Gift-giving is a beautiful tradition that symbolizes love, affection, and thoughtfulness. However, some gifts are considered unlucky and could bring negative energy or even misfortune into the recipient’s life.

In many cultures, it’s believed that certain objects carry symbolic meanings or energies that could influence the recipient’s fate.

Whether based on superstition, folklore, or spiritual beliefs, there are certain gifts that you should never accept from anyone. Here are eight gifts that are believed to attract bad luck:

1. Clocks or Watches

Clocks and watches, although practical and beautiful as gifts, are considered unlucky in many cultures, particularly in Eastern traditions. This superstition stems from the belief that giving a clock or a watch symbolizes the end of something, often related to time running out.

The Chinese word for “clock” sounds similar to the word for “end” or “death,” so gifting a clock can be perceived as inviting misfortune, a severing of relationships, or even death.

In addition, watches and clocks are often associated with the idea of time running out, which can bring negative connotations into the recipient’s life.

2. Knives or Sharp Objects

Knives, scissors, and other sharp objects are some of the most widely regarded taboo gifts across cultures. These items are often seen as symbols of conflict, separation, and harm.

In many traditions, sharp objects are thought to “cut” relationships and create discord. In fact, in some cultures, it is believed that if someone gives you a knife or any sharp object, it can signify that the relationship is doomed to fail or that there will be some form of disruption in your life.

If you ever receive a knife as a gift, it’s customary to “pay” for it by giving a small amount of money to the giver. This gesture is believed to neutralize the negative energy and protect the relationship.

3. Empty Wallets or Purses

A wallet or purse is a common and useful gift, but if it is given to you empty, it could be a sign of bad luck. In Feng Shui, an empty wallet symbolizes emptiness and financial hardship.

Giving a wallet without money is seen as a way to invite scarcity and poor fortune into the recipient’s life. If you are ever given a wallet, it’s considered essential for the giver to place a small amount of money in it before presenting it to you. This act is believed to ensure that the recipient’s financial prosperity remains intact.

4. Gifts of Handkerchiefs

Handkerchiefs might seem like a practical and thoughtful gift, but they carry a negative meaning in many cultures. A handkerchief is associated with tears, sorrow, and emotional distress.

In some parts of the world, giving a handkerchief is believed to symbolize that the giver is “wiping away” the recipient’s joy, bringing sadness or grief into their life. Handkerchiefs are often linked to loss, which is why they are seen as a bad omen when given as gifts.

5. Mirrors

Mirrors are another gift that can be seen as bringing bad luck. The primary reason for this belief lies in the superstition that mirrors reflect not only our physical image but also our energy, emotions, and even spiritual essence.

In many cultures, mirrors are seen as objects that can amplify negative energy and attract bad spirits. In Feng Shui, it is thought that giving a mirror could lead to disagreements, conflict, or even a sense of disorientation.

It’s also believed that mirrors can reflect away positive energy, which can hinder your success and happiness. So, before accepting a mirror as a gift, it’s important to consider the potential consequences.

6. Handmade Gifts (Especially Certain Craft Items)

Handmade gifts can be very thoughtful and personal, but there are certain types of handmade items that could be considered unlucky.

For example, handmade gifts that involve creating something that could potentially bring negative energy into your life—like specific types of amulets or charms—are often seen with suspicion.

These items are sometimes believed to carry the intentions or energies of the maker. If the maker’s intentions were negative, the energy could be transferred to the recipient.

Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid handmade gifts that you don’t fully understand the significance of or don’t feel comfortable with.

7. Sharp Stones or Crystals (Without Proper Cleansing)

Stones and crystals are often given as gifts with the intent to bring good luck or positive energy. However, if these stones or crystals are not properly cleansed, they can carry negative energy.

It’s believed that crystals absorb energy from their surroundings, and if they are given to you without being properly “cleansed,” they may carry residual negative energy.

In some spiritual traditions, it is essential to “purify” a crystal before using it to ensure it does not harbor any bad or harmful energy. Therefore, if someone gives you a crystal, be sure to ask if it has been cleansed, or better yet, cleanse it yourself before using it.

8. Certain Types of Plants or Flowers (Especially Chrysanthemums)

While flowers are typically seen as positive and beautiful gifts, certain types of plants, such as chrysanthemums, can be associated with bad luck in some cultures.

In many Eastern traditions, chrysanthemums are linked to funerals, death, and mourning, as they are commonly used at gravesites. Therefore, receiving chrysanthemums as a gift might symbolize the onset of a negative period in one’s life, including the potential loss of a loved one.

It’s advisable to be cautious when accepting plants or flowers as gifts, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their cultural significance.

Conclusion

While most gifts are given with the best of intentions, some objects carry symbolic meanings that can attract bad luck or negative energy. Whether rooted in superstition, spiritual beliefs, or cultural practices, it’s important to be mindful of the gifts you accept.

Certain items, such as clocks, knives, empty wallets, and mirrors, have been associated with misfortune for centuries and may disrupt your peace, relationships, or fortune.

Before accepting any gift, especially those mentioned above, consider the cultural and spiritual significance behind it. If you’re unsure, politely declining or exchanging the gift could help you avoid unnecessary bad luck and ensure that your life remains filled with positive energy and happiness.

In the end, the most important thing is the thought behind the gift rather than the gift itself. And as with all superstitions, it’s always worth remembering that your belief system and your intentions play a major role in shaping your own fortune.