The Blacksmith and the Devil
In the Irish story of the blacksmith and the devil, one day a blacksmith was working hard forging horseshoes. Suddenly, the devil appeared and demanded his own shoes. The blacksmith, recognizing the devil, took a burning-hot shoe and nailed it deep into the devil's hooves.
The devil was in such excruciating pain, he ripped the horseshoes off and swore he would never go near one again. Thus, the tradition of hanging a horseshoe over the entrance of a house to ward off evil spirits was born.
The Power of Iron
Early Western Europeans believed that iron had magical powers and could drive away evil. Mischievous fairies and sprites were repelled by iron. Horseshoes, being made of iron, became protective talismans.
Other legends said that witches were so afraid of iron horseshoes, they traveled by broomstick instead of horseback. 8th-century Chaldeans believed the crescent shape of the horseshoe protected against the evil eye.
The Significance of 7
Horseshoes usually have seven holes to secure them to a horse's hoof. The number 7 is respected across cultures for its frequent appearances in nature and life: seven continents, seven seas, seven colors in a rainbow and seven days in a week. Seven amplifies the horseshoe's lucky aura.
Some people hang the horseshoe in the heels-up position, resembling a "U," to prevent good luck from spilling out and evil being returned to the universe. Others believe in the heels-down orientation, showering blessings on those who pass beneath.
Price is for one horseshoe unadorned.
