The topic of superstitions is not only funny, but also interesting because of its origin stories. In fact, there are many superstitions, but there are several main ones. Whether they really work is difficult to calculate. Most often, we set ourselves up for failure, and if it does not happen, we quickly forget that we have violated several superstitions. This is how our brain works – fixing attention on the negative in order to try to protect and secure ourselves in the future.
In general, let’s get to the heart of the matter.
Thirteen
Everyone knows that the fear of the number “13” is associated with religious considerations. In Christian history, Judas, who betrayed Jesus, sat thirteenth at table. The traitor and suicide for millennia gave the number “13” a negative connotation. And, if in the cultures of different countries the number 13 is avoided in many areas of life, then in Portugal they adhere to the rule only regarding the number of people at the table, as it was in the Bible:
“Nunca devem estar 13 pessoas à mesa.” (There should never be 13 people at a table.)
It is not clear what to do if, by coincidence, exactly 13 guests came. Do not expel one guest from the table. Perhaps the problem will be solved if a large teddy bear is placed on the fourteenth chair! This is a joke, of course! The Portuguese are insured and invite up to 12 guests.
Pass under the stairs
One of the strangest superstitions among the Portuguese is the fear of passing under stairs:
“Passar por baixo de uma escada dá azar.” (Going under a ladder is bad luck.)
Firstly, it is difficult to imagine how it is, what kind of staircase is this? Secondly, what is it about going under it? A building ladder (ladder) comes to mind. It’s just not safe to walk under it.
Stairs in a high-rise building, when there are several more flights of stairs above and below you, do not count.
Otherwise, evil fate would pursue almost every person. Therefore, we suggest not to get hung up on this oddity, because a situation that requires knowledge of this superstition is practically unrealistic.
Bride’s dress
In Portugal, it is believed that the groom cannot see the bride in her wedding dress before the wedding day, otherwise it will bring bad luck:
“No dia do casamento o noivo não pode ver a noiva antes da cerimónia para não dar azar.” (On the day of the wedding the groom cannot see the bride before the ceremony so as not to bring bad luck.)
The history of this superstition is rooted in the past and in other cultures, where parents chose a couple for their children. It was impossible to see your bride at all, so as not to change your mind a few minutes before the wedding. Now this ancient tradition has been transformed into a superstition about the wedding dress, and we are left to accept it as a fact.
Knock 3 times
In Portugal, there is another superstition, which, on the one hand, is again provoked by fear of trouble, on the other hand, it gives the feeling that we can influence circumstances in the future. So, to protect themselves from evil, the Portuguese suggest:
“Bater três vezes na madeira afasta os maus espíritos.” (Knock three times on wood to scare away evil spirits.)
Evil spirits are nothing but bad luck. There are several theories about the origin of this superstition. Let’s talk about two of them. The first theory says that in ancient times it was believed that good spirits lived in trees. When we knock on wood, we invoke them for our protection. The second theory has to do with religion. Since the cross on which Jesus was crucified was made of wood, touching it was considered a support for Jesus. Now, the one who knocks on wood also expresses his support for good forces, and they, in turn, support and protect him.
Of course, few people think about the origin of superstitions, although sometimes interesting stories are hidden behind them.
Broom upside down
So far, all the considered superstitions are explained by the fear of failures and difficulties. But this superstition can be considered a life hack. If a very boring person came to visit you and you don’t know how to get rid of him, the Portuguese advise putting an upside down broom outside the door, then the boring guest will quickly leave you alone and leave.The rule is:
“Colocar uma vassoura ao contrário atrás da porta faz com que uma visita chata vá embora.” (Putting a broom backwards behind the door makes a boring visitor go away.)
This is not difficult to do and does not entail any negative consequences. Vice versa! And in some situations, all means are good. Who knows, maybe this superstition will work!
Right leg
This superstition, in a sense, also helps us to attract good luck. At least, the consequence is not specified if we do otherwise. Have you paid attention to which foot the Portuguese football players enter the field with? Let’s not keep the intrigue and reveal the content of this superstition:
“Devemos entrar sempre com pé direito para dar sorte.” (We should always enter with your right foot to attract good luck.)
Usually, with the right hand and right foot, we do better than with the left. Therefore, this superstition is easily explained. It is believed that if we take the first step with convenience, then further events will also be comfortable and enjoyable. Isn’t that luck?
Hot Ear
Sometimes we really want to be remembered and talked about, but how do we know about it? According to Portuguese superstition, we can literally feel it, physically!
“Ter a orelha quente significa que alguém está a falar de nos.” (To have a hot ear means that someone is talking about us.)
But how do you know if something is good or bad? There is an additional explanation for this: if the right ear is hot, then they say good things about us, but if the left ear is bad. It seems that this is already from the field of extrasensory perception!
Conclusion
Superstition can be considered part of culture and tradition. It is interesting that in many countries superstitions coincide. For example, the unlucky number 13 or the meeting of the bride and groom in wedding attire is not surprising. Is there one in the list of Portuguese superstitions that you have in your culture? Or is there that superstition that matters exactly the opposite? And do you think that only the superstitions of the country you are in work, or do your superstitions come to the country with you?