Why is a Horseshoe lucky?
The legend surrounding the luck that comes from horseshoes originated from St Dunstan in 10th century. Famous for his visions, learning and artistic craftsmanship. St Dunstan was the favourite Saint of the English people. Children would pray to him for protection from harsh teachers and their prayers would be answered. Early paintings show him holding a pair of smith’s tongs, surrounded by doves of peace and angels of mercy. He became the patron saint of goldsmiths. Legend has it, that the Devil hearing of St Dunstan’s great skill as a smith asked him to shoe his single hoof. St Dunstan purposefully hurt him and in exchange for mercy the Devil promised never to enter a place where a horseshoe is displayed. As with other legends this was soon taken to mean the wearing of a horseshoe would have the same effect. The custom of horseshoes in weddings however, can be traced back to pagan times. In the pagan religion horseshoes were given as a sign of good luck.
Horseshoes should always be worn pointing up – this is to catch and hold good luck.