I've heard that the origin of the superstition about walking under a ladder got its start in siege situations. When the scaling ladders were put against the castle wall, some of the more cautious (not wanting to climb all the way just to the top to get pushed off backwards or get a crossbow bolt between the eyes or get their hair parted with a battle-ax) would duck around under the ladder rather than climbing it. They failed to realize that they were putting themselves into the perfect position to get the full effect of the boiling oil about to be poured.

I don't believe in walking under a ladder when a painter is falling. Be careful if a black cat crosses your path, especially if it's a hungry panther.

Don (LOOK OUT!!) Firth