We’ve all heard the saying “sharing is caring”, but not everything is meant to be passed around—especially when it comes to energy, intention, and long-standing folk beliefs. Across cultures and spiritual traditions, there are everyday items that carry more than just physical function—they absorb emotions, hold symbolic meaning, and can even influence the energy flow in your home and life.
Whether you’re superstitious, spiritual, or just curious about these hidden meanings, here are five common things you should think twice about before lending—and what you can do instead.
1. Salt – Never Lend It, Only Give It Away
Salt might sit quietly in your kitchen, but spiritually, it’s one of the most powerful household items. For centuries, it’s been used in rituals for cleansing, protection, and warding off negativity.
In many cultures, lending salt is considered bad luck. The act of expecting it back implies a “broken” or incomplete exchange, which is believed to invite conflict, financial strain, or illness.
Spiritual tip: If someone asks to borrow salt, give it away freely—and never expect it to return. It’s a small gesture that honors tradition and keeps your household energy flowing clean and clear.
2. The Broom – Don’t Let It Sweep Away Your Fortune
Your broom does more than sweep up dust. In many folk beliefs, it also sweeps away energy—both good and bad. That’s why giving your broom to someone, or letting them borrow it, might symbolically transfer your home’s luck or prosperity.
In Caribbean, African, and Eastern European traditions, a household’s broom is closely linked to its financial well-being. Letting someone else use your broom could mean they’re carrying away more than just dirt.
Folk wisdom: If you’re gifting a broom (say, to someone moving into a new home), buy them a new one. And never give away the only broom you use—you could be giving away your wealth without realizing it.
3. Jewelry – Personal Energy You Don’t Want to Share
Jewelry sits directly against the skin. Over time, it’s believed to absorb the wearer’s emotions, energy, and even spiritual residue. That’s why lending your favorite necklace or ring could leave you feeling oddly drained—or feeling like something just isn’t right when it’s returned.
This is especially true for heirloom pieces or jewelry gifted during emotional times.
Spiritual tip: If you’re borrowing or buying secondhand jewelry, cleanse it first—either by placing it in sunlight, rinsing with salt water (if the metal allows), or smudging it with sage or incense.
If you’re giving jewelry as a gift, choose a new piece that hasn’t been worn, to ensure you’re passing on only good vibes.
4. Dishes and Tableware – Subtle Carriers of Home Energy
We don’t think much about the plates we eat from, but in feng shui and other folk systems, dishes absorb domestic energy—especially during family meals, celebrations, or even emotional conversations.
Lending out dishware, particularly your main set or cherished items, might unintentionally disrupt the energy flow in your home.
There’s also a superstition that chipped or cracked dishes represent broken relationships or incoming hardship. Continuing to use them might reflect (or attract) instability.
Mindful move: Avoid lending out your main dish set. If you’re giving dishes away, do it with clear intention. And if your favorite mug is chipped? It might be time to release it with gratitude.
5. Clothing – Especially What’s Worn Closest to the Body
Clothing—particularly pieces like hats, scarves, underlayers, and shoes—acts as a second skin. It absorbs sweat, scent, emotions, and energy. Lending or borrowing clothing can create subtle but very real shifts in your mood, sense of identity, or spiritual balance.
This doesn’t mean you should never thrift or borrow—but it does mean you should treat clothing more mindfully.
Energy tip: Always wash borrowed or secondhand clothes thoroughly, ideally with a bit of salt in the rinse water. Let them dry in sunlight or fresh air to help release lingering energy.
Some even place a small sachet of salt or herbs like lavender or rosemary in their closet for ongoing energetic protection.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Energy Isn’t Selfish
Whether you deeply believe in energy transfer or simply want to maintain a sense of calm and balance in your space, these traditions have one thing in common: respect for personal boundaries and intuition.
You don’t have to justify your choices to anyone. If something feels off about lending out your broom, your grandmother’s ring, or your favorite scarf, trust that feeling. It’s your energy—and you have every right to protect it.
And remember:
“It’s not about being stingy. It’s about staying spiritually grounded.”
So next time someone says, “Can I borrow this?”, don’t just answer with your mouth—listen to your gut, too.