5 Death Superstitions That Still Haunt Us

Ah, Friday the 13th. The day we (well some of us) collectively avoid black cats, broken mirrors, and ladders—just in case. It’s the unofficial holiday of superstition, and here at Good Grief, we figured it was the perfect time to dig up some of the world’s eeriest death-related superstitions.

Let’s face it: death is weird. Humans have spent centuries trying to make sense of it with rituals, warnings, and good old-fashioned ghost stories. So in honor of this frightful day, here are five morbidly fascinating death superstitions to sink your teeth into.

Coins on the Eyes of the Dead

In ancient Greece and Rome, people placed coins on the eyes—or in the mouths—of the dead to pay Charon, the underworld’s version of a city bus route (in this case though, there’s only a single stop).

Without that payment, the soul would be left haunting the riverbank for 100 years ☠️ Coins still serve as a symbolic farewell—often placed with the body in military or ceremonial funerals. Better to have exact change than have to haunt I suppose 🤷‍♀️

Pallbearers Wearing Gloves

Originally, pallbearers wore gloves not for fashion, but for spiritual hygiene. The gloves were meant to stop the spirit of the deceased from hitching a ride into the body of the living. 

While today it’s more about ceremony, the gloves still carry that quiet message: “I'll carry your casket, but not your unfinished business.” 

Don’t Point at a Hearse

We know, it’s hard not to look—but pointing at a hearse? Big no-no in many cultures.

Some say it invites bad luck. Others believe it draws death’s attention to you. If you slip up, superstition says you better touch a button (on your clothing- seen as a ritual symbol of wholeness) or hold your breath, just in case. Or, you know, wave politely and keep walking. 

Seeing Your Own Doppelgänger

If you spot someone who looks exactly like you, don’t panic—but maybe don’t renew your lease either. Jkjk 

Across European folklore, seeing your own doppelgänger was considered a bad omen—like, death-is-knocking bad. Abraham Lincoln reportedly saw his spectral twin in a mirror before his assassination. Today, we might call it a glitch in the Matrix. 🫣

Covering Mirrors After a Death

In Jewish and Victorian traditions, mirrors in the home were covered after someone passed. Why? Because mirrors were thought to trap souls, act as portals to the spirit world, or reflect the ghost of Aunt Edna wandering the hallway in her nightgown.

Mirrors are covered during the Jewish tradition of shiva to avoid vanity and focus on grief and reflection.

Why We Love Superstitions (Even If We Don’t Believe Them)

These strange little rituals remind us that death isn't just paperwork and probate—it’s mystery, emotion, and centuries of human curiosity. Superstitions are a huge part of how we make sense of the unknown.

So this Friday the 13th, throw some salt over your shoulder, knock on wood, and maybe don’t tempt fate by opening that umbrella indoors. 

Want to be more prepared for the real stuff (less ghosts, more guidance)?

Explore Good Grief’s resources for death prep checklists, reading lists, and help navigating loss—no rituals required.

• Your Good Grief Guides 🖤☠️🖤☠️🖤☠️