The superstition of never lighting three cigarettes with a single match remains surprisingly prevalent, even among modern smokers. Often regarded as more than a mere quirk, this belief is ingrained in the smoking ritual for many, alongside practices like tapping the cigarette or inverting one in a new pack. Its origins are complex, drawing from historical warfare, religious customs, and even strategic marketing.

The most popular theory attributes the superstition’s birth to the Boer War (1899-1902). The account suggests that Boer marksmen, known for their accuracy, would observe a lit match across the open landscape. The first light would reveal the smoker’s position, the second would allow the sniper to take aim, and the third would provide the target for the fatal shot. Thus, lighting three cigarettes with one match became associated with death and danger.

However, evidence suggests the superstition may predate the Boer War. Some accounts trace it back to the Crimean War (1853-1856), noting a similar reluctance among Russian prisoners to light three items with the same flame. The rationale provided stemmed from Russian Orthodox Church practices. According to these beliefs, only a priest was permitted to light the three altar candles with a single taper. Consequently, replicating this sacred act outside the church was considered a sacrilege, potentially inviting misfortune.

This religious connection is further supported by the superstition’s early appearance in literature. In William Locke’s 1916 novel, The Wonderful Year, a character named Fortinbras declines to light three cigarettes with one match, explaining it as a superstition related to the Russian funeral ritual. He explicitly connects the act of lighting three worldly items with the same flame to the impiety of mimicking the lighting of three altar candles, thereby inviting bad luck.

Beyond historical events and religious influences, a more pragmatic explanation suggests a commercial motive behind the superstition’s proliferation. Ivar Kreuger, a Swedish tycoon who dominated the match industry after World War I, is suspected of intentionally promoting the superstition to boost match sales. By instilling a fear of lighting multiple cigarettes with a single match, Kreuger effectively increased demand for his product, capitalizing on the public’s growing belief in the associated misfortune.

Today, the superstition continues to persist, though its original context may be forgotten. While some smokers adhere to it out of genuine belief in its power, others may simply follow it as a habitual practice passed down through generations. Regardless of its origin or individual interpretation, the enduring presence of this superstition highlights the powerful influence of historical events, religious beliefs, and even clever marketing on shaping cultural practices and individual behavior.