From 13 Dinner Guests To Spilled Salt, Food Superstitions Around The World That Will Take You By Surprize

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Superstitions, those often irrational beliefs that certain actions or events can influence our fortunes, have permeated human culture for centuries. Many of these superstitions revolve around food and dining, likely due to the central role that meals play in our social lives and cultural rituals.

Among these, the belief that having 13 dinner guests is bad luck stands out as particularly intriguing. Check out the origins of this superstition and explore other fascinating food-related superstitions from around the world.

Origin Of 13 Dinner Guests As Bad Luck

The superstition that having 13 guests at a dinner table brings bad luck is rooted in religious and historical contexts. One of the most commonly cited origins is the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with his twelve apostles before his crucifixion.

With Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, being the thirteenth guest, this meal is often associated with betrayal and death. This Christian narrative deeply influenced Western cultures, embedding the number 13 with a sense of foreboding.

Another historical reference comes from Norse mythology. In one tale, a banquet in Valhalla had twelve gods in attendance until Loki, the trickster god, arrived uninvited, making the total number 13. Loki's presence led to chaos and the death of the beloved god Balder, cementing the number 13 as a harbinger of misfortune.

Other Food Superstitions

1. Spilled Salt

One of the most widespread food superstitions is that spilling salt brings bad luck. This belief dates back to ancient times when salt was a valuable commodity. Wasting it was seen as a bad omen. In Leonardo da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper," Judas Iscariot is depicted as having knocked over a salt cellar, further associating spilled salt with treachery. To counteract the bad luck, it is customary to throw a pinch of the spilled salt over one's left shoulder, into the face of the devil supposedly lurking there.

2. Breaking Bread

Bread, a staple in many cultures, carries its own set of superstitions. One such belief is that if you cut open a loaf of bread and find a hole, it signifies a coffin and thus death. In some cultures, it's also considered bad luck to turn a loaf of bread upside down after slicing it. This practice is thought to disrespect the essence of the bread and, by extension, the household's prosperity.

3. Dropping Utensils

Dropping utensils during a meal is often interpreted as a sign of impending visitors. The type of utensil can indicate the gender of the guest: a fork for a male visitor, a spoon for a female, and a knife indicating someone unpleasant or arguments. This superstition likely stems from times when unannounced visitors were more common, and the dropped utensil served as a convenient explanation for their arrival.

4. Bananas On Boats

For sailors and fishermen, bringing bananas on board a boat is considered bad luck. This superstition originated during the 1700s when Spanish trading vessels often disappeared while carrying bananas. Some believe the rapid ripening and fermenting of bananas produced toxic gases in the cargo hold, causing illness and bad luck. Others suggest that the presence of bananas indicated the ship was traveling through treacherous waters.

5. Grapes On New Year's Eve

In Spain and many Latin American countries, it is customary to eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. Each grape represents good luck for one of the twelve months ahead. The tradition began in the early 1900s when grape growers in Spain promoted the practice to increase sales. Now, it is a beloved ritual believed to bring prosperity for the coming year.

6. Eggshells And Witches

An old superstition suggests that after cracking open an egg, one should crush the eggshell to prevent witches from using it as a boat. In medieval Europe, it was believed that witches could harm individuals by casting spells over their belongings. Crushed eggshells, therefore, were a way to thwart any malevolent activities.

7. Knives As Gifts

Giving someone a knife as a gift is considered bad luck because it is believed to sever the relationship between the giver and the recipient. To avoid this, it is customary to include a coin with the gift. The recipient then gives the coin back to the giver, symbolically "buying" the knife and thus preserving the bond between them.

8. Picking Up Breadcrumbs

In Italy, it is considered bad luck to sweep breadcrumbs off the table with your hand. This belief is tied to the reverence for bread as a symbol of life and sustenance. Using a knife or a cloth to collect crumbs is seen as more respectful, thus avoiding the bad luck associated with dismissing the bread's essence.

9. Garlic For Protection

Garlic has long been associated with protection against evil spirits and bad luck. This superstition is especially prominent in Mediterranean cultures. Hanging garlic in doorways or wearing it around the neck was believed to ward off vampires and other malevolent forces. Its strong odor was thought to have purifying properties, keeping the household safe.

10. Eating Chicken Wings

In some cultures, it is considered bad luck to eat the chicken wings of a bird if you wish to stay in one place. Eating wings is believed to make one "flighty" or prone to wanderlust. This superstition is particularly prevalent in regions where stability and rootedness are highly valued.

Food superstitions, whether they arise from religious beliefs, historical events, or cultural practices, offer a fascinating glimpse into how humans have sought to influence and understand their world. While some of these superstitions might seem irrational today, they reflect deep-seated fears, hopes, and values. Whether taken seriously or with a grain of salt, they remain an enduring part of our culinary traditions.