The lucky cigarette rule is a superstition originating with soldiers during World War II, where the first cigarette from a new pack is inverted and saved to be the last one smoked. The belief was that if a soldier lived long enough to smoke this particular cigarette, they were considered truly lucky.
What is the Lucky Cigarette Rule?
The lucky cigarette rule is a historical tradition primarily associated with soldiers, particularly during World War II. It involves a specific practice when opening a fresh pack of cigarettes, imbued with a sense of hope and superstition regarding survival.
Origin and Significance
This unique custom emerged from the harsh realities faced by soldiers in combat zones. In a time when daily survival was uncertain, small rituals offered a sense of control or good fortune. The lucky cigarette became a powerful symbol of resilience and fate.
- World War II Genesis: The practice became widespread among military personnel during the second World War.
- Symbol of Survival: The core idea behind the rule was that if one survived the perilous conditions of war long enough to reach and smoke the designated "lucky" cigarette, it signified immense fortune or divine protection.
How to Practice the Lucky Cigarette Rule
The process for observing the lucky cigarette rule is simple and straightforward:
- Open a New Pack: When a new pack of cigarettes is opened, the very first cigarette typically drawn out is identified.
- Invert the Cigarette: Instead of smoking it immediately, this first cigarette is placed back into the pack, but upside down. This distinguishes it from the other cigarettes.
- Smoke It Last: The inverted cigarette is then reserved and intended to be the very last one smoked from that pack.
Key Elements of the Lucky Cigarette Rule
To summarize, the rule encapsulates several key components:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Developed among soldiers during World War II. |
| Practice | Flipping the first cigarette in a new pack upside down. |
| Intention | Saving the inverted cigarette to be the very last one smoked from the pack. |
| Symbolism | Represents luck and survival if one lives long enough to smoke it. |
This tradition, though tied to a bygone era of widespread smoking and specific historical circumstances, highlights the human tendency to create rituals and find hope in challenging times.
