Breaking a Wishbone Brings Luck

Why Splitting a Wishbone Is Tied to Fortune and Ancient Divination

Details

The act of breaking a wishbone involves two participants pulling on opposite ends of a dried bird’s furcula—typically from a chicken or turkey—until it snaps. The person who ends up with the larger piece, particularly the one with the central V-shaped section intact, is said to receive good luck or have their wish come true. The ritual is often accompanied by silent or whispered wish-making before the break.

The tradition is based on the belief that birds, especially chickens, possessed prophetic abilities. The wishbone was seen as holding residual oracular power after the bird’s death. Participants believe that the act of pulling and the resulting shape of the break determine which individual the unseen forces favor. Unlike many superstitions, this practice is interactive and centers on chance and competition.

Historical Context

This tradition began with the ancient Etruscans around 800 BCE. Chickens were considered oracular birds whose bones held prophetic power. The furcula (wishbone) was dried in the sun and preserved. When seeking divine guidance, people would stroke these bones and make wishes. Romans later adopted this practice, introducing the competitive breaking element. The tradition spread throughout Europe and eventually to North America with European settlers.

Modern Relevance

Breaking the wishbone remains a common post-dinner ritual following Thanksgiving and Christmas meals in the United States, Canada, and Britain. Turkey producers now include wishbone information in packaging, and plastic wishbone alternatives have been manufactured for vegetarian families who wish to maintain the tradition without using animal bones.

Sources

Panati, C. (2016). Panati’s Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things. Chartwell Books.
Aveni, A. (2002). The Book of the Year: A Brief History of Our Seasonal Holidays. Oxford University Press.

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