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Press releaseWOMEN TWICE AS SUPERSTITIOUS AS MEN 26 September 2005BRITONS SEEK SOLACE IN ANCIENT BELIEFS
Women are the more superstitious sex with twice as many women (50%) than men (23%) claiming to be superstitious, according to research by National Savings and Investments (NS&I). Most of those seeking a dose of good luck are looking out for a four-leaf clover (15%), while at the same time taking great care not to crack a mirror in fear of misfortune (17%). In addition, younger people are more likely to touch wood, cross their fingers or pull a wishbone than the older generation, with 41% of 25-34 year olds admitting to being superstitious while only 26% of 45-54 year olds agree. Regionally, the Scots are the most superstitious (44%) and the least likely to put their new shoes on the table in fear of tempting adversity. People in the East and South East of England are the most blasé about the whole business with only a third admitting to having superstitions. Sinister beginnings Overall 36% of Britons consider themselves superstitious, with the top three bad luck omens being cracking a mirror (17%), walking under ladders (12%) and seeing a single magpie (8%). These legends all date back hundreds of years, the one with the most morbid history being walking under a ladder which stems from the tradition of English and French criminals en route to the gallows being forced to walk under the ladder they would soon climb to meet their fate, while the executioner walked around it. Wishful thinking Essentially superstitions are all about either attracting good luck or avoiding bad luck. Overall, only a quarter (25%) of Britons consider themselves to be lucky, with men generally considering themselves luckier (28%) than women (22%). By and large the younger generation seems more optimistic, with 29% of 25-34 year olds regarding themselves as lucky versus just a fifth (20%) of 35-44 year olds. Despite their ancient beginnings, many superstitions continue to flourish regardless of scientific and technological advancements. So what makes a person superstitious? Some believe that superstitions may give us a feeling of control in uncertain times[2]. Superstitious people are more likely to be worriers with a low tolerance for ambiguity and a strong need for control, and generally consider themselves to be unlucky. On the other hand those who consider themselves lucky are inclined to be much less superstitious, worry less and are more likely to take practical steps to improve situations than rely on a lucky charm. Testing your luck With only a quarter (25%) of Britons considering themselves lucky it’s no surprise that many are keen to improve their good fortune. And despite only 36% admitting their beliefs in superstition, 55% of respondents think that their luck can be improved through good omens such as finding a four-leaf clover or finding a penny, along with enacting good luck rituals like touching wood or crossing fingers. When it comes to Premium Bonds, some people have such a strong desire to win that as well as crossing their fingers and wishing on a star they send songs, valentine cards and poems to ERNIE (Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment), the machine housed in Blackpool that produces the winning Premium Bond numbers each month! Karen Jones, marketing director at NS&I said: “With more than half of us attempting to improve our luck through a good omen or doing something like knocking on wood, superstition appears to be alive and well. Premium Bonds allow you to test your luck without risking your stake. With every Bond having an equal chance of scooping one of the two £1 million jackpot prizes every month along with a million other prizes, there’s no reason not to try those lucky charms. But of course the more Bonds you have, the better your chances!” Ends Note to editors
Q1 Do you consider yourself superstitious?
Q2 Which one of the following is most likely to bring about bad luck
NOTE: * means less than 1% Q3 Do you consider yourself lucky?
Q4 Which one of the following is most likely to bring about good luck?
Q5 Which one of the following would you do first to bring about good luck (or prevent bad luck)?
ABOUT NATIONAL SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS National Savings and Investments (NS&I) is one of the UK's largest savings and investments providers with 26 million customers and £68 billion invested. NS&I provides a wide range of savings and investments, including Premium Bonds, Savings Certificates, Income Bonds, Children's Bonus Bonds, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and the Easy Access Savings Account. NS&I is able to offer a 100% capital guarantee on all the products it offers because it is backed by HM Treasury. NS&I, formed in 1861, is a government department and an executive agency of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
FACTS ABOUT PREMIUM BONDS Premium Bonds were launched in 1956 and £27 billion is currently invested by more than 23 million people. Each month, NS&I runs a prize draw and awards over 1 million prizes. In the September 2005 draw, the total prize fund exceeded £68 million. The minimum investment is £100 and the maximum is £30,000 per person.
[1] Source: http://www.answerbag.com [2] Source: http://www.luckfactor.co.uk/pressArchives/press6March2003.html
Media team The numbers below are for media use only. Customers wishing to contact NS&I can find details here.
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