Spanish superstitions 🍀🍇🌾

Superstitions are part of the cultural richness of a country and Spain is no exception. Today we talk about a series of acts that are believed to bring good luck. Some may seem strange, but they have deep roots in Spanish tradition and had been handed down from one generation to another so, often without knowing why, they are still performed.

This week, join us on a magical journey through some of Spain’s most curious and common superstitions

1. 1. Cross your fingers: 🤞 Crossing your fingers is a widely common gesture to wish good luck in many countries and so it is in Spain. With the exception of children, Spaniards don’t do it often.
   2. Touching wood: 🌳 Touching wood is another common superstitious gesture in Spain. The belief is that touching wood protects you from bad luck. In ancient times, wood was considered a sacred material, so touching it was an act of protection.
   3. Finding a four-leaf clover: 🍀 Who hasn’t looked for a four-leaf clover at some point in their life? In Spain, finding one is an omen of good luck, as it is believed that each leaf represents hope, faith, love and luck.
   4. Tossing rice at weddings: 🌾 In Spanish weddings, it is a tradition tossing rice at the newlyweds. It is said that this tradition brings prosperity and fertility to their marriage and in Valencia rice can never be missing in an event like this.
   5. Tossing a coin into a well: 💰 Just like crossing your fingers, tossing a coin into a well is an international act that always brings the chance of making a wish. Remember that for the wish to come true, the coin has to hit the bottom of the well…
   6. Eating 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve: 🍇🍇🍇 One of Spain’s best-known traditions is that of the 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve. As the clock strikes the last seconds of the old year, Spaniards eat one grape with each of the twelve-clock stroke. If you have managed to eat one grape for each chime you are assured of a new year full of happiness and prosperity.
   7. Spilling wine: 🍷 When wine is spilled on a table it is a sign of good omen and many Spaniards touch their foreheads with the spilled wine to attract happiness.
   8. Blowing out the birthday candles:  🎂🕯️ In Spain blowing out the candles on your birthday cake is an old tradition. If you manage to blow out all the candles at once, your wish will come true, so make sure you blow out hard on your next birthday! 😄🎉🎂
   9. Touching a pregnant woman’s belly: 🤰 Touching a pregnant woman’s belly is believed to transfer some good luck to the mother-to-be and the baby. It is also considered a sign of support and affection for the pregnant woman.  🤞🤱💕
   10. Stepping in a poo: 💩 Contrary to what one might think, stepping in a poo it is a sign of good luck in Spain, so much so that superstitious people would quickly go and buy a lottery number.🙊👞💩 

We hope you have enjoyed exploring the colourful world of Spanish superstitions. In your home country you may find similar or completely different beliefs about good luck.
As you continue your Spanish learning journey and explore Spanish culture, we encourage you to compare these superstitions with those of your country. Are there striking similarities or striking differences?🤞🍇💫