Brazilians have many superstitions—some take them seriously, while others do not.
Many things are believed to bring bad luck. Check if your culture shares some of these superstitions. Brazilians also have special superstitions for New Year’s Eve. Let’s take a look:
General Superstitions:
- Breaking a mirror – Said to bring seven years of bad luck.
- Walking under a ladder – Considered a sign of bad luck.
- Knocking on wood – A gesture to ward off bad luck and prevent something negative from happening.
- Seeing a black cat – Many associate black cats with bad luck, especially if they cross your path.
- Sweeping someone’s feet – Believed to bring bad luck and prevent that person from getting married.
- The number 13 – In Brazil, it’s approached cautiously, particularly on Friday the 13th.
New Year’s Eve Superstitions in Brazil:
- Wearing white – Symbolizes peace and renewal and peace for the coming year.
- Jumping over seven waves – A beach tradition believed to bring luck and protection for the next year.
- Eating lentils – Represents abundance and prosperity in the new year.
- Eating grapes – Eating 12 grapes at midnight symbolizes good luck for the 12 months of the upcoming year.
- Wearing a specific color – Each color has a special meaning (e.g., yellow for wealth, red for passion, green for hope).
- Avoiding poultry – Birds scratch backward, and it’s believed this can cause setbacks in life; therefore, chicken is avoided during the New Year’s celebration.
How many of these superstitions exist in your culture? Share a unique superstition from your culture that’s different from those in Brazil!