Well after reading all the comments on the Greek superstition of the evil eye I was reminded by the many superstitions I grew up with in my family (Greek). I will say I have never believed in a one of them, but have found them to be rather humorous. I thought it would funny to get a list of superstitions going that we have grown up with.
First let me start us off with a list of the more famous superstitions of my heritage.
A few famous Greek superstitions:
Spitting
It is customary for Greeks to spit to ward off evil. If a Greek hears bad news they may spit on themselves three times to ward of the possibility of anything bad happening to themselves. The person does not actually spit on themselves what they say is "Ptew, Ptew, Ptew" with very little spit actually being thrown down onto their chest. They may even raise their shirt and spit between their clothes towards their chest.
Greek Fishermen may spit into their nets so that they will ward off any evil allowing them to get a good catch.
If someone compliments a Greek to avoid the Evil Eye they may spit onto themselves, and may say to the person "Ptew, Ptew mi me matiasis", which basically says, "I'm spitting on myself so that you do not cause the Evil Eye to come upon me." Spitting is believed to be very effective against The Evil Eye.
Crows
In Greek superstition Crows are seen as a bad omen, often foretelling death.
Upon seeing Crows cawing, it is believed that the Crows are announcing the death of an individual. Greeks believing in this superstition will often say to the birds, "Go on your way, and bring me good news."
They're cawing is what is most feared, as it is seen as an announcement of a death that is soon to be heard! A death of an individual that is likely to be close.
Sneezing
In Greek superstition if you sneeze it is believed that somebody is talking about you. Since you do not know who the person is you may try to figure out by saying out peoples names. If you say a name and you stop sneezing it is thought that that is the person who is talking about you.
The Use of Salt
In Greek superstition salt is considered to have great powers as a purifying force. In such, it can be used to ward off demons and evil spirits by throwing it over your left shoulder. Similarly a new house can be purified by sprinkling it with salt to remove any demons or lurking evil spirits.
Salt can also be used to remove an unwanted guest, or a guest that has overstayed their welcome from your house. To remove an unwanted guest, salt can either be sprinkled on the chair of the unwanted guest, or thrown behind them. It is said that if the guest sees you throw the salt the power of the salt is weakened, and is not as effective. Watch out if they see you!
Itchy Hand
In Greek superstition if you have an itchy hand it foretells that you are either going to receive or give money.
If you're right hand is itchy it indicates that you will get money. If you're left hand is itchy it indicates that you will give money. If both hands are itchy then you will both give and receive money.
Priests
In regards to respect of priests, it is customary for Greeks upon seeing one to go up to them and kiss their hands or even the cloth that they wear. Priests were as highly respected in ancient times as they are today.
However, just as in ancient times as today it was considered a bad omen to see a priest walking in the street. Upon seeing one Greeks may spit three times into their shirt. It was also considered bad luck to see a priest in the morning if someone had a handkerchief they may tie it until the day ended. In this manner any bad luck would be tied until a time when the chance of something happening would not be as likely.
First let me start us off with a list of the more famous superstitions of my heritage.
A few famous Greek superstitions:
Spitting
It is customary for Greeks to spit to ward off evil. If a Greek hears bad news they may spit on themselves three times to ward of the possibility of anything bad happening to themselves. The person does not actually spit on themselves what they say is "Ptew, Ptew, Ptew" with very little spit actually being thrown down onto their chest. They may even raise their shirt and spit between their clothes towards their chest.
Greek Fishermen may spit into their nets so that they will ward off any evil allowing them to get a good catch.
If someone compliments a Greek to avoid the Evil Eye they may spit onto themselves, and may say to the person "Ptew, Ptew mi me matiasis", which basically says, "I'm spitting on myself so that you do not cause the Evil Eye to come upon me." Spitting is believed to be very effective against The Evil Eye.
Crows
In Greek superstition Crows are seen as a bad omen, often foretelling death.
Upon seeing Crows cawing, it is believed that the Crows are announcing the death of an individual. Greeks believing in this superstition will often say to the birds, "Go on your way, and bring me good news."
They're cawing is what is most feared, as it is seen as an announcement of a death that is soon to be heard! A death of an individual that is likely to be close.
Sneezing
In Greek superstition if you sneeze it is believed that somebody is talking about you. Since you do not know who the person is you may try to figure out by saying out peoples names. If you say a name and you stop sneezing it is thought that that is the person who is talking about you.
The Use of Salt
In Greek superstition salt is considered to have great powers as a purifying force. In such, it can be used to ward off demons and evil spirits by throwing it over your left shoulder. Similarly a new house can be purified by sprinkling it with salt to remove any demons or lurking evil spirits.
Salt can also be used to remove an unwanted guest, or a guest that has overstayed their welcome from your house. To remove an unwanted guest, salt can either be sprinkled on the chair of the unwanted guest, or thrown behind them. It is said that if the guest sees you throw the salt the power of the salt is weakened, and is not as effective. Watch out if they see you!
Itchy Hand
In Greek superstition if you have an itchy hand it foretells that you are either going to receive or give money.
If you're right hand is itchy it indicates that you will get money. If you're left hand is itchy it indicates that you will give money. If both hands are itchy then you will both give and receive money.
Priests
In regards to respect of priests, it is customary for Greeks upon seeing one to go up to them and kiss their hands or even the cloth that they wear. Priests were as highly respected in ancient times as they are today.
However, just as in ancient times as today it was considered a bad omen to see a priest walking in the street. Upon seeing one Greeks may spit three times into their shirt. It was also considered bad luck to see a priest in the morning if someone had a handkerchief they may tie it until the day ended. In this manner any bad luck would be tied until a time when the chance of something happening would not be as likely.
Thanks,
Nicko
ChefTalk.com Founder
Nicko
ChefTalk.com Founder
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