Friday the 13th: culinary superstitions to avoid bad luck

Have luck on your side today

The day of misfortune has come at the beginning of 2023. Friday the 13th is a date surrounded by legends and myths created by different cultures, from Norse mythology to Catholicism. It is not known for certain where it all began, but a number of superstitions have been created to circumvent the bad luck associated with the dreaded rendezvous.

It’s no different with food: Many foods are linked to superstitions, either as a sign of good luck or bad luck.

Salt has always been associated with luck and good fortune, and dropping the salt shaker has become synonymous with bad luck. The belief is believed to have started in Ancient Rome, where salt was considered a valuable spice. Tradition says that if you drop the salt shaker on the table or floor, you should throw some salt over your shoulder to ward off bad luck.

Many of the superstitions are related to the egg. Food is essential in cooking all over the world and several myths have been created around this delicacy. European farmers threw eggshells on the ground to ensure a good harvest. A belief of Jewish origin states that eggs with two yolks are a sign of fertility and luck in love.

Some beliefs, however, involve more macabre themes. In China, it is believed that the size of the pasta strand determines the lifespan of the cook. If the person breaks the ingredient in half before cooking, his life will be cut in half.

In Mexico, a curious belief: dropping traditional Mexican tortillas on the floor on Friday the 13th can be a sign of bad luck. The origin of the superstition is not known for sure, but tradition says that if this happens, an obnoxious person will soon disturb you. It is good to keep the tortilla well to avoid headaches.

A famous superstition of French origin concerns the number of people sitting at the table. In the village it is avoided to invite thirteen people to dinner, as the number is considered a sign of bad luck. The belief has spread around the world and remains very popular in the United States. Better not risk it and invite only twelve people to dinner, right?

In Brazil, gastronomic superstitions are more present on New Year’s Eve than on Friday the 13th. Dishes based on lentils, pomegranates and cod are traditionally served on New Year’s Eve and are considered an auspicious sign.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.