You Know You're Latino When You Grew Up Hearing These Superstitious Beliefs
Whether you were raised in a Latin American country or not, there is no refuge from certain cultural tales that come from one generation to another. Are you familiar with El Cucuy and La Llorona?
As they are transferred from generation to generation, superstitions are often used to scare anyone to encourage absolute obedience. Generally, though, we have no idea where these tales of old wives started, or whether they are credible enough.
The Latin community is a combination of far too many experiences and influences. Added to this are various traditions and cultures they experience in the United States. Throughout, all sorts of fascinating practices, superstitions, as well as whispered old wives' tales were introduced and picked up.
Such peculiar beliefs, however, are part of Hispanic heritage; here are six old Latin American wives' tales we all grew up hearing!
Vicks Vapor Rub Cures Everything
Vicks Vapor Rub, also recognized as Vivaporu, has been praised in the Latin community as an all-around remedy. Although the ointment was a part of all our lives, which has been used to combat cold and probably all other illnesses as we were told, it contains poisonous camphor. When ingested, it is very harmful and, at considerably high concentrations, deadly.
Don't sweep a single woman's feet
For all the single ladies: If you are planning to find yourself el hombre and get married, you should never get in the way of anyone sweeping the floor. Always keep the broom in your household upside down behind every door to protect yourself from unexpected guests and potentially evil spirits.
Itchy Palms
Another one that makes the circles of every Latin home is the itchy palm superstition. It is believed that you are going to receive money if your hands happen to be itchy. But another interpretation is more specific: when your right palm itches, it indicates that you will receive money, but if it's your left, you'll lose money. It has also been told not to scratch your palm if you wish to acquire the money, as scratching your palm would jinx your luck.
Never put your purse on the floor
The superstition is known to be wrong since your bag is deemed a representation of your money. Thus, placing it on the ground is a sign of extreme disrespect and contempt for your money.
A Groom Can't See the Bride Before Wedding
Most definitely, you have heard about this superstition being told at weddings countless times over. Before the actual ceremony, the bride should not see her groom. It is assumed that to do so would bring bad luck to the family.
Going Out With Wet Hair
Hearing your abuelita and maybe even your mamá advise you a thousand times not to go outside with damp hair has been a part of growing up Latin. Why? Because this is going to make you ill. That being said, this theory has been debunked because colds and flu are derived from bacteria and not wet hair.
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