Editing Horseshoe (section)

===Superstition===
{{See also|Iron in mythology#Luck|Hippomancy}}
[[File:Horseshoe lucky on door.jpg|thumb|A horseshoe on a door is regarded as a protective [[talisman]] in some cultures.]]
Horseshoes have long been considered lucky. They were originally made of iron, a material that was believed to ward off evil spirits, and traditionally were held in place with seven nails, seven being the luckiest number.<ref name=CSI>{{cite web|title=Superstition Bash: Horseshoes|date=13 January 2004|url=http://www.csicop.org/superstition/library/horseshoes/|publisher=Committee for Skeptical Inquiry}}</ref> 

The tradition of using worn horseshoes as protective charms dates back to Europe, where they were often placed above or beside doorways. This practice aimed to guard homes, barns, and stables, and remnants of this custom can still be seen across regions like Italy, Germany, Britain, and Scandinavia. Horseshoe-shaped wall decorations are also common. In the Middle East, blue-glazed terra cotta horseshoe plaques are widely used, while in Turkey, metal or blue glass horseshoes are combined with the "all-seeing eye" to create distinctive protective talismans believed to ward off the evil eye.

Opinion is divided as to which way up the horseshoe ought to be nailed. In much of Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, it is typically hung facing downward, symbolising the pouring of blessings or protection as it allows good fortune to flow onto those passing beneath. However, in parts of Ireland and Britain, an upward orientation is preferred, based on the belief that it catches luck and prevents it from "running out." These differing traditions were carried to the United States, where those of English and Irish heritage often hang horseshoes upward, while French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Balkan influences favor a downward position.

Despite these differences in interpretation, the horseshoe’s true primary purpose is to serve as a protective charm, regardless of its orientation, rather than merely a luck-catching device.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Horseshoe |url=https://www.luckymojo.com/horseshoe.html |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=www.luckymojo.com}}</ref>

The superstition acquired a further Christian twist due to a legend surrounding the tenth-century saint [[Dunstan]], who worked as a blacksmith before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury. The legend recounts that, one day, the Devil walked into Dunstan's shop and asked him to shoe his horse. Dunstan pretended not to recognize him, and agreed to the request; but rather than nailing the shoe to the horse's hoof, he nailed it to the Devil's own foot, causing him great pain. Dunstan eventually agreed to remove the shoe, but only after extracting a promise that the Devil would never enter a household with a horseshoe nailed to the door.<ref>{{cite web|title=Who was St Dunstan?|url=http://www.stdunstan.net/who-was-st-dunstan.htm|publisher=St Dunstan Episcopal Church|access-date=12 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404045759/http://www.stdunstan.net/who-was-st-dunstan.htm|archive-date=4 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the tale of Saint Dunstan, it appears that hanging a horseshoe with the open end facing downward is the most accurate interpretation. This is suggested by a passage from the story:

“He will not through Granāda march,
[[File:An illustration in 'The True Legend of St. Dunstan and the Devil'.png|thumb]]
For there he knows the horse-shoe arch

At every gate attends him.

Nor partridges can he digest,

Since the dire horse-shoe on the breast,

Most grievously offends him.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Project Gutenberg eBook of The True Legend of St. Dunstan and the Devil, by Edward G. Flight |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/13978/13978-h/13978-h.htm |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=www.gutenberg.org}}</ref>

The mention of the "horse-shoe arch" likely refers to a horseshoe with its open ends facing downward, consistent with the illustrations found throughout the tale.

Blacksmiths and Horseshoes also have a connection. Blacksmiths themselves were historically considered lucky and revered for their craft, as they worked with fire and iron, both seen as powerful and protective elements. Their association with luck extended to the horseshoes they forged, which became symbols of protection and good fortune. Blacksmiths often hung horseshoes with the ends pointing down, believing this orientation would allow blessings and luck to pour onto their work.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=2016-12-02 |title=Horseshoes - As Luck Would Have It |url=https://bouldercountyopenspace.org/i/history/horseshoes/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Images |language=en-US}}</ref>