Horseshoes have long been used to bring good luck and to ward off evil. The practice of nailing horseshoes above doorways started in Europe and brought to America by immigrants. There are disagreements whether the horns of the horseshoe should be pointing upward or downward. Among the crowd who hang there horseshoes with the horns up believe that the shoes will hold the luck and not let it get away, whereas, people who hang the shoes downward view the luck being poured upon the residents of the house. People of English and Irish descent usually will display the horseshoes upwards; people of German, Austrian, Italian, Spanish, and the Balkans tend to hang the horseshoes downward.
Horseshoes can be used in other ways besides placing above doorways. Sailors have nailed horseshoes to there mast to help there ship avoid storms. One way to prevent nightmares is to place a horseshoe wrapped in red flannel above your bed. There are some people who believe that in order for the horseshoe to bring luck, it must be found as apposed to being purchased new. Most horseshoes contain seven nail holes, and seven is considered to be the luckiest number. Even horseshoe nails are sometimes used as lucky charms and amulets.
Horseshoes can be used in other ways besides placing above doorways. Sailors have nailed horseshoes to there mast to help there ship avoid storms. One way to prevent nightmares is to place a horseshoe wrapped in red flannel above your bed. There are some people who believe that in order for the horseshoe to bring luck, it must be found as apposed to being purchased new. Most horseshoes contain seven nail holes, and seven is considered to be the luckiest number. Even horseshoe nails are sometimes used as lucky charms and amulets.
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