.

This belief is actually centuries old. The roots of this belief can be traced back to the Saxons and Celts in Europe during the pre-Christian era.

According to the Saxon belief, rubbing one’s skin on silver was a cure for most diseases. So, whenever they had itchy palms, they would rub them on silver.

Over the years, this belief turned into the superstition that your palm itching means that silver is coming your way.

Later, this superstition was adopted by Roma fortune-tellers, who turned it into the version that we know today. The superstition that says only the left palm itching guarantees money can be traced to the Roma people’s fortune-telling traditions.

In palmistry (the art of palm reading), the left hand is receptive, and the right hand is the active one. So, left palm itching means you will receive money, and palm itching means you will give it away.

What does itchy right hand means?

Interestingly, if your left hand is the lucky one, your right hand is the unlucky one. When your right hand itches, it means that you are going to lose money.

This misfortune can come in many forms. You may misplace your wallet, or some unexpected expense may come up. Your car may need repairs, or some urgent bills may come up that you have to pay immediately.

It is for these kinds of situations that you need to create an emergency fund. It is never too late to plan a budget and create savings for emergencies.

Follow these money-saving tips to create an emergency fund for when your right hand itches –

  • Assess what you already have
  • Once you list your expenses, separate them into necessary costs and unnecessary expenses.
  • Cut out the unnecessary expenses and lower any fixed costs if you can.
  • Reassess your goals and make changes.
  • It can be hard to live on a tight budget. Give yourself a little breathing room for occasional slip-ups.

Meaning of itchy palms in different cultures

Superstitions get passed down with word of mouth and can mean different things in different cultures. In some cultures, left palm itching means different things if you are a man or a woman.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes good fortune, wealth, prosperity, and fertility. So, when your left palm itches, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi is leaving you. So in Indian culture, money is always exchanged with the right hand because it signifies good luck and wealth.

The meaning of left hand itching is the opposite for females in Indian culture. For women, left hand itching means you will gain wealth, and right hand itching means you will lose wealth.

In many parts of Ireland, an itchy right palm means that someone new will enter your life. The person can be a future friend or a lover.

In Russia and Ukraine, having an itchy left hand means you will receive money. However, if your right hand itches, it means you will meet new people since you usually use your right hand to greet people.

Left palm itches

What left palm itches means according to spirituality?

The Bible also has a few thoughts on the subject of itching hands –

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” –(Matthew 6:3 New International Version )

From this passage, we can assume that the right hand gives and the left hand receives.

What left palm itching means according to palmistry?

According to palmistry, having an itchy right palm means you are transferring your energy through your hands. It is this very energy transfer that will attract money towards you.

Other money superstitions from around the world

According to a survey by ResearchForGood, the belief in superstitions decreases with age. Almost 63% of Americans in 18 to 25 believe in superstitions, while just 34% of people in the 55 to 75 age group believe in them.  Superstitions about good luck seem to be the most popular for all.

There are plenty of superstitions from around the world that claim to bring you good luck and wealth. So, if neither of your palms is itching, you can try one of these –

1. Bring a Taiwanese money plant home for good luck and prosperity

According to a Taiwanese legend, a poor farmer desperate for money prayed to God and found a Pachira tree in his fields. He took the tree home and made a living by selling the seeds and seedlings from the tree. Since then, the Pachira tree has represented wealth and prosperity in Taiwan.

2. Bird poop bring luck

If you are in Russia and, your house or your car gets pooped on by a bird, it is considered good luck.

3. Spider surprise

Trinidadians believe that if you find a brown spider in your house, money is coming your way. If you let this spider crawl over you and into your pocket, it’s even better.

4. Money attracts money

Greeks believe that money attracts money. It is considered bad luck if you completely empty out your wallet, pocket, or bank account. If you want to gift someone a purse or a wallet, you should put a coin or two in it for good luck.

5. Friday the 13th

Many people believe this day to be extra lucky in France. The sale of lottery tickets increases tremendously on this day.

6. Dreams of dragons

If you dream about a dragon or a pig in Korea, then it is believed that you will have good luck with money the next day.

7. Eggstra luck

In the Philippines, if you crack an egg and find two yolks inside it, it means you will become rich.

8. Elevate your wallet

According to a Puerto Rican superstition, putting your purse or wallet on the floor can make you lose money. Burning a cinnamon stick incense, on the other hand, can lure money to you.

9. Luck on the street

If you find money on the street, it is considered lucky in Mexico. Mexicans believe that it means more money is headed your way.

10. Goddess of wealth

Goddess Lakshmi is the Indian goddess of wealth and good fortune. Many Indians wear Goddess Lakshmi’s footprints in the form of charms.

Final thoughts on left hand itches

Whether you believe in superstitions or not, it is always fun to read about them. Many a time, some of these beliefs are just plain common sense. It is wise not to walk under a ladder, as you may get hurt.

Finding a penny on the road is good luck; after all, you just got some money for free. Beginner luck may be real as you may do the task with fewer inhibitions as there is nothing to lose.

After all, it is our belief system that helps us make our reality. If you believe that doing something will give you a favorable result, there is a good chance that it will come true.

left hand itches

Anika is a CPA and founder of What Anika Says. She shares simple and actionable frugal living, money management and money-saving tips to live a debt-free financially independent life. She has been featured on popular websites like Bankrate, Forbes, Mint ,and Authority Magazine. Byline: MSN