Superstitions are an integral part of cultures, and can affect how people live their daily lives. Superstitions in Latin America are especially interesting. Each country in Latin America has their own unique superstition that may surprise you.
Though we do not know where many of these legends sprouted from, they have withstood the test of time. From colorful underwear to flower baths, there is a long list of superstitions that many Latinx people still follow to this day. This list discusses the top 8 superstitions in Latin America, but it only scratches the surface.
1. Grapes on New Year’s Eve
One of the most common New Year’s Eve superstitions in Latin America involves grapes. At the strike of 12, you have to eat 12 grapes. One grape should be eaten each time the clock chimes. Doing this is said to bring good luck in the new year. The superstition began in Spain, but spread throughout all of Latin America. Some countries have a different interpretation of the tradition, though.
In Colombia, each grape is a “wish,” for the new year. If eating 12 grapes in under a minute wasn’t tough enough, try making a wish on each one! Many Latin Americans ready the grapes for eating long before the clock strikes 12, so they don’t miss a beat while eating the grapes.
Want to know more about the history of the 12 grapes? Check out this article from Atlas Obscura. It will tell you all you want to know about the interesting superstition.
2. Don’t Put Your Bag on the Floor
If your bag or purse is on the floor, pick it up right now! One of the biggest no-no’s in the Latinx community is to leave your purse on the floor. This Latin American superstition says that if you leave your bag on the floor, you could lose all of your money. Even if it is not a purse, but something that is holding your wallet, the same rule applies.
Many people may be doubtful of this superstition, but still fear placing their bags on the floor. When it comes to money, people are a lot more careful – regardless of their background.
3. Run Around with Your Luggage
Are you in the mood for traveling? If so, try this superstition out. Grab your favorite luggage (equipaje) and walk around in circles. This will provide you with the chance to go on a lovely trip in the next month or so.
You can do these rounds in your house, or outside. As long as you go for a stroll with a suitcase, your travel desires will be fulfilled. During New Year’s Eve you can also run around with the suitcase to have lots of travel during the year. That’s if you can eat all 12 grapes quick enough, though. It is definitely one of the more fun superstitions in Latin America.
4. Tuesday the 13th
In the US, Friday the 13th is seen as a terrifying day. However, in some Latin American countries like Chile, it’s Tuesday the 13th. This day is seen as one that brings nothing but bad luck. You will notice that many follow this superstition in Latin America, and will not do anything major that day. There is a saying that you should not get married, board a plane, or leave your house on Tuesday the 13th.
5. Colorful Underwear
One of the lesser known superstitions in Latin America, is that of colorful underwear. Many Latin American cultures believe certain underwear colors will bring different kinds of fortune. They may wear these colorful undies during any special event or day that needs a bit of extra luck.
Yellow: Yellow is seen as a lucky color. If you have a test coming up, or just need a lucky day, try wearing some yellow underwear.
Green: Wearing green underwear will bring you money in the upcoming weeks.
Red: To have a fruitful lovelife, try wearing red underwear during New Year’s Eve.
White: For good health and fertility, wear white underwear.
Black: Wearing black underwear during a special event is seen as bad luck, so maybe skip this one.
6. Flower Cleansing Baths
Sometimes things just don’t go your way, and you feel like bad vibes are just following you. That is where this Latin American superstition comes in handy. Almost every Latin American country uses these baths to cleanse themselves of bad vibes, so only good vibes can come in. Many people do it at the end of the year, but you can cleanse whenever you feel it is needed.
The baths generally consist of fresh flowers, cinnamon, spices, and other ingredients. Each country has their own mix. These cleanses can work on your house as well, and help protect you from any bad feelings coming your way. Even if you don’t believe in this superstition, you will be left smelling amazing!
7. Be Careful with Birthdays
Birthdays are super important in many Latin American cultures. So, it is safe to say there are a few superstitions in Latin America that surround this special occasion. In Argentina, make sure that you never wish “happy birthday” too early. Argentines believe that celebrating your birthday too early will curse you, and bring an early end to your life. It is quite the serious consequence for this superstition, so make sure to wish a happy birthday after midnight!
8. El Mal de Ojo (The Evil Eye)
Likely one of the most well-known superstitions in Latin America, El Mal de Ojo is prominent in many cultures. In English, it is known as the “evil eye.” It is believed that a curse can be given to someone just by looking at them in the wrong way. The superstition is believed to mostly affect children, and is said to even give them illnesses.
Fortunately, there are many ways to combat El Mal de Ojo. In Mexico, many say that eating sweet bread will break the evil curse, and ward off evil. If you feel that some bad vibes are coming your way, buy some sweet bread to fight off the evil!
Whether you strongly believe in superstitions or not, some people do. It is important to learn about what is considered bad luck in a culture so as to not accidentally disrespect someone. Especially if you are in Argentina – you could be wishing an early death by accident!
Not all superstitions are bad though. Some can bring you good fortune, love, and even travel. If you want to learn more about Latin American traditions, check out this post on Los Reyes Magos or Christmas.
