Stuff You Should Know – Short Stuff: Why Spilling Salt is Unlucky

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts explore the superstition surrounding spilling salt. They delve into the origins of this belief, its cultural significance, and why some people throw salt over their shoulder after spilling it. Join them as they unravel the mysteries behind this age-old superstition.

Main Takeaways

Origins and Cultural Significance

• Spilling salt is considered bad luck.
• The origins of this superstition are unclear.
• Some people throw salt over their shoulder after spilling it.
• This practice is not universal and may be regional.
• Superstitions can vary in popularity and prevalence.

Salt’s Value and Symbolism

• Spilling salt is an old superstition that has been passed down through millennia and is still around today.
• The origin of spilling salt being bad luck is ambiguous, but it could be due to salt’s value in the past.
• In Christianity, salt is seen as a symbol of holiness and purity and has been historically used for food preservation.
• The word “salary” is partially derived from salt, but the idea that Roman soldiers were paid entirely in salt is a myth.
• There is a religious connotation to spilling salt, with some associating it with Judas being terrible with salt.

Salt Myths and Folklore

• Salt has been treated as valuable all over the world and has many myths associated with it.
• In Slavic mythology, a daughter who loves her father as much as salt is initially rejected but later appreciated.
• African folk tales use salt as a metaphor for wisdom or life trials.
• In Japanese culture, salt is considered protective and can be used for good luck.

Throwing Salt and Positive Feedback Loop

• Spilling salt is considered bad luck, and tossing it over the left shoulder is an antidote to ward off the devil.
• The Flintstones combined the little angel and the little devil into one character, the Great Gazoo.
• Throwing salt over your left shoulder relieves anxiety and helps you move on with your day.
• The act of throwing salt over your shoulder created a positive feedback loop, leading to more people adopting the practice.
• The origins of the salt superstition are unclear, but it has been around for centuries.

Summary

Origins and Cultural Significance

Spilling salt is considered bad luck, and the origins of this superstition remain unclear. While some people throw salt over their shoulder after spilling it, this practice is not universal and may vary regionally. Superstitions, including the belief in unlucky salt spills, can differ in popularity and prevalence.

Salt’s Value and Symbolism

Spilling salt has been a superstition passed down through millennia. Its origin is ambiguous, but it may be connected to the value of salt in the past. In Christianity, salt is seen as a symbol of holiness and purity and has been historically used for food preservation. The notion that Roman soldiers were paid entirely in salt is a myth, although the word “salary” does have partial origins in salt. Some associate spilling salt with Judas, who was believed to be terrible with salt.

Salt Myths and Folklore

Salt’s value has led to numerous myths and folklore across different cultures. In Slavic mythology, there is a tale of a daughter who loves her father as much as salt, initially facing rejection but later earning appreciation. African folk tales often use salt as a metaphor for wisdom or life trials. In Japanese culture, salt is considered protective and can bring good luck.

Throwing Salt and Positive Feedback Loop

Throwing salt over the left shoulder is believed to counteract the bad luck of spilling salt. This practice is thought to ward off the devil and relieve anxiety, allowing individuals to move on with their day. Over time, the act of throwing salt created a positive feedback loop, leading to more people adopting the practice. Despite the unclear origins of the salt superstition, it has persisted for centuries.

Conclusion

The superstition surrounding spilling salt is deeply ingrained in various cultures and has been passed down through generations. While the exact origins remain uncertain, the belief in its bad luck persists. Whether you choose to throw salt over your shoulder or not, it’s always fascinating to explore the intriguing world of superstitions.