For many centuries money has been seen as a symbol of power, therefore finding money is considered to be lucky. The old rhyme goes "See a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck, give it to a faithful friend, then your luck will never end!" Another belief is that if you find a penny lying face up, with the date marked on it matching the year of your birth you are in for a fantastic year ahead. However, if it is found lying face down then it should not be picked up. Some superstitious people say you should spit on the first penny of change you receive each day and you should then turn it over three times in the palm of your hand and keep it safe, to bring luck with you for the rest of the day. An old tradition rising from superstition is to put a few shiny pennies in the pram of a newborn baby. This is to bring luck & prosperity to the child in later life.
