Old-Wives' Tales: Superstitions From Latin America Your Grandma Told You About

By Mary Anne R. Jul 13 2020, 01:43 AM EDT

Latin-America superstition — Getty Images Fox Photos/ Hulton Archive Getty Images Fox Photos/ Hulton Archive

Different superstitions have been passed through generations. May it be about black cats, a mirror breaking, or knocking on wood. For years, many have believed them.

Some of these superstitions are from Latin-America. Here is the list of some beliefs that originated and or practiced in Latin-America:

1. Tuesday the 13th

Most fear Friday the 13th, but in Spain and Spanish speaking countries landing the 13th day of the month on a Tuesday sounds like bad luck.

This belief originated from the Tuesday word in Spanish, which is Martes. It is believed that it came from the Roman god of war, Mars.

It was said that Mars was connecting the day to violence and death.

Historical events that happened on Tuesday the 13th strengthened the belief. These events were the fall of Constantinople to the Fourth Crusade.

2. Wallet on the Ground

Countries in Central and South American believe that leaving your purse or wallet on the ground will cause bad luck financially.

This superstition can also be observed in China. Several cultures associate the ground to lowliness. It was said that putting your purse on the ground shows a lack of respect for your money.

3. Birds Flying Into Your House

Strange animal behaviors have always been a sign of something. Birds flying into your home are seen to say that someone will die.

4. Seventh Sons Will Turn Into Werewolves

An Argentinian superstition was believed to transform the seventh son to a werewolf.

The belief says that the creature shows its real form on the first Friday after the boy's 13th birthday.

The said superstition began in 1907 when the former president of Argentina José Figueroa Alcorta was asked to become godfather to the seventh son of Enrique Brost and Apolonia Holmann, Volga German.

They were immigrants from south-eastern Russia.

"The local myth of the lobizón is not in any way connected to the custom that began over 100 years ago by which every seventh son (or seventh daughter) born in Argentina becomes godchild to the president," local Argentine historian Daniel Balmaceda was quoted in a CBS News report.

5. Walking Backward

In Portugal, walking backward can be seen as bad luck.

It was said that walking backward allows the devil and evil spirits to see the path to yourself. It also let them walk towards you and get your soul.

But in some countries, like China, walking backward is considered as a good exercise. It was because walking backward allows you to use muscles you rarely use.

6. Best Foot Forward

Another sign of bad luck if you enter or leave the room with your left foot! In Spain, it is advised not to enter or leave the room with your right foot.