Greek Superstitions

Black cats, opening an umbrella indoors, Friday the 13th and walking under a ladder are superstitions found in different countries that many of us have heard of. Learning about superstitions is a great way to learn about different cultures and it’s also a fun way to practice the language. Take a Greek Lesson by learning about Greek superstitions.

The Evil Eye (“Vaskania”):
The Evil Eye, or what the Greek Orthodox Church calls “Vaskania,” is a Greek superstition that says that just by looking at someone with envy, a person can harm you, your house, your children, your livestock or any other personal belonging. To ward off the Evil Eye, Greeks wear little blue eye trinkets as necklaces and bracelets. Blue stones can also protect you from the Evil Eye, because in Greece the color blue is considered to be a protective color. Additionally, Greeks place a cactus at the entrance of their home to ward off the Evil Eye.

Garlic (uκuuδο /“Skorda”):
Garlic not only fends off the Evil Eye, but it also keeps away evil spirits and demons. It is not uncommon to carry around a head of garlic in your purse or see it dangling in restaurants, shops and homes. Additionally, it is considered to be a healing power and whenever someone is ill, they are advised to eat garlic.

“Piase Kokkino”:
If two Greeks say the phrase “Piase Kokkino” (meaning “red touch” in English) at the same time, they have to immediately touch anything red item surrounding them. Saying the same thing at the same time is an omen in Greece, and they believe that if they don’t immediately touch something red, the two will end up fighting or arguing.

Sneezing:
Sneezing, in Greece, means that someone is talking about you. They’ve even come up with a mathematical formula that allows you to calculate who it is that’s talking about you.
Tuesday the 13th:
In Greece, it is not Friday the 13th that is considered to be bad luck, but rather Tuesday the 13th.

Spitting:
To keep bad things from happening to you, spitting (three times) prevents that. Spitting keeps evil away and also prevents misfortunes.

Crows:
Crows are considered omens of misfortune and death in Greece. If you ever see a crow or hear them cawing, you are to say “Sto Kalo, Sto Kalo, Kala Nea na me Feris” which means “go and bring me good news.”

Salt:
Salt can help you get rid of any unwanted guest in your home. Sprinkle salt behind the person because it contains powers that will chase them away. Greeks also sprinkle a new house with salt, as it will chase away the evil spirits and demons.
Shoes:
It is considered bad luck and even an omen of death to leave your shoes upside down, with the soles facing upwards. If you notice your shoes upside down, immediately turn them over and say “Skorda” (garlic), to ward off the bad spirits.
Try translating these superstitions into Greek and practice your Greek language skills. Do you know any other Greek superstitions? Tell us your superstition by leaving a comment below.
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