The superstition that “accidents happen in threes” is a widely held belief that misfortunes, particularly accidents, tend to occur in sets of three. This notion, pervasive in Western cultures, has a history spanning centuries, influencing behavior and shaping interpretations of unfortunate events.

The superstition gained significant traction from the mid-nineteenth century onwards, though its roots may trace back further. It shares similarities with the belief that deaths occur in threes, suggesting a common origin in anxieties surrounding misfortune and mortality. The core idea revolves around a perceived pattern of events, where the occurrence of one accident or misfortune increases the likelihood of two more.

Culturally, the superstition manifests in various ways. Historically, a common reaction to the first accident was proactive damage control. Upon breaking something valuable, individuals would deliberately break two more items of lesser value, aiming to “see out” the curse and prevent further, potentially worse, accidents. This practice underscores the perceived power of the superstition and the desire to control its effects.

As the nineteenth century drew to a close, a less destructive method to mitigate the “rule of three” emerged: breaking a match after two accidents had already taken place. This symbolic act aimed to avert the impending third misfortune. However, with the passage of time, the superstition has broadened beyond simple accidents. It evolved into the more encompassing belief that “bad things come in threes,” encompassing a wider range of misfortunes and potentially merging with the death-related variant.

In its modern interpretation, the superstition has become more generalized, reflecting a broader sense of unease in the face of adversity. With the scope of potential misfortunes widening, individuals can only brace themselves and find a small comfort in believing that they were aware of a potential third misfortune coming. This outlook acknowledges the potential for negative events, and the widespread acceptance of the superstition’s influence on everyday life.

Interestingly, the number three is not always associated with negativity. The belief that the “third time’s the charm” offers a counterpoint. This more optimistic notion has considerably older origins, predating the “accidents in threes” superstition by several centuries. Evidence of this can be found in the fourteenth-century Middle English romance poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which contains the lines: “With thee when I return hither; for I have tried thee twice, and faithful I find thee; now, third time, best time.” These lines exemplify a belief that success or good fortune can increase with each attempt. Thus, the number three is subject to both positive and negative interpretations, depending on the context and cultural lens through which it is viewed.