Three Off One Match

The superstition that three people should never light their cigarettes from a single match is one of the most widespread tobacco-related beliefs, with deep historical roots.

Origin of the superstition

This belief has several possible origins, each tied to military conflict and the emergence of accurate firearms. The most popular version dates to the Second Boer War of 1899–1902, when the Boers — descendants of Dutch colonists in South Africa — waged a guerrilla war against British forces.

The Boers were excellent marksmen, a skill honed by their way of life: as farmers, they constantly had to defend themselves against wild animals and local tribes. In the guerrilla war, they used sniper tactics. The logic of the superstition was simple and lethally practical: when the first soldier struck a match, a Boer sniper would spot the flame and locate the enemy's position; when the second man lit up from the same match, the sniper would take aim; and by the time the third man's turn came — the shot rang out.

Russian roots of the tradition

The superstition, however, also has older roots, tied to the Russian Orthodox tradition. According to church regulations, only a priest has the right to light three candles on the altar from a single candle — symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Ordinary parishioners are forbidden to do this, and this prohibition is what gave rise to the folk belief.

During the Crimean War (1853–1856), Russian prisoners of war were already refusing to light three flames from one match, citing precisely this church tradition. Later, during the First World War, the superstition acquired a new, militarily practical explanation: "The German soldier spots the first light, takes aim on the second, and fires on the third."

Spread and variations

Interestingly, similar superstitions existed in different armies across different historical periods. During the defense of Sevastopol, Russian sailors suffered from the accurate fire of British and French rifled muskets — the forerunners of sniper rifles. Many officers and sailors died specifically because they failed to observe the rule that "the third man doesn't light up."

The superstition spread quickly among all smoking segments of the population and became firmly rooted in the popular consciousness. Even in peacetime, smokers instinctively avoid being the third to light up from one match, passing the lighter or matches to the next person with the words: "Light your own!"

Social aspect

Among smokers, this rule became an unwritten law of etiquette. In cramped smoking areas — whether at airports, on trains, or in theater lobbies — observing this rule is seen as a sign of respect for one's fellow smokers and an understanding of shared traditions.

Breaking the rule is often seen as a bad omen, one that can bring misfortune not only on the "third" person, but on the whole group. Some smokers attribute various personal misfortunes to this superstition — from illness to bad luck in business.

Modern perception

At the end of the 20th century, amid social upheaval and uncertainty, superstitions like this one took on special significance. People sought grounding in traditions and omens, trying to find some kind of order in the chaotic reality of a transitional era.

For a character like Zhorik, an experienced and worldly-wise man, such rules become part of his life philosophy — a set of simple truths that help him avoid trouble. He places the ban on being the third to light up alongside other bits of practical wisdom, turning the superstition into practical advice.