Brazil’s spiritual fabric braids Indigenous (especially Tupi-Guarani) cosmologies with African-rooted
Candomblé and Umbanda, Catholic devotion, and everyday folk rituals called simpatias.
These living “crendices” — popular superstitions — still hum through daily life. From Saci-Pererê
to Iemanjá, from amulets to lucky numbers, they sketch a quiet map of how the unseen nudges Brazil’s everyday world.
Daily Life Superstitions
Flip-Flops Upside Down
Leaving a slipper sole-up brings harm to your mother — flip it back immediately.
Sweeping Someone’s Feet
Sweep a single person’s feet and you’ll “sweep away” their chance to marry.
Sitting at the Table Corner
Perched on a corner? Folks say your wedding will take its sweet time.
Bag on the Floor
Putting your purse on the floor lets money “run away.”
Right Foot First
Step into a house or a new job with your right foot for a lucky start.
Knock on Wood
Bater na madeira keeps envy and bad ideas at bay.
Whistling at Night
Night whistling “calls” spirits — or the prankster Saci-Pererê.
Umbrella Indoors
Opening an umbrella inside is asking for trouble.
Spilled Salt
Toss a pinch over your left shoulder to scatter envy.
Hair and the Moon
Cut on the waxing moon for fast growth; the waning moon for fewer split ends.
Death and Spirits
Rasga-Mortalha Owl
In the Northeast, the “shroud-ripper” owl’s cry foreshadows death.
Black Moth Indoors
A large black moth or butterfly drifting in can mean mourning or serious news.
Howling Dogs
Persistent howls hint at a passing spirit.
Rooster at Night
A rooster crowing after dark is a bad sign — sickness or sorrow.
“Crying” Candle
Heavy dripping wax means grief is near.
Sudden Door Slam
No wind, but the door slams? Visitors from the other side.
Comigo-Ninguém-Pode
This houseplant “keeps evil out.” People swear by its shield — do not ingest; it’s toxic.
Crossroads
Offerings at crossroads belong to Exu; disrespect brings bad luck.
Teeth Falling in Dreams
Often read as a sign of loss or a family death.
Bat in the House
A bat flying indoors is an ill omen.
Numbers and Luck
Friday the 13th
Plans get simpler; tempers get careful.
Lucky Seven
Seven waves, seven herbs, seven wishes — the number of protection.
The Figa Charm
A thumb-between-fingers amulet to dodge the evil eye.
“Greek Eye”
Blue glass amulets fend off olho gordo — heavy, jealous looks.
Rue at the Door
Arruda in a pot by the entrance “drinks” bad energy.
Coarse Salt
Sal grosso baths or a bowl by the threshold to break the evil eye.
Bay Leaf in the Wallet
A single louro leaf “pulls” money in.
Pomegranate Seeds
On New Year’s, tuck seven seeds in your wallet for prosperity.
New Year’s Colors
Yellow for money, red for love, white for peace — choose your luck.
Jump Seven Waves
Each wave carries a wish out to sea.
Flowers for Iemanjá
White flowers on the tide for the Queen of the Sea.
Saint George’s Sword
Espada-de-São-Jorge “cuts” negativity at the door.
Red Pepper Charm
A chili amulet blocks jealousy.
Four-Leaf Clover
Borrowed from Europe, loved in Brazil — a pocket-sized lucky key.
Saint Benedict Medal
Hung by the door, it guards the home.
Bonfim Ribbon
Tie three knots, make three wishes; when it falls off, wishes arrive.
Don’t Refuse the First Sale
Shopkeepers never turn away the day’s first buyer — it “opens” luck.
A Fresh Bill
Keep a brand-new banknote in your wallet on New Year’s to hold abundance.
Coin in the Shoe
Slip in a coin at midnight to “step into” wealth.
First Morning Rules
Don’t sweep the threshold on January 1 — and step out with the right foot.
Nature and Animals
Black Cat Crossing
If it cuts your path, expect headwinds — some “cancel” it with a charm.
Ladybug Visit
Landing on you means good news on the way.
Hummingbird
A beija-flor is a hello from someone you love.
Ant Trail
Ants marching over the threshold hint at money coming in.
Cricket Song
Chirping in the house means a visitor — or cash — is near.
House Gecko
Let it be; it protects the home. Killing one is bad luck.
Frogs and Rain
A loud chorus means a downpour is coming.
Bird Indoors
A bird flying in brings strong news.
Rainbow
After the storm, a good moment to set new intentions.
Bees Visiting
Don’t chase them — they symbolize plenty.
Objects and Omens
Broom Behind the Door
A gentle, magical nudge for unwanted guests to head home.
Tap the Key
A quick tap on the table breaks the evil eye — others avoid it. Old habits diverge.
Knife in the Ground
In the countryside, a blade in the soil is said to “cut” the rain.
Falling Cutlery
Fork falls, a man is coming; spoon falls, expect a woman.
Sweeping at Night
Evening sweeping sends your luck out with the dust.
Broken Glass
It “absorbs” heavy energy and shatters it away.
Fallen Frame
A photo that drops by itself hints at bad news.
Broken Mirror
Seven years of trouble — a classic Latin holdover.
Salt-Water by the Door
A glass of water with salt “pulls” negativity off the room.
Ringing Ears
Someone’s talking about you; tugging the earlobe “cuts” the gossip.
Smoke Cleansing
Defumação with rue or rosemary resets the house’s mood.
Burning Bay Leaves
Write a wish, burn the leaf, let the ash carry it.
Crystal by the Door
A small quartz near the entrance “filters” what comes in.
Coins in a Clay Pot
A tiny pot in the kitchen to invite abundance.
Itchy Palms
Right palm: money coming. Left palm: money going.
Water Under the Bed
A glass with coarse salt “drinks up” heavy dreams.
Scissors Under the Pillow
To cut nightmares short — handle safely, point away.
Offerings on the Sand
Never step over sea offerings; pass with respect.
First Coffee
Some set aside the first cafezinho on a small altar for blessings.
Don’t Lend Salt at Night
You’d be lending out your luck.
Festivals and Rites
New Year’s Fireworks
Noise clears the air and chases spirits off the beach.
Wear White
On Réveillon, white invites peace for the year ahead.
Lentils at Midnight
A spoonful for money that multiplies.
Suitcase Ritual
A quick stroll with an empty suitcase calls in a year of travel.
Rise with the Year
Stand on a step or chair at midnight — rise in life, too.
Eyes at the Toast
Clink glasses while meeting eyes to avoid bad luck in love.
Festa Junina Bonfires
Couples who jump together cement their bond — caution first, romance second.
Three Knots, Three Prayers
At Senhor do Bonfim, wishes are tied, not told.
Cosme & Damião
Sharing sweets with children brings protection and plenty.
February 2 — Iemanjá
Offer flowers, never plastic; place gently on the water.
Dreams and Omens
Clear River
A calm stretch of days ahead.
Snakes
Money or betrayal — color and mood change the reading.
Fish
Often read as pregnancy or abundance.
Muddy Water
Gossip, illness, or tangled feelings.
Flying
Freedom and success, if the landing is soft.
Church
Shelter and spiritual protection.
White Horse
Progress, a dignified path opening.
Cutting Hair
Separation or change in close relationships.
Bees
Work that pays off — prosperity buzzing in.
Full Moon
A dream under a bright moon brings strong, favorable energy.
Modern Superstitions
Ribbon in the Car
A Bonfim ribbon on the rearview mirror for safe trips.
Helmet on the Bed
Motorcyclists avoid it — invites accidents.
Lucky Jersey
On a winning streak, don’t wash the shirt — don’t jinx the match.
Penalty Rituals
Fans stick to the same spot, same volume, same stance — because it “worked.”
Numbers that Feel Safe
Seven draws people in; thirteen gets side-eyed.
New Home Cleanse
Sage or palo santo when moving in to reset the vibe.
Flickering Light
Telling ghost stories and the lamp flickers? Someone’s listening.
One-Ring Calls at Night
Unknown number, single ring — many won’t answer.
Song on Repeat
If a track loops by itself, someone’s thinking of you.
Refresh Your Amulets
Return old charms respectfully (to nature, church, or terreiro) and renew protection yearly.
Cultural & Scholarly Resources on Brazilian Beliefs
-
IPHAN — Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional
— Brazil’s federal body for safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage. -
Museu Afro Brasil
— Collections and exhibitions on Afro-Brazilian culture, religion, and ritual. -
Fundação Cultural Palmares
— Research and promotion of Afro-Brazilian cultural expressions. -
Folklore of Brazil — Wikipedia
— Overview of myths, characters, and regional traditions. -
Umbanda — Wikipedia |
Candomblé — Wikipedia
— Introductions to Afro-Brazilian religious frameworks and practices. -
Iemanjá — Wikipedia
— Background on the sea deity and related festivals across Brazil. -
Simpatia (folk rites) — Wikipedia (PT)
— Everyday rituals for luck, love, health, and protection.