Why You Should Never Kill a Spider (According to Superstition)

Spiders often scare people. Many grab a shoe or a tissue without thinking twice. But wait! Some believe killing a spider brings bad luck. Others say it could stop money from coming your way.

For centuries, different cultures have warned against harming these tiny creatures. Some see them as symbols of luck, wisdom, or even protection. Spiders also play big roles in myths and old tales. Ever heard of a spider saving a king? Or bringing wealth?

After losing battles against the English, Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, hid in a cave, feeling hopeless. There, he saw a spider trying to spin a web. The wind kept breaking it, but the spider refused to give up. Again and again, it tried—until it finally succeeded.

Inspired by its determination, Robert the Bruce decided not to surrender. He returned to battle, fought bravely, and eventually won Scotland’s independence.

Because of this tale, many believe spiders symbolize perseverance and luck—and killing one might chase away your good fortune!

Before you squash that little web-weaver, let’s explore why many believe you really shouldn’t!

Spiders might not be the most lovable creatures, but does that mean they deserve to be squashed? If we set superstitions aside for a moment, the first thing to remember is that a spider is a living being—harmless, in most cases. Even if they make your skin crawl, killing them is unnecessary. Plus, they’re actually helpful. Ever tried enjoying a summer evening without a single fly buzzing around? That’s thanks to spiders doing their job. Sure, cobwebs in the corner of your home aren’t exactly stylish, but a simple broom solves that problem. No need for a massacre.

Superstitions and old beliefs, though, have even stronger reasons for sparing spiders. One of the most famous legends tells of a man hiding from his enemies in a cave. The entrance was covered in thick cobwebs, untouched. When his pursuers arrived, they figured no one could have gone inside without breaking the web, so they moved on. The man was saved. Depending on the version, that man was either the Prophet Muhammad, Moses, or even Jesus Christ. Whatever the case, the message is the same—spiders once saved a holy figure, and killing them might not be the best idea.

Then there’s the belief that harming a spider invites illness. Sounds extreme, right? But centuries ago, spiders were actually used in folk medicine. Healers would collect cobwebs to stop bleeding or treat infections. While modern science has moved on, spider venom is still being studied for possible medical breakthroughs. Who knows, maybe one day a spider will save lives again.

And what about luck? Many believe that spiders bring prosperity. Their webs are seen as tiny nets catching fortune and wealth. Ever heard of dreamcatchers? Those famous Native American talismans were inspired by spiderwebs, designed to trap bad dreams and let good ones through. If you believe the old tales, wiping out spiders might also wipe out your luck.

Then there’s karma. Some say the smaller the spider you kill, the bigger the trouble you bring upon yourself. A bit dramatic? Maybe. But here’s a fun one—if a spider crawls onto your clothes, it’s a sign that a pleasant surprise is on the way. A gift, some good news, something unexpected but welcome. Unless, of course, you panic and squash it. Then you might have just crushed your own luck.

So next time you see a spider, maybe let it be. If nothing else, it’s probably working harder than you think to keep your space bug-free. And who knows, it might just be bringing a little luck your way.