Happy Friday the 13th! Said no one ever.

Today is believed to be an unlucky day, when bad things are more likely to happen and misfortune is rife.

Superstition around it is thought to originate from the Bible, as there were 13 people present at the Last Supper before the crucifixion of Christ.

However some historians claim it dates further back to when Eve bit the apple in the Garden of Eden.

But fear not, Friday the 13th doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. Here are 13 things considered to bring bad luck, and what you can do to counteract it.

1. Walking under a ladder

There are a few theories about where this superstition comes from. One of them being that the shape of a ladder, leaning against a wall, looks like a gallows (used for execution by hanging).

So, walking under a ladder that looked like a gallows was thought to bring ill luck. However, if you find yourself accidentally making this mistake you can ward of bad luck by spitting on your shoe.

There's little information about where this theory comes from, but one theory suggests it wards off the evil eye.

Spit in general is associated with good luck in the supernatural world.

2. Paying a bill with the numbers 666 in the total

If you are paying for something and the total comes to £6.66 - or you get that much back in change - you should either buy something else or leave a penny from your change to avoid getting bad luck.

3. Seeing a magpie

If you happen to see a lone magpie it's thought to bring sorrow to your life.

To remedy your fate, salute the bird and say: “Good morning Mr Magpie. How is your lady wife today?”

By acknowledging its existence you are showing it respect, in the hope that it will not pass on bad fortune. And by asking about its wife, you are implying that there are two magpies, which is thought to bring joy.

4. Walking past a cemetery

As folklore would have us believe, walking past a cemetery brings ill fortune. Hold your breath as you walk by to avoid inhaling the spirits.

5. Leaving your handbag on the floor

In some customs and cultures if you leave your handbag on the floor you'll lose money in the near future.

The remedy for this is pretty straightforward, either leave your bag on a table or a chair, or if you're on public transport sit it on your lap.

6. Walking on a crack in the pavement

This superstition originated in the late 19th century. By the mid-20th century it was common practice to tell children that if they stepped on a crack in the pavement they would be eaten by a bear.

If you happen to misplace your step on the pavement spin around seven times to counteract the bad luck.

Just make sure you don't end up falling over!

7. Breaking a mirror

Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck, but you can turn your misfortune into fortune by burning seven white candles on the night it happens and blowing them out after midnight.

In the world of superstition it's thought that this will break the seven year cycle.

An alternative method is to wait seven hours, and then clean up the shards once the time is up. Lot less fuss.

8. New shoes on the table

Some historians believe that this superstition comes from the North of England and is related to the coal mining industry. When a miner died in a colliery accident, his shoes were placed on the table as a sign of respect. By extension, doing so was seen as tempting fate or simply as bad taste

If you accidentally place a new pair of shoes on a table you can remedy your impending bad luck by throwing salt over your left shoulder.

It is a common remedy for bad luck and can also be used to reverse the misfortunes of other superstitions too.

9. Crossing paths with a black cat

In many cultures black cats are associated with witchcraft. If you cross paths with one it is a bad omen.

It's believed if you say: “Black cat, cross my path – good fortune bring to home and hearth. When I am away from home, bring me luck wherever I roam”, you will reverse the misfortune.

10. Spilling salt

If you spill salt you're supposed to throw a pinch of it over your left shoulder.

The reason for this is that it will get rid of the evil spirits that were called upon you.

11. Turning a loaf of bread upside down once it has been sliced

A loaf of bread should never be turned upside down after a slice has been cut from it, as it is brings terrible luck.

If you hang a horse shoe - with the heels pointing up - it will 'catch good luck' and restore positive energy in your home.

12. Opening an umbrella indoors

According to superstition, bad luck will 'rain on you' if you open an umbrella indoors.

It comes from the days when people used umbrellas as protection from the sun and opening one inside was an insult to the sun god.

But if you leave it open indoors to let it dry then you'll be okay, because it was used outside first so you're not tempting ill fate.

13. Put an elephant ornament in your home

Rose Gold elephant ornament, £10 M&Co

We wanted to end on a positive note - after all today is unlucky as it is! So here is a superstition that it thought to bring good luck.

Elephants are a symbol of good luck throughout Asia because they represent wisdom, loyalty and reliabilty. Placing an elephant ornament in your home will encourage similar levels of protection and good fortune.