Superstitions of Mexico Do you want to learn what the most common superstitions of Mexico are? Read this article and learn all about what Mexicans’ worry about.
Superstitions are ancient beliefs that have changed the habits and customs of many people for centuries. Deep down it is known that they have no logic, but they are still valid because it works on different occasions to explain some event. Even the most skeptical sometimes feels that a superstition is not a myth, but that a negative event happened to him because he crossed paths with a black cat at that time, for example.
They are beliefs that are inherently present in the unconscious of the human being, and today, it is practically impossible to stop believing in them. In fact, most people act on a superstition, how to make a wish on the birthday and blow out all the candles.
Whether due to tradition, culture or faith, Mexicans do not stop using superstitions to understand a situation or prevent it from happening. They may not even know why a certain superstition like blowing out candles is practiced. What is certain is that, although it does not have a logical or scientific basis, they continue to do this every year.
What are the superstitions of Mexico that Mexicans believe in?
From feeling a slight chill when coming across a black cat to not getting married or embarking on a Tuesday the 13th, Mexicans believe in all kinds of superstitions without scientific evidence. Surely it is that the traditions in Mexico encompass a series of beliefs to try to explain bad luck, such as losing money on a bet because a bag was placed on the floor. It is an important part of the culture. Some very recurrent superstitious beliefs in this country are described below:
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#1 Superstitions of Mexico: Make a wish when blowing out all the candles
Since ancient times, birthdays have been celebrated with cakes and lighted candles, specifically since the Late Middle Ages, which is when the custom of placing candles on birthday cakes began. The number of candles depended on the number of years the person is turning.
The action of blowing out all the candles arises from the beliefs of Greece, in which the smoke reaches the gods transporting the wish made by the birthday boy. The wish can come true if they all go out, which was essential for good luck during the year.
#2 Superstitions of Mexico: Make a toast with water
According to Greek mythology, the dead condemned to eternal suffering would have to drink water from the river Lethe in the Underworld. The Greeks then honored these dead by toasting with glasses filled with water; they symbolized the journey of the damned to the depths. That is why today it is believed that making a toast with water indicates a bad omen, like wishing for bad luck or a death sentence.
#3 Superstitions of Mexico: Sweep the feet
The superstition of sweeping feet is related to witches and brooms. In the 16th century, Europeans thought that broom bristles were made with sexual properties, so they acquired a new use from the sexual and esoteric value. The broomstick had a meaning alluding to male sexuality, while the bristles allude to female sexuality.
When the Spanish arrived in Mexico they brought with them this belief that is still rooted in their towns and communities. Therefore, if a woman has her feet swept, she thinks that she will marry an old man, known to have more sexual experience.
#4 Superstitions of Mexico: Spill out salt
The most common omen is spilling salt on the table or floor. It originates from the ancient times when people paid with salt, which made people afraid to spill it. This condiment became a means of payment that produced the term “salary”, so no one liked to share it. That is why, at present, if someone spills the salt it is synonymous with bad luck and it is believed that they will experience bad times.
Consequently, in different towns the salt shaker is not usually passed by hand or moved too much. Although the new generations go through something if the salt is spilled or not.
#5 Superstitions of Mexico: Black Cat
The most classic superstition is that of the black cat. Catholicism adopted the black cat as a negative symbol representing the embodiment of evil and the devil. There are those who still think that a black cat that crosses the road brings bad luck and they have to take care of themselves.
#6 Superstitions of Mexico: Open an umbrella indoors
In the middle of a rain there is a need to cover oneself with an umbrella to avoid getting wet, it is also used to reduce high exposure to the sun. Regardless of the reasons, some Mexicans tend to open their umbrellas before going outside and close them after entering the house. Others, on the other hand, prefer that the umbrella not be left open indoors because it is something that brings bad luck to the home.
The explanation for this superstition is that most of the times an umbrella was opened at home, valuables such as a vase, pictures and centerpieces were broken. This is how you avoid doing this so it doesn’t happen again.
#7 Superstitions of Mexico: Touch Wood
One superstition that brings good luck is knocking on wood. This act comes from an ancient divinatory rite: people could know if a wish would be fulfilled by throwing a stone into a well. If it produced bubbles, the wish would come true.
As a result, if you knock on wood today after making a positive statement, then you will have good luck. Historians explain that in ancient times the gods lived in wood, therefore, it brings good luck to the superstitious.
#8 Superstitions of Mexico: To cross fingers
The gesture of crossing the fingers serves to ward off bad luck. It also expresses the oath to fulfill a promise. It is a practice that could originate in Christianity, where fingers were crossed in the form of a cross. It came from the need for Christians to identify with each other when they were persecuted centuries ago. With this gesture they could trust each other, help and protect each other.
#9 Superstitions of Mexico: Tuesday 13th
This superstition originates from the Last Supper of Jesus and his Twelve Apostles. Christ announces to them that his crucifixion will be due to the betrayal of one of them. For its part, Tuesday comes from the Roman God of War: Mars.
This is the explanation that when 13 people sit down to dinner, it is believed that one will die in less than twelve months. Or, that on Tuesday the 13th you don’t get married or embark.
Most common superstitions in Mexico Conclusion
We hope you liked this article regarding the most common superstitions in Mexico. Some of us will think that it is stupid to have superstitions but when it comes to playing the lottery, we want all the luck in the world to be on our side. What do you think of all this? Share your comments below.
