How Left-Handedness Used to Be Seen as a Bad Omen — and Why I’m Proud to Be Left-Handed
Throughout much of history, being left-handed was associated with bad luck, weakness, or even evil. Let's talk about it.
Jenny Holly Hansen
By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 4, 2025
Being left-handed has always been a part of who I am. It’s second nature now — reaching for a pen, throwing a ball, or even just navigating the world designed for right-handers. But when I started digging into the history of left-handedness, I was shocked by how often it was seen as a bad omen, a flaw, or even something to be "corrected."
As a proud lefty, I find it fascinating — and a little infuriating — that something so natural was misunderstood for so long.
A Long History of Suspicion
Throughout much of history, being left-handed was associated with bad luck, weakness, or even evil. Across different cultures, left-handedness was viewed with deep suspicion:
- In Latin, the word for left is sinistra — the root of the English word sinister.
- In many European traditions, the left hand was thought to be connected to witchcraft or the devil.
- In Christian religious art, devils and demons were often depicted as left-handed to emphasize their corruption.
- In ancient superstitions, it was considered bad luck to step left foot first or to see a left-handed person at the start of a journey.
This bias wasn’t limited to folklore. For centuries, left-handed children were often forced to switch to using their right hand — especially in schools. Teachers would tie a child’s left hand behind their back or punish them for writing with it. The thinking was that left-handedness was a defect to be corrected, not a natural variation.
Why Was Left-Handedness Viewed So Negatively?
Some of it came down to sheer practicality. In a world built for the majority, tools, weapons, and writing systems were designed for right-handers. Lefties were seen as clumsy or uncoordinated simply because the tools they were given didn’t fit them.
But deeper than that, the fear of difference played a huge role. Throughout history, anything that deviated from the norm — whether in behavior, appearance, or skill — was often met with suspicion.
Being left-handed made people stand out, and unfortunately, standing out wasn't always a good thing in rigid, traditional societies.
The Shift Toward Acceptance
Thankfully, by the 20th century, attitudes began to change. Research showed that left-handedness is a natural and common human trait — about 10% of the global population is left-handed. Scientists also found that lefties often have strengths in areas like creativity, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning.
Today, we celebrate famous left-handers like Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, and Albert Einstein. Left-handed athletes, artists, and leaders are recognized not for their "difference," but for their unique talents.
While small inconveniences still exist — think about trying to use scissors, desks, or spiral notebooks! — being left-handed is now seen as just another way of being wonderfully human.
Final Thoughts
When I think about how left-handedness was once treated, I feel even prouder to be part of the lefty minority. It’s a reminder that what makes us different can also make us strong, creative, and resilient.
History might have tried to label left-handers as unlucky or wrong, but today, I wear it as a badge of honor. After all, in a right-handed world, being left-handed is its own kind of quiet rebellion — and a beautiful one at that.
Let’s Keep Talking:
Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.
She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.
She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/. Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social
Let’s Meet Up:
Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4
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