Answer:
Walking under a ladder has been considered bad luck for hundreds of years.;
Logically, we all know how wobbly they are. But that's not the reason.
Ladders have been considered the spiritual ascent to heaven. So the rule was Do Not Disturb the spirits who were using them!
If a ladder is leaning up against a wall that forms a triangle. And in the old days a triangle symbolized Life. So... if you walked under a ladder leaning against a wall you were breaking the symbol of life.
When tested recently in Britain, it was discovered that 70% of people still today refuse to walk under a ladder if there's another option.
If you really must walk under a ladder then here are the rules:
- Cross your fingers
- Spit over your left shoulder (never the right)
- or keep silent until you see your first 4-legged animal. This offsets any evil or danger.