New Year superstitions around the world, NYE traditions, and other facts

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Maria Alexandra

Happy New Year! 2013 is just around the corner and, in celebration, this week’s Cultural Tidbits Monday will be all about New Year superstitions around the world and other (mostly) unknown facts about New Year’s Day + its origins. Where was it first celebrated? What will people in other countries want to do tonight in order to increase their luck? What type of rituals must take place today in order to be prosperous in the next 12 months? Let’s find out!

Feliz Año Nuevo – Happy New Year! (Photo: Anvica)

New Year: (Mostly) Unknown Facts and (Debatable) Origins

* The most “unusual” fact about the New Year (on both the Roman and Gregorian calendar) is that, according to the Catholic Church, Jesus was circumcised on January 1st. Also, that’s when he got his name — on the 8th day after his birth. Say whaaa? Yeah, I said that too. [Wikipedia]

* New Year’s didn’t always fall on January 1st, though. In fact, the Western World started to celebrate it on January 1st in 1600 (Scotland). Until 1751, Great Britain and Wales celebrated it on March 25th, known as Lady Day.

For information about the changeover from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar and the effect on the dating of historical events etc., see Old Style and New Style dates [Wikipedia]

NYE Traditions and New Year Superstitions Around the World

* According to Chiff, one of the most popular New Year superstitions around the world is that if a tall, handsome dark man walks by your door right after midnight as a sign of good luck. Conversely, if the first person to walk into your home in the New Year happens to be a redhead, prepare for a lot of stress in the next 12 months! Funny eh?

* In Spain and many other Latin American countries, one of the top New Year superstitions is to eat 12 grapes at midnight — for good luck! The Portuguese eat 12 raisins instead.

* In the Philippines, children must jump A LOT at midnight in order to ensure that they will grow tall!

New Year superstitions around the world: Italian chiacchiere, or Angel Wings, pastry — to be eaten on NYE! (Marcin Floryan, Wiki)

* In Italy, many eat the popular carnival pastry chiacchiere to have a sweet, lucky New Year.

* Other countries believe that eating anything colored green (like money) brings prosperity in the New Year. Same thing for any food that comes “full circle” — like donuts or pretzels.

More New Year superstitions around the world: Lucky recipes!

* In Greece, New Year Day is like a second Christmas. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace, in hopes that St. Basil will fill them with gifts. Indeed, January 1st is the day of St. Basil, a holiday in the country and one that is quite similar to December 25th.

* Many Latinos (myself included!) Like to wear either bright RED or YELLOW underwear for Año Viejo and Año Nuevo. They are thought to bring much fortune in the New Year.

* Listen up, travelers! If you wish for globetrotting in 2013, make sure you run around the block with your luggage. This will make your dream come true! 😉

New Year superstitions around the world, running with luggage

Running with a SILVER suitcase at midnight? Even luckier (Quan the Pooh!, Flickr)

* Make sure you wear silver or gold colors to your party. One of the wildly-popular New Year superstitions around the world is that these 2 colors bring a lot of luck to your household if you are wearing them as the clock hits midnight!

Got New Year superstitions from your country? Share them below!

Spanish superstitions: Part 13 of the World’s Superstitions Series

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Maria Alexandra

Welcome to another edition of Cultural Tidbits Monday! After a 5-month hiatus, the World’s Superstitions Series is back. This week, we will learn about the quirky beliefs and traditions stemming from Spanish superstitions. Are the Spaniards guilty as charged? No doubt about it. Their superstitions list is so long, this post is merely an introduction.

Spanish soccer fans (David Wilson, Flickr)

Spanish superstitions list

* Let’s start with a Halloween Spanish superstition: Never leave a chimney uncapped, as witches may climb down it (and into your house)!

* Remember how Latinos believe that both Friday and Tuesday the 13th are unlucky days? In Spain, only Tuesday the 13th is avoided like the plague for events or traveling. There’s even a saying that solidifies this belief: Martes 13: ni te cases, ni te embarques (literally meaning “Tuesday 13: Don’t get married nor embark [a ship],” it actually rhymes in Spanish ;)).

* Boys and girls: Watch your feet when mama is sweeping the floor! According to Spanish superstitions, if broom hits the feet of a single person while sweeping the floor, that person will never get married.

* Never you leave your purse or wallet on the floor — you’ll attract bad luck. Your money will run away (or someone will steal it)!

NEVER do this. Why? Read on (Viren Kaul)

* Never toast with a glass of water: This is bad luck! In fact, it will get you seven years of bad sex. Bring on the sangria, people.

* In several Spanish households, moms preach to their children the walking barefoot will make them sick (specifically, catch a cold). Thus, it is prohibited to walk without slippers or shoes around the house. This superstition is not exclusive to Spain, by the way. Growing up in Puerto Rico, my mom used to yell at my sister for walking barefoot all the time! As for me, I would always get in trouble due to my constant encounters with the lethal Puerto Rican sereno…

* Never take a shower after dinner. According to Spanish superstitions, you’ll have a heart attack!

* Hear or see a cricket? Rejoice: That’s great luck! And if you kill one? Go to church, for you have committed a sin.

Crickets and Spanish superstitions: Great luck (Mark Robinson)

* On New Year Day, right when the clock hits midnight, one must throw a bucket of water out the window for purification and good luck. I love this one, especially because my family does it every year 🙂 Spanish superstitions and traditions, clearly, are deeply embedded in Puerto Rican culture.

* If a loved one calls you, don’t answer the phone with a “hello” — say bendición or bendiciones (“blessing” or “blessings”) instead. This is another lovely Spanish tradition that was brought to the Caribbean. Back in Puerto RIco though, it is mostly used to greet the elderly or your grandparents (out of respect).

* It is the Spanish belief, as is tradition, to name your child after the name of the Saint to which that day is dedicated. This one is close to my heart, as my grandfather (may he rest in peace) of Canarian descent named all my aunts and mom after the Saints of their birthdays.

San Juan de la Rambla, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Photo: BeeLoop SL)

That’s all for Spanish superstitions this week! If you would like a particular country featured, just contact me with a short blurb and list of unique beliefs and superstitions. Conversely, if your country has been previously featured (below), comment on that post to add on to the list!

Previously featured countries – World Superstitions blogs:
Puerto Rico
India
France
Australia
Palestine
Mexico
Egypt
Iceland
Kenya
The Netherlands
Panama
Austria

Got more Spanish superstitions to share? Comment below!

Austrian Superstitions: Part 12 of the World’s Superstitions Series

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Maria Alexandra

It’s Austrian superstitions time! Welcome to Cultural Tidbits Monday folks. This week, I decided to switch it up from Traveling through Food and delve deeper into cultures by resuming the World’s Superstition Series. It is crazy to see how many of them overlap from country to country and today we’ll see if this is the case or not when it comes to Austrians!

Austrian superstitions, garlic cold remedy

Austrian cold remedy! (Photo: Wiki Commons)

* Speaking of colds, what’s the no-fail remedy? According to Austrian superstitions, that shall be sliced garlic, mixed and downed with yogurt, while still raw. Hmm!

* Girls, listen up: Don’t sit on the sidewalk or steps outside while it’s cold, unless you want to get a dangerous UTI! As strange as it sounds, apparently, the cold can somehow penetrate your woo-ha (!?)

* According to Falkor.org: “Mentioning how much success you have, may cause bad luck. Therefore, knock on wood will prevent that good fortune/luck will leave you.” This is not only part of Austrian superstitions, but also other Western Europeans’ (including Dutch, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Ukrainian) and America!

Man owning a white horse? Could be bad!

* Now these Austrian superstitions findings are golden: They were printed on The Clinton Morning Age newspaper back in June of 1897!

* It is unlucky to enter the house with your left foot forward
* It is unlucky to ride behind a bobtailed horse at a funeral
* Woe to the man or woman who sneezes while looking at the new moon
* It is unlucky to sneeze before breakfast or to tell dreams before taking a drink of water
* If a man owns a white horse, a white cow, and a white cat, and then caps the climax by carrying a white umbrella, the average Austrian will not associate with him

See that stuffing? The Topfen Treatment! (Photo: sierravalleygirl, Flickr)

Now, are you ready for, quite literally, the crème de la crèmeof the Austrian superstitions? As told by Kate Reuterswärd on her blog about expat life in Sweden:

My all-time favorite, although I think this is an Austria-only superstition, is definitely the Topfen Treatment. Topfen (also known as Quark, Weißkäse, or Kesella) is a lot like cottage cheese, and in Austria, it’s a common filling for desserts. When my friend, Elaine, got carpal tunnel syndrome in Vienna, her doctor told her that surgery was unnecessary because all she needed to do was let her wrist rest in a good amount of quark, as the cheese would “draw the inflammation out.” Right.

Aww Kate, too bad, I was about to splatter some cottage cheese on my wrists! Speaking of which, they are hurting, so I’m going to go and take a little break now…

Previously featured countries:
Puerto Rico
India
France
Australia
Palestine
Mexico
Egypt
Iceland
Kenya
The Netherlands
Panama

Know any other Austrian superstitions? Share them in a comment below!

Panamanian superstitions: The World’s Superstitions Series pt 11!

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Maria Alexandra

Resuming the popular series, today we discuss Panamanian superstitions and see what they have in common with the other World’s Superstitions. Namely, my first Panama trip was back in March 2010 and was pleasantly surprised to notice how similar their customs, traditions, and even natural landscapes are to my homeland’s (Puerto Rico). Hope you learn something new today! 🙂

"El Chupacabra" attacks once more! Keep reading

* “Cuidado con El Sereno“! That evil, invisible fog appears between sunset and dusk. It can cause all types of illnesses, almost like one of the plagues in Moses time. It is not only part of Panamanian superstitions, but also shared with several Latin American countries, including my island! As a kid, I could never go out at night while my hair was still somewhat wet or with a little tank top on, as Mr Sereno could give me pneumonia in a second.

* Oh, El Chupacabra! Just like Puerto Ricans, this feared animal eater is vivid among Panamanian superstitions. If you have a farm, wake up one morning and one (or several) of them are dead, they must have been eaten by the Chupacabra. Guaranteed.

what an "espasmo" apparently looks like (ThingsPanamaniansLike.com)

* Panamanians have a curious sensitivity when it comes to hot and cold changes. For instance, if you burn yourself with a hot iron, you should not wash the area with cold water right away. Also, if you have been performing arduous manual labor for hours, it is advised that you cool off for a bit first before taking a cold shower. Something about sudden temperature changes could get you sick? No one really knows. Regardless, Panamanians are careful about this!

* According to Mr Panamaniac, you must never eat a watermelon if there’s liquor around. Ever. Apparently, the watermelon-liquor mix could be deadly and throw you into an espasmo.

* Speaking of espasmos, this medical “condition” cannot be really explained, but according to Panamanians, it definitely exists and one should be careful not to fall into one. The hot and cold combo explained earlier on this post is apparently a common cause of espasmos, in addition to ironing prior to moisture exposure (a sink? Toilet? Rain? Either).

The Tulivieja! (Photo:ThePanamaNews.com)

* What about fortune? Oh, the Panamanian superstitions list is shock-full of it! So, what are some rules of thumb? Johannica gives us the lowdown: Planning on cutting your hair? Do it during full moon for good luck. Raining outside? Do not open the umbrella inside–it’s bad omen! Baptize your children as soon as possible–or else the Tulivieja will take them away. Broke a mirror? Ahh, seems like that’s a seven-year bad-luck sentence everywhere in the world.

* Speaking of La Tulivieja…who is she?! According to Panamanian superstitions, she is a woman who lost her baby, died, and now wanders from river to river at night crying for her baby son: “Mi hiiiijo, mi hiiijo!” What’s interesting is that a similar legend exists in Mexico, with the same back-story, only that she’s named La Llorona.

And that’s it for Panamanian superstitions today! Every other Monday I’ll post a brand new list of superstitions from a [surprise] country. Would love to learn more about the customs and traditions of a particular place? Suggestions for future posts are always welcome! 😉 Just contact me and I’ll feature it. Hasta luego!

Previously featured countries:
Puerto Rico
India
France
Australia
Palestine
Mexico
Egypt
Iceland
Kenya
The Netherlands

Got more Panamanian superstitions? Share them in a comment below!

Dutch superstitions: The World’s Superstitions Series pt 10!

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Maria Alexandra

Alo alo! I am back from Curacao and South Beach, Miami! Amazing trips of course, travel tales to start flooding in later this week! For now, I decided to keep the Cultural Tidbits Monday in full force. So…what more fitting than talking about Dutch superstitions today, when just returning from one of the Netherlands Antilles last week!? I wonder if Curacaoans share the same beliefs as their European ancestors…but the deeper analysis to come later on! For now, let’s just list some Dutch superstitions!

* As with many other world superstitions, cats are a central part of Dutch superstitions and beliefs. For instance, seeing a black cat during a journey could signify a bad premonition. Thus, extra caution must be taken for the rest of the trip, as it was probably a fair warning that bad luck would come your way.

Black paint = a great thing, according Dutch superstitions!? Keep reading! (Photo:Andres Remy Architects)

* Among other interesting Dutch superstitions, which we also learned is shared with many other nationalities as well: Walking under a ladder = BIG no no! It is bad luck and should be avoided at all costs. One should always walk around a ladder instead.

* Like singing? Limit it to the shower when in your house: Singing at the dinning table means singing to the devil for your supper!

* “A stitch in time saves nine”…

* The evil eye is also taken seriously by the Dutch. While Arabs usually utilize the hamza to guard off evil though, according to Dutch superstitions the same “protective” effect is achieved with black paint. Yes, black. Not such an unlucky color after all!

* “Knock knock” — come in? Nope! If someone’s at your door, always open it for the guest. Why? Because according to Dutch superstitions, if the door blows open instead, you are inviting the devil inside your home!

* Speaking of the devil, if you spill salt, not only should you make sure to throw it over your shoulder, but also that it is your LEFT — we want to throw it over the devil’s face! 😉

What do dark-haired men have to do with Dutch superstitions?! Keep reading! (Photo: Lane Carlson)

* Aaaand a black cat crossed your path…I think we’ve heard those world superstitions before!

* A teenage girl whistles a lot? Uh-oh! According to Dutch superstitions, she is more likely to have a baby out of wedlock (yikes!)

* “Step on a crack, you break your mother’s back”…

* “The more you stir it, the more it stinks” (I’m pretty sure this is global)

* New Years is coming and we all want a strike of good luck, right? Then make sure a dark-haired male is the first person to walk through your front door right after midnight. I doubt many women (and some men) will oppose to this! 😉

* And speaking of New Years: Dutch superstitions say that whatever you do on New Year’s Day is what you will be doing rest of the year. Now that’s something to plan for!

Previously featured countries:
Puerto Rico
India
France
Australia
Palestine
Mexico
Egypt
Iceland
Kenya

Got more Dutch superstitions? Share them in a comment below!

Kenyan superstitions – The World’s Superstitions Series pt 9

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Maria Alexandra

After a three-month hiatus, I’ve decided to bring back The World’s Superstitions series! They were (and still are!) quite popular posts and I think we can learn much about different cultures by bringing them back to latinAbroad 😀 So! Today we travel to Africa, pass by the Masai Mara & get a list of Kenyan superstitions!

Kenyan superstitions series - Kenyan flag

Photo: Kevin Walsh, WikiCommons

Kenyan superstitions are generally known to be myths created in order to protect families from disease and bad behaviors. But, as with superstitions in much of the world, others simply reflect many cultural values and beliefs (good or bad). I have added additional explanations and notes respectively.

* Ladies, watch your hubbies drinking closely at night! Because if he drinks out of a bottle or “vessel” at the wee hours and then forgets to cover it, his soul will dive into it!

* Want countless of blessings? Then never sweep at night! According to Kenyan superstitions, sweeping under the moonlight will chase blessings away. An underlying truth about this superstitions (or so Kenyans say) is that it make sense because by sweeping, you may throw away something of value that was dropped unwillingly. Makes sense…but in my case, I actually find things when I sweep! Oh well…I agree to disagree 😉

* Another man behavior to watch: Don’t let him go to bed with dirty feet. Or else? The devil will come at night and lick his tootsies (ewww…)

* Speaking of man behavior, if you wish to know if your man is lying (about anything), just watch where he drinks his water from. Is it the bathroom faucet? Uh-oh! (Note: In reality, this superstition was invented in order to keep people from drinking contaminated water)

* Mwenye kula miguu ya kuku atakuwa daima katika mwendo tu – “He who eats a fowl’s legs will become a wanderer” (awesome, now I know what to give the man I wish to marry! (*evil grin* bahaha…)

* Mothers, don’t ever leave your babies unattended! According to Kenyan superstitions, if a baby is left alone inside a room, the devil will possess him/her. Another interesting cultural fact is that many Kenyans believe Albinos are “victims” of this type of “neglect” and are now “changelings”

Photo: Angela Sevin, WikiCommons

* Another tip to mothers: Overly affectionate with your bundle of joy? Make sure you don’t kiss him/her as he/she sleeps. Why? Kenyans believe it will make the baby grow conceited!

* Kupiga uluzi ni kuita shetani – “To whistle is to call the devil” (YIKES! Many of my friends are so so screwed here…)

* And let’s see if you recognize this one: Seeing a black cat at night means bad omen. Oh! We’ve heard that one before… 😉

* Careful when handing scissors to a Kenyan – simply don’t do it directly. Huh? Put them on the table instead for your Kenyan friend to pick them up. Why, you may ask? According to Kenyan superstitions, if scissors are handed directly to someone, it means a sign of hatred toward that person!

* Want to get married later in life? Then follow one of the door Kenyan superstitions: Make it a habit to sit on the doorstep! Kenyans actually wanted to discourage any waiting by the door so telling this to kids would prevent them from doing so. In my case though? The total opposite! (I’m so doing this now..)

* Another door-related superstition: “He who eats while standing on the door-step
will be knocked down by a devil” (another superstition invented to discourage the bad habit of hanging by the doors)

* Kuzaliwa na vidole sita ni mabruki – “To be born with six fingers Is to have good fortune”

Photo: SvonHalenbach, WikiCommons

And that shall be all for Kenyan superstitions (source: mwambao.com)! Next Monday I’ll post a brand new list of superstitions from a [surprise] country. Interested on knowing more about a particular place? Suggestions for future posts are more than welcome! 😉 Just contact me or tweet me. Until then, Tutaonana!

Previously featured countries:
Puerto Rico
India
France
Australia
Palestine
Mexico
Egypt
Iceland

Got more Kenyan superstitions? Share them in a comment below!

Icelandic superstitions: Part 8 of series

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Maria Alexandra

So it is MONDAY, meaning we resume the already-popular The World’s Superstitions series! Today we travel to Europe, oh-so-close of the Arctic circle and grab a list of Icelandic superstitions! If you have any suggestions for future Monday cultural tidbits posts please let me know with a comment below! Any feedback is appreciated!

* Want a little weather forecast? Look at your cows. If they are licking trees, there’s a high chance of rain!

* Moving to a new house? Make sure you do so on a rainy day. Why? According to Icelandic superstitions, doing so will bring you wealth!

* If you are fasting, pay attention to your sneezing. If you sneeze three times before breaking fast on a Sunday, you will get some reward that week! Oh an by the way, if you are sick but also happen to sneeze three times on a Sunday, that means you are getting better and will be healthy soon.

Elf houses near Strandakirkja, Iceland (by Christian Bickel, Wiki Commons)

* Is mingling with elves and other “hidden people” on your bucket list? Then Iceland should be on your travel bucket list as well! Icelandic superstitions say that Hafnarfjordur (second largest port in Iceland) not only recognizes elves as citizens, but they also enjoy civil rights on this town. Gotta head that way next time I visit!

* Pay attention to your pregnant animals in the beginning of winter. Why? If the first calf born during the winter is white, the winter will be a bad one!

* Speaking of seasons, sheep are key weather forecasters. According to Icelandic superstitions, if sheep gnash their teeth during round-up in the autumn, that winter will be harsh. Conversely, if sheep gnash their teeth any other time or season, it still equates awful weather!

* Puerto Ricans have the Chupacabra superstition, Australians have the Bunyip superstition…while Icelanders have the Jólasveinar! Part of Icelandic superstitions since the 17th century, they are the sons of Grýla and Leppalúði, who themselves appeared in the 13th century and were thought to be thieves and children eaters. Yikes!

* There’s more than one mischievous, criminal Yule lad however (according to Icelandic superstitions!). Other examples include Stekkjastaur (harasser of sheep), Gluggagægir (looked through windows for things to steal), Stúfur (steals pans in order to eat the crumbs and crust left), Ketkrókur (meat stealer, using a hook to do so), and Bjúgnakrækir (sausage snatcher, but only if they are smoked!). I’m not sure whether I want to go back to Iceland now with all this knowledge…seems like I was very lucky last time! That or they just don’t like to come out during the winter…

And that shall be all for Icelandic superstitions! Next Monday I shall have a new [surprise] country and its nice list of superstitions! If there is a particular country you would like me to research, tell me in your response so I take it into consideration! (Hint: I will probably write about every country I am provided *wink*)

Previously featured countries:
Puerto Rico
India
France
Australia
Palestine
Mexico
Egypt

Know any other Icelandic superstitions? Share them in a comment below!

Egyptian Superstitions: Part 7 of series

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Maria Alexandra

So it is MONDAY, meaning we resume the already-popular The World’s Superstitions series! Today we travel to the sands of the Sahara, all the way through the Middle East and grab a list of Egyptian superstitions! The coolest thing about today’s feature is that I have included both ancient Egyptian and modern Egyptian superstitions to see how they compare. Cool huh?! So let’s do this! If you have any suggestions for future Monday cultural tidbits posts please let me know with a comment below! Any feedback is appreciated!

* Failed in a relationship or your studies? According to Egyptian superstitions, someone cast a spell on you (aka black magic)!

* In Ancient Egypt, newborns were not bathed for 2 weeks in order to ward off the evil eye

* Newlyweds: Want a pinch of good luck for your marriage (literally)? Then make sure the bride is pinched by all women on her wedding day!

Why all the blue turquoise on this pectoral of Ramses II? Keep reading!

* Ancient Egyptians believed that suddenly awakening someone was truly dangerous and had to be avoided. Why? There was a high risk that the person’s soul could leave the body in the process — yikes!

* Guess what? It was Egyptians who originated the belief that cats have nine lives! Not only part of Egyptian superstitions anymore, but rather worldwide superstitions nowadays!

* As in every other country we have previously featured, black cats are bad omens. However, as a unique Egyptian superstition, owls are also bad news!

* While it is universally believed that walking under a ladder is bad luck, ancient Egyptians actually placed ladders inside the tombs of deceased kings in order to help them “climb heavenward”! What a contrast, eh?

* According to both ancient and modern Egyptian superstitions, the figure of a blue bead, blue eye and a human palm wards off from evil. Sounds familiar? Of course, just like the Palestinian hamza! In fact, this belief is widespread throughout the Arab world (aka north Africa and the Middle East)

* Ancient Egyptian women believed that throwing some salt over their shoulder (or even gasp while broiling garlic!) prior to cooking a meal would make it taste delicious. I gotta try that one out…

* To an Egyptian, leaving scissors open or a pair of shoes upside down bring bad luck, so make sure you never do this in their presence!

* According to ancient Egyptian superstitions, blue turquoise protects you against the evil eye and bad luck. Thus, wear it all the time! (funny: This has actually been my favorite color since I was very young! Lucky me!)

* A general interesting fact? Most (if not all) modern Egyptian superstitions are “contained by faith in Allah”

And that shall be all for Egyptian superstitions, ancient and modern! Next Monday I shall have a new [surprise] country and its nice list of superstitions! If there is a particular country you would like me to research, tell me in your response so I take it into consideration! (Hint: I will write about every country I am provided ;))

Previously featured countries:
Puerto Rico
India
France
Australia
Palestine
Mexico

Got more Egyptian superstitions? Share them in a comment below!

Mexican Superstitions: Part 6 of World Superstitions series

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Maria Alexandra

And so it is MONDAY, meaning we resume the already-popular The World’s Superstitions series! Today we travel back to Latin America and grab a list of Mexican superstitions, the 14th largest country in the world! If you have any suggestions for future Monday cultural tidbits posts please let me know with a comment below! Any feedback is appreciated!

* In order to avoid the evil eye, you must follow these rules of thumb: Never walk beneath a ladder, never cross a black cat’s path & remember Tuesday is an unlucky day to start anything. Sound familiar? *wink*

* Having a baby? Remember not to cut his/her little fingernails before age one! Or else the child will have impaired eyesight…yikes!

* Another “tip” to protect your baby: If someone gives your child a compliment, he/she must touch the baby while doing so or else he/she has just given your child the evil eye!

Mexican superstitions mainly involve pregnant women and children

* One way to tell the above? If your child is suffering of nausea, crying fits, high fever or any type of swelling. These symptoms are thought to be a result of “mal de ojo” or evil eye in Spanish, so watch out! To break the “spell,” simply rub 3 mouthfuls of water on the affected areas

* To protect you and your children from the “mal de ojo,” you could also wear red bracelets

* If you are pregnant, do not walk outside during a lunar eclipse! According to Mexican superstitions, it is thought that you may give birth to a baby with a cleft palate

* Oh man…is it all about babies?! Well, I found one that isn’t! Here it is: Like Puerto Ricans, according to Mexican superstitions, the Chupacabra exists. You know, the carnivore animal that eats all you domestic animals left outside? Yep, that one.

* And here’s another “universal” Mexican superstition: Dropped a tortilla? That’s good luck! Means you will enjoy lots of company =)

* It is common in Mexican households to not cut their children’s hair until they grow up, as they believe the long hair will equal strength (Samson, anyone?)

* Another “tip” if you are expecting: Wearing a safety pin in your undies is another way of protecting your baby from the evil eye, full moon, and other “calamities”

And that shall be all for Mexican superstitions! Next Monday I shall have a new [surprise] country and its nice list of superstitions! If there is a particular country you would like me to research, tell me in your response so I take it into consideration! (Hint: I will probably write about every country I am provided *wink*)

Previous featured countries:
Puerto Rico
India
France
Australia
Palestine

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Travel blog of a Puerto Rican translator

Category Archives: The World’s Superstitions