Show three on a match according to one theory this superstition arose during the world war I 1 when there was a very real danger in keeping a match lighted for a considerable length of time thus attracting tr the attention and giving him a cue for his aim another authority links it with eastern europe where three altar candles candle are lighted with one taper in the funeral service of the eastern catholic church the russians it is said considered it sacrilegious to mako make any other lights in a group of three and the superstition grew that ill luck will befall anyone who lights three cigarettes with one match or anyone who accepts such a light |