Hat on a bed-shoes on a table

[dougielogan]

Why is it considered bad luck to put a hat on a bed or a pair of shoes on a table.

[Famous5]

The shoes on the table are reminiscent of boots placed on a coffin. Don't know about the hat on the bed though.

[Lillabet]

I think it is basically the same point as boots on the table.

After you died you would be dressed in your best clothes and laid out on the bed (or perhaps table.) This would be the only time you would wear your best outdoor hat (I'm guessing nightcaps as worn in the best period dramas didn't count) whilst on your bed. So it was associated with death and therefore thought unlucky

[Clare A]

Never thought of that association. My Mum was obsessive about shoes (not being) on the table, but I think it was only new shoes. Perhaps the deceased would have new or their best shoes on?

[mr. piper]

the hat on the bed is easy , its probably belongs to some other bu**er, what is it doin in your bedroom?

[landie]

I would assume that the avoidance of putting ones boots on a table would date back to when the streets were lined with sewage and your boots got covered in it. It was therefore to prevent disease being spread.