Spanish Superstitions and Their Fascinating Origins
Explore Spanish superstitions and their fascinating origins, from the fear of number 13 to the protective power of lucky charms. Discover their impact on daily life and culture.
Introduction: Beliefs That Shape Everyday Life
Imagine you’re walking down a narrow street in Seville when you notice a ladder leaning against a wall ahead. Without hesitation, you step aside to avoid walking under it. A local passerby smiles knowingly—after all, in Spain, avoiding ladders is more than just common sense; it’s a deeply rooted superstition. Superstitions like this are woven into the fabric of Spanish culture, influencing daily routines, social interactions, and even major life decisions.
From lucky charms and protective rituals to omens of misfortune, Spanish superstitions offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history and traditions. But where did these beliefs originate? And why do they continue to hold sway in modern Spain? In this article, we’ll explore some of the most well-known Spanish superstitions, uncover their historical roots, and reveal how they shape contemporary life.
1. The Number 13: An Omen of Bad Luck
In Spain, the number 13 is considered unlucky—especially when it falls on a Tuesday, not a Friday as in many other countries. The phrase “Martes 13, ni te cases ni te embarques” (On Tuesday the 13th, don’t get married or embark on a journey) reflects the widespread belief that this date brings misfortune.
Origins:
The fear of the number 13 dates back to ancient times, with roots in both Christian and Roman traditions. For Christians, the Last Supper, attended by 13 individuals, ended with Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. In Roman culture, Mars, the god of war, lent his name to Tuesday (Martes), further associating the day with chaos and conflict.
Modern Influence:
Many Spaniards avoid scheduling important events on Tuesday the 13th. Some buildings even skip the 13th floor, reflecting the superstition’s enduring presence.
2. Breaking a Mirror: Seven Years of Misfortune
Accidentally breaking a mirror is believed to bring seven years of bad luck—a superstition that Spaniards share with many other cultures.
Origins:
This belief can be traced back to ancient Rome, where mirrors were thought to reflect a person’s soul. Breaking a mirror was seen as damaging the soul, resulting in seven years of misfortune—the time it supposedly took for the soul to renew itself.
Modern Influence:
Even today, many Spaniards take great care when handling mirrors. If a mirror breaks, some people bury the shards to prevent bad luck from lingering.
3. Spilling Salt: A Sign of Misfortune
If you accidentally spill salt in Spain, be sure to toss a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off bad luck.
Origins:
Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times, symbolizing wealth and purity. Spilling it was considered wasteful and invited bad luck. The tradition of throwing salt over the left shoulder is thought to stem from the belief that the devil lurks over the left shoulder, waiting to take advantage of any misstep.
Modern Influence:
This superstition is still widely practiced in Spanish households. Many people instinctively toss salt over their shoulder if they spill it, even if they don’t fully believe in the superstition.
4. Touching Wood: A Gesture for Good Luck
When hoping for good fortune or trying to avoid bad luck, Spaniards often touch or knock on wood—tocar madera—a gesture believed to ward off misfortune.
Origins:
This custom dates back to ancient pagan beliefs that spirits or gods resided in trees. Touching wood was a way to seek protection or favor from these spirits.
Modern Influence:
Today, tocar madera is a common expression in Spain, often accompanied by a literal touch of wood or a nearby wooden surface.
5. Sweeping Over Someone’s Feet: A Life of Singleness
Be careful where you sweep! In Spain, sweeping over someone’s feet is said to doom them to a life of singlehood.
Origins:
This superstition likely originated from household folklore, where sweeping was associated with removing unwanted energies. Accidentally sweeping over someone’s feet was believed to brush away their chances of marriage.
Modern Influence:
Although taken less seriously today, this belief still lingers, especially in older generations. Some people will quickly step aside if a broom comes too close!
6. Black Cats: Harbingers of Misfortune
Black cats are often seen as omens of bad luck in Spain, particularly if one crosses your path.
Origins:
During the Middle Ages, black cats were associated with witchcraft and evil spirits. This belief spread across Europe, leading to their negative reputation.
Modern Influence:
While many Spaniards now see black cats as ordinary pets, the old superstition still holds sway in some regions, where encountering a black cat is considered a warning to proceed with caution.
7. The Evil Eye: Protection Against Envy
Known as el mal de ojo, the evil eye is believed to bring misfortune through envious or malevolent gazes.
Origins:
This superstition dates back to ancient Mediterranean cultures, including the Greeks and Romans, who believed that certain looks could cause harm. The concept spread throughout Spain, especially in rural areas.
Modern Influence:
To protect against the evil eye, many Spaniards wear amulets such as the ojo turco (Turkish eye) or red thread bracelets. Babies are often given charms to safeguard their health and well-being.
8. Horseshoes and Four-Leaf Clovers: Symbols of Good Fortune
Spaniards believe that hanging a horseshoe above a doorway brings luck and wards off evil spirits. Similarly, finding a four-leaf clover is considered a rare and lucky event.
Origins:
Horseshoes were traditionally made of iron, believed to repel evil forces. Their crescent shape also symbolized protection. The belief in four-leaf clovers as lucky charms dates back to Celtic traditions, where each leaf represented faith, hope, love, and luck.
Modern Influence:
Horseshoes are still found above doorways in rural homes, and discovering a four-leaf clover is celebrated as a sign of good fortune.
Conclusion: Tradition Meets Modern Life
Spanish superstitions offer a window into the country’s rich cultural heritage, blending ancient beliefs with modern life. While some are followed more out of habit than conviction, their influence is undeniable, shaping daily routines and social customs. Whether avoiding ladders, touching wood, or carrying a lucky charm, these age-old beliefs continue to add a touch of mystery and tradition to everyday life.
For more insights into Spanish culture and traditions, visit our blog and explore the courses offered at Polyglottist Language Academy—your gateway to a deeper understanding of Spain’s fascinating heritage.