Before the exam, students don't get a haircut, don't wash their head, and place their heel under their heel. This is not superstition, but a ritual. Student superstitions and omens are a mixture of folk wisdom, psychology, and despair. We tell you about the most popular ones and their scientific justification.

Omen before the exam

Not to get a haircut and not to shave for 3 days before the exam — otherwise you will "cut your memory". Not to wash your head on the day of the exam — so that knowledge won't wash away. To go to bed with your head on the textbook — knowledge will flow into your brain. A coin under the left heel — for luck (it used to be under the right one, but students got it wrong). To get up on the left foot — to failure (that's why they try to get up on the right one).

Not to return home after leaving the house — if you forget something, it's better not to take it. To knock three times on the door frame before entering the classroom. To enter, showing the teacher your back (so that he won't curse you). Not to look back or turn around during the exam.

Omen for luck

Catch a "freebie" the night before the exam: stick your head out the window with a credit card at midnight and shout "Freebie, come on!". Catch the credit card back and hold it in a book. Meet a pregnant woman before the exam — for luck. To stumble on a flat surface — for a double. To see a black cat — to go around it or spit over your left shoulder.

If the teacher sets a grade and says "sit down" — for a good grade. If he is silent — for a retest.

What students fear

Showing a credit card before the exam (they will steal your luck). Telling others about your preparation (they will curse you). Sitting in the same place where a failing student sat (bad energy). Wearing new clothes to the exam (untested luck). Taking someone else's cheat sheet (not your own knowledge). Helping a neighbor if you haven't taken the exam yourself (your luck will leave).

Wiping sweat from your face with your left hand (the right one is for knowledge).

Rational kernel

Rituals reduce anxiety. When you do something familiar (for example, place a coin), your brain calms down. Self-hypnosis works: if you believe in an omen, your confidence grows, and the exam is passed better. Some omens are useful: "don't get a haircut" — so as not to be distracted by the hairdresser. "Don't wash your head" — so as not to oversleep (washing relaxes). "Sleep on the textbook" — really helps (repetition before sleep improves memorization).

So a reasonable skeptic can follow omens, understanding their benefit.

Student omens are not magic, but psychological support. Believe or not, the ritual helps. The main thing is not to rely only on the omen, but to study the tickets. Then the freebie will come, and the coin under the heel will work.

Permanent link to this publication: