Superstitions connected with bodily activities - Spitting

Interesting Myths and Superstitions around the world Part VI

SPITTING

• In ancient times spitting was considered as having the virtue of averting witchcraft, and even in our time many superstitions cling to the habit.

• Spit was considered as a charm against all kinds of fascination. Theocritus says:  "Thrice on my breast I spit to guard me safe from fascinating charms.

• Superstitious nurses will spit on their children to keep them from harm.

• Bruisers and boxers before attacking their adversary, spit on their hands to insure success.

• Boys, when making a pledge or asserting a thing to be "honour bright” often spit on the ground to give emphasis to their good faith.

• Coal miners in England when they form a union for any purpose, sit in a circle and spit on a stone, by way of cementing their friendship and loyalty.

• Devout people often spit at the mention of the name of his satanic majesty, in an effort to keep away evil influences.

• Mohammedans are said to spit at the mention of the name of Jesus.

• To spit on one's hands before undertaking a piece of manual work insures a successful result.

• Spitting three times into their bosoms, was considered by the Greeks as preventive of danger when in the presence of a madman or an epileptic

• When a man hit another and felt remorse for the blow, he spit into the hollow of his hand, and thus freed the other from pain. This was a superstition of the middle Ages.

• Spitting to avert evil influences is still resorted to among country folks, and in some countries is almost considered a religious act.

• In Ireland it is considered unlucky to praise a horse or other animal unless you spit on him and say, ‘God save him’ or other similar prayer.If after three days, any bad luck befalls on the animal, it is necessary to find the person who praised him so that he may whisper the Lord's Prayer into the animal's right ear.

• Hucksters, peddlers, and other trades people, have a habit of fitting for good luck when making a sale. The first money they receive in the morning is spat upon to insure good luck for the day.

• It is customary in some parts when a rainbow appears to make a cross on the ground and spit on each of the four corners.

Source: Omen, Signs and superstitions book