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
Hello! I found your piece on Egyptian superstitions on my Facebook (I don’t even know how, cos I don’t remember signing up for it :)…) but I truly loved it and enjoyed it!! From now on I want to keep reading your postings and try to miss out on any!! I’m afraid I only caught this last one on the superstitions of Egypt; so I missed the 6 prior installments. I would very much love to read them; not only because I’m fascinated with Egypt and have 2 great friends there; which I have adopted as my sisters; but also cos I’m hoping and praying to be able to go there sometime next year… Is there a way to get your complete piece on all the superstitions?? I would love it so much if you could help me get it (or show me how to find it, if it’s online somewhere…)
Thank You kindly!!
Willow Francis
Hamburg, NY
Hello Willow! I don’t know if you noticed, but at the end of this entry I have included links to all previous superstitions (other countries). You may click any of those countries in order to see their superstitions. Glad you like the series!