From the ancient gods of Olympus to the deep traditions of the Orthodox faith, Greece is a land where myth, history, and daily life are completely intertwined. This rich cultural tapestry includes an astonishing number of superstitionsโsome researchers estimate there are around 600 distinct beliefsโthat influence everything from conversations to cooking. The most famous of these, the ‘Evil Eye’ or Mati, is just the beginning. These beliefs, known as prolipsis (ฯฯฮฟฮปฮฎฯฮตฮนฯ), are often practiced with genuine sincerity to ward off misfortune or welcome good luck. Here are 60 of the most enduring superstitions you’ll encounter in Greece.
1
The Evil Eye (Mati)
The Mati is a curse brought on by jealousy or excessive praise. Itโs believed to cause sudden bad luck, headaches, or illness.
2
The Blue Eye Charm (Matiasma)
A blue-and-white eye charm (Nazar) is worn or hung in homes and cars to reflect the Evil Eye curse back to the sender.
3
Spitting (Ftou Ftou)
To ward off the Evil Eye after giving a compliment (especially to a baby), Greeks will say “Ftou ftou ftou” (simulating spitting) to protect the person.
4
The Oil Test
To check for the Mati, a healer drops olive oil into a glass of water. If the oil disperses, the person is ‘eyed’; if it stays in drops, they are clear.
5
Knocking on Wood (Ktipa Xilo)
When saying something positive, you must say “Ktipa xilo” (knock wood) and knock on wood twice to prevent the good fortune from being jinxed.
6
Unlucky Tuesday the 13th
In Greece, the unluckiest day is Tuesday (Triti) the 13th, not Friday. This is tied to the fall of Constantinople on a Tuesday.
7
Sneezing
If you sneeze, it means someone is thinking or talking about you.
8
Hiccups
Similar to sneezing, getting the hiccups means someone is thinking about you or mentioning your name.
9
Itchy Right Palm
If your right palm itches, itโs a good sign! You are going to receive money soon.
10
Itchy Left Palm
If your left palm itches, itโs a bad sign. You are going to lose money or have to pay someone.
11
Upside-Down Bread
Placing bread upside down on a table is considered very bad luck and disrespectful, inviting misfortune.
12
Spilled Salt
Spilling salt will lead to a fight. To undo the bad luck, you must throw a pinch of it over your left shoulder.
13
Spilled Olive Oil
Spilling olive oil is a terrible omen. As oil is precious, spilling it signifies a loss of good fortune.
14
Spilled Wine
Unlike salt or oil, spilling wine is a good sign. It symbolizes abundance, joy, and upcoming celebrations.
15
Garlic (Skordo)
Hanging a braid of garlic (skordo) in the home, a car, or a shop is a powerful way to ward off the Mati and evil spirits.
16
Seeing a Priest
Seeing a priest (a papas) on the street first thing in the morning is bad luck. You must say “Skorda!” (Garlic!) or touch iron to negate it.
17
Black Cat
Like in many cultures, having a black cat cross your path is a sign of bad luck to come.
18
Broken Mirror
Breaking a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck.
19
Podariko (First Footer)
On New Year’s Day, the podariko (first-footing) is crucial. The first person to enter the house determines the year’s luck. They must be good-hearted and enter right foot first.
20
New Year’s Pomegranate
On New Year’s, a pomegranate is smashed on the doorstep. The more seeds that scatter, the more luck and prosperity the family will have.
21
Vasilopita Coin
A coin is hidden inside the Vasilopita (New Year’s cake). Whoever finds the coin in their slice will have good luck for the entire year.
22
Cracking Red Eggs
At Easter, families play a game called tsougrisma. You crack your red-dyed egg against others. The person whose egg remains unbroken will have good luck.
23
No Sweeping at Night
Sweeping the floor after sunset is believed to sweep your luck and prosperity right out the door.
24
Upside-Down Shoes
Leaving your shoes with the soles facing up is a very bad omen, thought to invite bad luck or even death.
25
Gifting Knives
Never give a knife or scissors as a gift, as it will “cut” the friendship. The recipient must “buy” it from you by giving you a single coin.
26
Gifting an Empty Wallet
You must never give a wallet or purse as a gift without putting a coin inside it first. This ensures the new owner’s wallet will always have money.
27
Gifting Perfume
Gifting perfume is said to ruin a relationship, as the bond will “evaporate” like the scent. This also requires a coin in exchange.
28
Twitching Eye
If your right eye twitches, you’ll hear good news. If your left eye twitches, you’ll hear bad news.
29
Ringing Ears
If your right ear is ringing or burning, someone is speaking well of you. If it’s your left ear, someone is gossiping or speaking ill of you.
30
Saying the Same Word
If two people say the exact same word at the same time, they must immediately say “Piase kokkino” (Touch red) and both touch something red to avoid a fight.
31
New Shoes on a Bed
Placing new shoes on a bed or table brings bad luck or will cause a big argument.
32
Owl (Koukouvagia)
While wise in ancient myths, hearing an owl hoot is considered a very bad omen, often signaling impending death or bad news.
33
Crow Cawing
Hearing a crow cawing near your home is also a sign that bad news is on the way.
34
Basil (Vasilikos)
Basil is holy, said to have grown where Christ’s cross stood. However, it’s unlucky to give a pot of basil to a man, as it’s believed he will become unfaithful.
35
Stepping in Poop
It’s unpleasant, but stepping in dog poop with your left foot is considered good luck, often said to bring money.
36
Whistling at Night
Whistling indoors, especially at night, is forbidden as it is believed to attract evil spirits or invite poverty into the home.
37
Cutting Nails at Night
You should not cut your fingernails or toenails after sunset, as it’s considered bad luck.
38
Stepping Over a Child
You must never step over a child who is lying on the floor. It is believed this will stop them from growing taller.
39
Moon Phases
One should not start a new business, project, or planting during a waning moon, as it will not grow or succeed.
40
Spiders
Killing a spider, especially one in your home, brings bad luck. Spiders are sometimes seen as “money spiders,” bringing wealth.
41
Wedding Koufeta
The sugared almonds (koufeta) given at weddings must always be in an odd number (3, 5, or 7). This symbolizes the indivisible nature of the couple.
42
Spitting on the Bride
To protect the bride and groom from the Evil Eye on their wedding day, guests will “spit” on them three times (Ftou ftou ftou).
43
Breaking Plates
While now mostly ceremonial or banned in clubs, breaking plates was a way to show kefi (joy) and ward off evil spirits during celebrations.
44
Handing Salt
Never hand salt directly to someone at the table; this will cause a fight. You must place it on the table for them to pick up themselves.
45
Cactus by the Door
Keeping a cactus plant near the main entrance of a house is believed to protect the home by absorbing negativity and repelling the Evil Eye.
46
Fanouropita (St. Fanourios’ Pie)
If you lose an item, you bake this special cake (Fanouropita) as an offering to St. Fanourios, who will then “reveal” (fanerono) the lost item.
47
Sitting at a Table Corner
If a single person sits at the corner of a table, it’s believed they will not get married for seven years.
48
Water for Travelers
When someone departs for a long journey, a family member will spill water on the ground behind them, symbolizing a wish for their journey to “flow as smoothly as water.”
49
Opening an Umbrella Indoors
Opening an umbrella inside the house is a well-known sign of bad luck, thought to “rain” misfortune on the household.
50
Walking Under a Ladder
Walking under a ladder is considered bad luck, as it breaks the “holy trinity” (the triangle shape) and invites evil.
51
Bats (Nycterides)
Bats are seen as bad omens. If a bat enters a house, it’s considered a sign of impending bad news or even death.
52
Changing Sides of the Bed
A married couple should not switch their habitual sides of the bed, as this is believed to cause quarrels between them.
53
Dreaming of Snakes
Dreaming of a snake is often interpreted as a warning sign, signifying hidden enemies or treachery.
54
Dreaming of Fish
In contrast to snakes, dreaming of fish is often seen as a good sign, symbolizing good news, success, or even pregnancy.
55
Salt in a New Home
When moving into a new house, sprinkling salt in the corners of each room is thought to purify the space and drive away any lingering evil spirits.
56
“Hanging” Scissors
Leaving scissors hanging open or handing them to someone with the blades facing out is bad luck and can lead to a “cutting” of relationships.
57
Entering a New Home
When entering a new home for the first time, you must always step in with your right foot to ensure a life of good fortune within it.
58
White Dove
If a white dove lands on your balcony or window, it is a sign of good news, peace, or a blessing from a departed loved one.
59
Jumping Over Fire
On certain feast days (like St. John’s Day in June), people light bonfires and jump over them three times to purify themselves and ward off evil.
60
Boats and Priests
Sailors and fishermen believe it’s extremely bad luck for a priest to be on their boat. Many will refuse to set sail if one is aboard.
References
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America โ “The Evil Eye (Matiasma)” โ An explanation of the ‘Mati’ or Evil Eye from the official perspective of the Greek Orthodox Church.
- Wikipedia โ “Evil eye” โ A comprehensive article detailing the history and cultural practices of the evil eye, with extensive information on Greek traditions (mati).
- University of Macedonia (UOM) Digital Library โ “Modern Superstitions and their Origin” (Greek) โ A dissertation from a Greek university (in Greek) analyzing the persistence and origins of modern superstitions.
- Hellenic Studies, South Australia Education Dept. โ “New Yearโs Day Traditions in Greece” โ An educational resource from an Australian government education department detailing Greek cultural traditions like the podariko and Vasilopita.