The Mystique of the Lucky Horseshoe: History and Beliefs

In the Irish story of the blacksmith and the devil, one day a blacksmith was working hard in his shop forging horseshoes. Suddenly, the devil appeared and demanded his own shoes. The blacksmith, recognizing the devil, took a burning-hot shoe and nailed it deep into the devil's hooves.

The devil was in such excruciating pain, he ripped the horseshoes off and swore he would never go near one again. Thus, the tradition of hanging a horseshoe over the entrance of a house to ward off evil spirits was born.

Another story has more to do with the metal in the horseshoes. Early Western Europeans believed that iron had magical powers and could drive away evil. Folklore of the time was rife with tales of mischievous fairies and mystical creatures. Horseshoes, being made of iron, naturally became protective talismans.

Other legends said that witches were so afraid of iron horseshoes, they traveled by broomstick instead of horseback. And 8th-century Chaldeans believed the crescent shape of the horseshoe protected against the evil eye, thus making it a good luck charm [source: Kentucky Derby Museum].

The number of holes in a horseshoe isn't just a random design choice. Typically, horseshoes have seven holes to secure them to a horse's hoof. The number seven is revered across cultures for its frequent appearances in nature and life: seven continents, seven seas, seven colors in a rainbow and seven days in a week. This association with the number seven only amplifies the horseshoe's lucky aura.

There does seem to be some contention, however, over how to hang a lucky horseshoe. Some advocate for the heels-up position, resembling a "U," to prevent good luck from spilling out. Others believe in the heels-down orientation, showering blessings on those who pass beneath. Perhaps the solution is to have two horseshoes, hung in both orientations, ensuring a double dose of good fortune!