If you grew up in a superstitious household, you'll probably be familiar with certain expressions.
On the first of every month, you might have heard the phrases 'pinch punch' and 'white rabbits' being thrown about because they supposedly bring good luck.
#PinchPunch even trends on Twitter on the first day of each month.
With these sayings come various rumours about when and why you're meant to say them.
Why do we pinch people to celebrate a new page in our calendar? And can you only say "white rabbits" in months which contain the letter R?
There are several explanations as to why we say this every month. Have a read of the theories below, according to Wales Online , and pick your favourite.
Witches
"Originating from old England times when people thought that witches existed.
"People thought that salt would make a witch weak, so the pinch part is pinching of the salt, and the punch part was to banish the witch.
Is this where it comes from? (Image: Getty Images)
Is this where it comes from? (Image: Getty Images)
"The witch would be weak from the salt so the punch was to banish her."
Presidential ritual
"As president, George Washington met local Indian tribes on the first day of each month, when he would supply fruit punch with an added pinch of salt.
"It became known as 'pinch and punch on the first of the month'."
So where do the white rabbits come in?
White rabbits, white rabbits' was recorded as far back as 1909 in the 'Notes and Queries' book from 1909.
The quote reads: "My two daughters are in the habit of saying 'Rabbits!' on the first day of each month.
"The word must be spoken aloud, and be the first word said in the month. It brings luck for that month. Other children, I find, use the same formula."
When do you say it?
According to playground rules, your pinch and punch has to be followed immediately with the words, "White rabbits, no return". By saying so, it means you can't be pinched back.
There are claims it was widely used among RAF bomber aircrew during WWII, who would say "white rabbits" after waking up to protect themselves.
The truth is, nobody actually knows for sure where they came from - but these are pretty good theories to go on.
