A birthday or holiday gift is often a stumbling block. It is difficult to make a choice without making a mistake, it is even more difficult not to stumble, "running into" the numerous superstitions and prejudices. For example, it is not customary to give knives and … slippers.
Superstitions about slippers only multiply over the years, there are old ones that were still known in the pre-Petrine era, there are completely new ones concerning such types of shoes as, for example, house slippers with a pompom or high knee-high slippers.
In addition to slippers, you cannot give knives, animals, plants, watches or yellow flowers - this promises separation.
Funeral tradition
In most countries of the world, slippers have long been associated with funerals. In a number of cultures, slippers (like among the Slavs) were put on the deceased, in some they were laid in the grave. There were even special funeral slippers - the very famous white ones.
It so happened that for people everything that is somehow connected with the funeral becomes a symbol of death. In addition, slippers are associated with one of the types of curses (curse for a quick death), part of the ritual of which is presenting the birthday boy with home shoes as a gift.
Separation Herald
There is another superstition associated with shoes in general, not just slippers. People believe that such a gift will be a harbinger of imminent separation, and the person for whom this gift is intended will soon leave the family, from home.
This superstition, by the way, has very specific historical roots: from ancient times in wealthy families, where a young man was allowed to leave his parental home and build his own, they gave shoes. Shoes were also presented to those who are going on a hike or a long journey, it was a symbol of letting go and breaking ties, the beginning of a new life, death and rebirth.
Present? Only the closest
Another good way to present slippers is at housewarming.
Slippers, as a rule, are usually given to very close people, but it is wiser to give those that you made them with your own hands. Such a gift will be remembered for a long time, and the slippers will be worn with great pleasure.
People also came up with how to get around superstitions: present slippers, but demand a symbolic ransom for them, and always in a coin. So it turns out that the shoes are not donated, but bought.
Place in the house
Folk omen also says that slippers should have their place in every home. You can not put shoes with your nose to the door - to the departure of a loved one, separation. You can't throw your shoes around - to quarrels. You cannot store slippers under the bed - to male betrayal, and under the dresser - to thieves.
