It is an Irish tradition/superstition to hang an iron horseshoe (iron keeps bad faeries away) open-end-up above the door. The good luck that enters the house is caught in the U of the horseshoe and held there to protect the house and occupants.
Reply by
Catman (1):
My late Nan was Irish on my mothers side, and as far back as I remember she always had a horse shoe hung above her door. She was born in Maguiresbridge but moved into Enniskillen at the age of 5. This was in County Fermanagh, one of the stolen counties. add a comment
Old horseshoes were made out of iron, and it was once believed that "cold iron" would keep the dark faeries away. Hanging it on the door (entrance) would prevent a faerie from entering your home and doing damage within.
My late Nan was Irish on my mothers side, and as far back as I remember she always had a horse shoe hung above her door. She was born in Maguiresbridge but moved into Enniskillen at the age of 5. This was in County Fermanagh, one of the stolen counties. add a comment