Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Superstitions connected with bodily activities - Yawning


Interesting Myths and Superstitions around the world Part VI


YAWNING

  • Among many peoples, yawning is considered a sign of possession or obsession by an evil spirit.
  • When an Indian yawns, he snaps his thumb and finger and repeats the name of one of his deities. To neglect this brings misfortune. 
  • When a Arabians yawns he puts the back of his left hand to his mouth and says, "I seek refuge with Allah from Satan." 
  • There is an old belief that when one yawns the devil may leap into the open mouth; hence the necessity of holding a hand over the mouth. 
  • To yawn in the midst of saying one's prayers, is a bad omen. It is better to say the prayer from the beginning again. 
Source: Omens, Signs and Superstitions

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