Kids believed that holding their breath while driving or riding through a tunnel brought good luck, and if they failed, bad luck would follow.
This is a widespread childhood game with no magical basis whatsoever. It's simply a fun challenge passed down through generations, likely originating as a way to keep kids entertained on car rides. Whether you hold your breath or not has zero impact on your luck or safety.
Reception
Sources
- Wikipedia: List of Superstitions PRIMARY
- Reddit: History of Tunnel Breath Game REFERENCE
- Psychology Today: Childhood Superstitions REFERENCE