The superstition surrounding the gifting of a purse or wallet dictates that it should never be given empty, but rather contain some amount of money to ensure the recipient’s future prosperity. This belief, deeply rooted in folklore, suggests that an empty wallet or purse presented as a gift carries the potential for a lifetime of poverty for the receiver.

The origin of this superstition is often attributed to the belief that an empty purse would invite misfortune, possibly even the Devil himself, who would then use poverty to tempt individuals toward ungodly acts. This perspective aligns with the historical perception of poverty as a catalyst for immoral behavior, such as theft, deceit, and prostitution. Such acts were viewed as sinful and undesirable, reinforcing the need to avoid the state of being penniless.

This superstition gained further traction through its association with the saying, ‘An empty purse is the Devil,’ a phrase that can be traced back to at least the early eighteenth century. The saying was widely used in both Britain and America during the 1800s. Its presence is documented in a 1786 essay by Noah Webster, Jr., the renowned American lexicographer. In his writing, Webster lamented the weakness of the federal government, stating that it ‘prevents the adoption of any measures that are requisite for us as a nation; it keeps us from paying our honest debts . . . It also throws out of our power all the profits of commerce, and this drains us of cash. Is not this the devil? Yes, my countryman, an empty purse is the devil.’ The phrase encapsulates the understanding that a lack of funds can lead to dire consequences.

The expression continued to surface in various forms throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. For instance, it appeared in an 1882 edition of Notes and Queries, a scholarly publication dedicated to the study of English language, history, and antiquarianism. Modern interpretations of the adage are also apparent in contemporary art and music. The song ‘The Devil Danced in Empty Pockets’ by American country singer Joe Diffie, and the line ‘Lucinda’ in Tom Waits’s murder ballad are examples of the superstition’s enduring cultural impact.

To counteract the perceived curse of an empty wallet, a practice emerged in the 19th century involving keeping at least one coin inside. If the coin needed to be spent, some would substitute it with a piece of string or twine, symbolically deceiving the Devil and preventing him from taking residence in the purse. While the fear of literal devilish intervention may have diminished, many people today still adhere to the custom of placing a coin or a bill inside a purse or wallet before giving it as a gift, ensuring that the recipient starts off with a foundation of financial good fortune.