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Superstition in Judaism

Superstitions are embedded deep within Jewish culture and tradition, being considered one of the most superstitious cultures of the modern world. Many of the common superstitions have originated from the concept of the Evil Eye, which was a prominent source of fear and uncertainty in Medieval Judaism. It is thought that Jewish superstitious thinking and obedience to traditional rules has given people a sense of control over events and fates that are otherwise uncontrollable, explaining why superstitions surrounding weddings, childbirth and the dead are especially heeded.

Turkish decorations that are used to ward of the evil powers of the Evil Eye.

Origins of superstitions

It can be difficult to discover the root of many superstitions, however, most common modern day superstitions can be traced back to historic events or biblical beliefs.

Superstitions of the Talmudic period

Many superstitions can be traced back to the Talmudic period, which is considered the age where many common superstitions originated and were particularly prominent.

Amulets and ornaments, designed to bring good luck or ward away evil, were very prominent in the Talmudic Period. These were widely accepted in the community, even by rabbinic authorities, and were considered a part of everyday culture. Most of the common amulets were either objects, such as rings engraved with Chinese or Hebrew letters, or collected pieces, such as foxes tail or herbs stuffed into pouches. These amulets were mainly used for their potential healing powers, to ward of evil spirits or worn everyday as a good-luck charm. At this time, these objects were widely accepted by the community and there were even rules established to distinguish between the authorised and unauthorised amulets. However, many rabbis frowned upon the everyday use of such charms, or warned of the dangers in preparing and using them.

Medieval superstitions

It is widely documented that similar superstitious practices were prevalent in Medieval Jewish times. Superstitions were widely used and accepted, so it was considered rare for people to condemn and argue against them. However, it was recorded that some rabbis disregarded them as “merely human imaginings” with other people taking similarly strong standing against these beliefs.

Most commonly known superstition originated from the fable about a fox that highlighted the importance of the foxes tail to ward away evil spirits. This fable is considered the origin of the common use of the fox’s tail, which has since been an integral component of superstitions designed to ward of evil spirits. In the fable, the fox's tail was cut off and used as a broom – the idea behind this being that the tail would sweep away any evil spirits or demons that present themselves in the house. Furthermore, the teeth of the fox were often removed from the mouth and hung around the neck of a newborn baby to similarly ward of evil spirits.

Another common superstitious object was the crimson thread. The red colour of the thread was regarded as a powerful colour with the ability to ward of demons and the Evil Eye.

In the middle ages, Jewish children would wear coral necklaces around their necks to protect against the superstitious belief that evil sprits sought to prey on younger children, whose minds were more easily influenced.  Similar to the Talmudic period, herbs and aromatic roots, especially those with a strong smell and colour, were used in amulets.

Types of prevalent superstitions

Despite being considered a relatively non-superstitious era, there are still many common superstitions that are present in Jewish society today.

Weddings and marriages

During wedding ceremonies and marriages, superstitions lie at the heart of Jewish traditions, many of which are still commonly performed today. Many of these superstitions are to do with the Chuppah; a canopy in which the marriage ceremony is performed. Obeying all these superstitions is said to be a Segula; a protective charm or ritual in the Talmudic tradition, which is often still referred to today as a good-luck charm. These superstitions include the following:

• The mother’s of the groom and bride break a plate. This is a symbol of the eternal commitment between the couple as the plate can never be put back together, with the pieces of the plate often given out to friends and family.
• The couple (or groom) smash a glass under the Chuppah.
• The couple must not wear any jewellery under their Chuppah – often the bride hands her jewellery off to her sister or mother. There is often said to be a Segula to those who wear her jewlry during the wedding in the hopes they will find their soulmates.
• The couple must stand under the Chuppah at the wedding. This is a symbol of the home and life the couple will build together
• Bread is broken and blessed in front of the couple.
• If there are three married brothers they should not dwell in one town.

Children and pregnancy

Although there is no strong religious and historic justification for the manifestations of these superstitions, many of these have been prevalent since the medieval times. These superstitions also have a strong cultural precedence as before the time of modern medicine, births and infant fatalities were more commonly seen. Failure to adhere to these superstitions is thought to bring down the Evil Eye, as it is usually brought in response to an individual celebrating their happiness in others’ faces or counting their blessings before they occur. This is why pregnancy is often not spoken about until after the birth and why baby showers are forbidden. The following is a list of common superstitions, some of which are still adhered to today and prevalent in Jewish society;

• The baby's name should not be said until the birth.
• The baby should not be bought anything, such as clothing, nursery items or toys.
• During pregnancy, life after the birth should not be spoken about as this may tempt the Evil Eye.
• Pregnant women should not raise their arms above their head as this could result in strangulation with the umbilical cord.
• During pregnancy, the mother should not cut her hair.
• Any celebrations of the pregnancy and child birth should be avoided, including baby-showers.
• During pregnancy, woman should not go near graveyards or funerals.
• Mothers should kiss her children three times, spitting after each kiss to ward of the Evil Eye.
• If you step across a child it will stop growing, but you may re-cross the child to let them continue to grow
• If there are difficulties during a pregnancy, the unmarried girls in the house should let their hair out onto their shoulders.

Death and the supernatural

Similarly, there are many superstitions surrounding the supernatural and the dead such as:

• The dead are thought to be able to hear everything that is done and said and can curse those accordingly.
• It is forbidden to communicate with the dead.
• There are some remote communities that may allow woman to marry the dead.
• If a woman dies pregnant, she should be buried with her baby still inside of her.

Animals

• If an animal is in a place it is not usually seen, it will bring you good-luck.
• Throwing a shoe at an animal will bring good luck and treasures.
• If a cat is licking her paws, it is a sign that visitors are coming soon.
• Cutting of a part of a cats tail will keep them near, so they can not be driven away.
• If you eat the heart of a bear you will become a tyrant.

Others

There are many superstitions within Judaism that are now considered outdated such as:

• If a mirror is broken, you will have seven years of poverty.
• If you place a mirror in front of a sleeping man, he will follow you wherever you go.
• When taking money from a bag, never take the whole lot but leave a few for ‘good-luck’.
• Never leave a stove or oven empty.
• Never walk in only one shoe or slipper.
• Do not build a house, if a house has not already existed there. If you do, find someone else to live in the house for a year.

Common modern-day superstitions

The following are the main superstitions that are prevalent in modern Jewish society, often derived from superstitions in Christian Culture.

Spitting three times

Spitting three times, usually accompanied by the sounds 'pooh, pooh, pooh', is a common superstition performed in response to something particularly good or evil. This superstition is considered to have evolved from a medieval ritual that is thought to clear the minds of individuals. This was originally done to ward off dark magic and demonic creatures, however, today it is performed as a precautionary measure to prevent great tragedy. Ancient and medieval Jewish physicians often described the positive value of saliva, perceiving it to have healing powers, which suggests a reason for why this action is done. It is interesting to note that spitting three times is also performed when something exceptional happens, such as on a wedding day or the birth of a healthy baby, as it is a precautionary measure to ward of the potential for evil spirits.

Chewing on thread

A popular wives tail is that whenever one is sewing clothes onto another person, they must be actively chewing on a piece of thread. This stems from the idea that one must not ‘sew up the brains’, or is explained by the fact that burial garments are often sewn around the decreased and their remains. Hence, chewing on the thread is an indicator that the person is very much alive and not ready for burial.

Pulling on someone’s ear when sneezing

Another common superstition is that one must pull their ears when they sneeze. This is done to stop their head from exploding. Once the ear is pulled it is often followed by the phrase ‘zay gezunt’. This translates to ‘be healthy’, however, the sneeze can also be followed by the phrase "tzu langehmazaldikker yohrn”  which means to 'long lucky years'.

It is often argued whether it is required to pull one ear or to pull both, and if the ears should be pulled up or pulled down. This superstition is considered to have originated from the well known song 'Do your ears hang low?', as there is a common feeble that a man, after years of tugging on both ears, had long and dangly ears that ‘wobbled too and fro’ and he could ‘tie them in a bow’ .

Closing open books

It is a common practice to close books, especially religious and historic books, once they have been used, especially in study areas and synagogues. This is explained by the fear that evil powers, such as devils and demons, which may read these books and take in their knowledge in order to use them for a malignant and wicked purpose.

Placing salt in the corners of rooms

In Jewish culture, salt is believed to have significant power over evil and demonic beings. It is believed that placing salt in the corners of houses stops these evil creatures from inhabiting the home. These demons are especially believed to pray on new houses, hence, people were often paid to occupy new homes before the owners moved in. For good-luck charms, and to ward of evil spirits, people may also keep small bags of salt in their pockets.

Knocking on wood

Although knocking on wood to ward away bad luck is not considered a superstition unique to Jews, it is still one of the most prevalent and timeless superstitions in Jewish Culture. This tradition stems from the idea that trees are descendants from Gods and hence have supernatural powers, so by knocking on wood, it is believed that powers of evil are warded off. However, this superstition is also considered to have a Christian origin as it was the wood of trees that made the Cross that Jesus was hung on and by touching this wood, evil spirits are warded off.

References

Category:Superstitions Category:Judaism