🇲🇿 Mozambican Superstitions (World #58, ≈290 total)

Home and Everyday Courtesy

1. 🏠 Enter a home with your right foot first to “start well.”
2. 🚪 Avoid shaking hands or passing items across the threshold; step in, then greet properly.
3. 🧹 Sweeping late at night is said to sweep luck away; many prefer morning cleaning.
4. 🩴 Leaving sandals or shoes upside down “invites trouble”; flip them back to the right way.
5. 🗣️ Whistling at night, especially indoors, is avoided because it “calls” unwanted attention; keep evenings quiet.
6. 🧂 Don’t hand salt directly to someone; place it down so luck stays steady.
7. 🪑 Sitting on the doorstep is discouraged; doorways should stay open and welcoming.
8. 🧵 Never step on a capulana laid out for someone—cloth can carry personal meaning and “luck.”
9. 🔑 A small key kept near the entrance is seen as a symbol that “locks in” good fortune.
10. 🪵 After praising a plan, tap wood to keep the outcome protected.
11. 🪞 Don’t stare into a mirror in darkness; mirrors are treated as “serious objects” that deserve respect.
12. ✂️ Cutting nails at night is avoided; do it in daylight for a clean start.
13. 🧺 Leaving an empty basket by the door overnight is said to “invite emptiness”; keep the entrance orderly.
14. 💧 Spilling water near the entrance can be read as a sign of visitors—many simply smile and tidy it calmly.
15. 🕯️ A steady candle flame signals a peaceful atmosphere; a flicker suggests it’s time to lower voices.
16. 🧼 Dropping soap is a playful sign that “company is coming”; people often laugh and keep the home presentable.
17. 🪟 Keep curtains open briefly in the morning to “invite the day in” and refresh good energy.
18. 🧃 Pouring the first sip for an elder is believed to bring blessings to the whole household.
19. 🧴 Don’t lend perfume or personal oil too easily—scent is treated as part of one’s personal luck.
20. 🧯 Playing with fire is strongly discouraged; fire is respected as “alive” and linked with home safety.
21. 🎶 Loud singing while someone is leaving can “pull them back”; farewells are often kept simple.
22. 🧴 Spilling cooking oil is considered a sign to slow down and avoid rushing decisions that day.
23. 🪟 Don’t slam doors; a gentle close keeps peace in the home.
24. 🧊 Serving water first to a guest is a sign of welcome and “good hosting luck.”
25. 🧿 A small charm at the doorway—anything meaningful—signals protection and good intent.

Food and Hospitality

26. 🍽️ Never start eating before greeting everyone at the table; respect “seasons” the meal with luck.
27. 🥣 Stirring xima (maize porridge) in angry silence is avoided; calm conversation keeps the pot “happy.”
28. 🌿 Spilling matapa (cassava-leaf dish) is taken as a sign to slow down and cook with patience.
29. 🧂 Over-salting is jokingly called “calling tears”; many add salt in small, careful steps.
30. 🍚 Dropping rice or flour is a reminder not to waste; picking it up keeps abundance close.
31. 🥥 A cracked coconut is considered lucky—“it opened easily”—so people thank the day for ease.
32. 🍋 Serving a sour drink first can “sour the mood”; hosts often begin with fresh water or tea.
33. 🍵 Letting tea boil over signals “too much heat”; it’s seen as a cue to choose gentle words that day.
34. 🍞 Sharing the first piece of bread (or first bite) spreads good fortune through the household.
35. 🥄 Don’t lick the serving spoon; it’s said to “take the luck” meant for everyone.
36. 🧊 Ice clinking loudly in a glass can be read as “news arriving”; people often respond with optimism.
37. 🍊 Offering fruit to guests first is believed to “sweeten” conversations and attract friendly outcomes.
38. 🌶️ Dropping piri-piri (chili) is a reminder to avoid “spicy” arguments—choose soft answers.
39. 🍗 Cutting chicken unevenly is said to “split harmony”; many families serve portions with fairness.
40. 🥭 Sharing the first mango of the season is thought to invite a year of plenty.
41. 🧉 Drinking from a shared cup without offering it around is seen as “closing luck”; passing it on keeps community strong.
42. 🍲 Leaving a pot uncovered invites “restlessness”; covering food is linked with calm and good order.
43. 🥜 Dropping peanuts or cashews is a cue to “collect your thoughts”; tidy motions reflect tidy luck.
44. 🥤 A guest’s cup should not sit empty too long—refilling is considered a simple way to “keep” good energy.
45. 🍽️ Finishing a shared dish together is said to “seal friendship”; leaving it half-finished feels like unfinished conversation.

Travel, Roads, and the Ocean

46. 🧳 If you forget something and return home, many people pause briefly before leaving again so the journey stays smooth.
47. 🚶 Saying goodbye twice can “split the road”; one clear farewell keeps travel straight.
48. 🚪 On departure, a light touch to the doorframe is a small habit meant to bring safe returns.
49. 🚕 Before a long ride, some sprinkle a few drops of water near the threshold for a cool, calm trip.
50. 🚌 Choosing the same seat on a chapa (minibus) is a modern “don’t-jinx-it” routine for steady luck.
51. 👞 Putting shoes on the ground (not the bed) before travel helps keep plans stable.
52. 🧿 A small charm on a keyring is used as a reminder of protection while moving through busy places.
53. 🌊 On the coast, many greet the sea with respect; gratitude is believed to invite calm waters.
54. 🐚 Taking shells from certain beaches is avoided by some; leaving them is seen as respecting the ocean’s balance.
55. 🧭 Pointing sharply at the sea is discouraged in some families; open palms and gentle gestures show good manners.
56. 🌅 Watching the first sunrise of a trip is considered a simple way to “set” good intentions.
57. 🪙 Keeping a small coin in your pocket on travel day is a classic symbol of open roads.
58. 🧴 Spilling water in a vehicle is read as “unsettled plans”; people respond by driving more carefully.
59. 📸 Avoid photographing sacred or community spaces without permission; respect is believed to protect everyone’s luck.
60. 🧭 Starting a journey calmly—no rushing out the door—is said to attract steady timing all day.

Work, Money, and Trade

61. 💼 Starting the workday by greeting colleagues is seen as “opening” good outcomes.
62. 👜 Putting a bag on the floor can “let money run away”; many keep it on a chair or hook for prosperity.
63. 💵 Keeping one neat banknote in the wallet is a simple symbol of always having something.
64. 🧾 Tearing receipts is avoided by some; keeping records intact is linked with financial order.
65. 🧺 A tidy market stall is believed to attract steady customers and friendly negotiations.
66. 🤝 Refusing the first sale of the day is avoided by some vendors; it’s said to “close” the day’s luck.
67. 🪙 Dropping a coin is treated as a sign to pause and reset—then continue with focus.
68. 🧠 Counting money while complaining is avoided; gratitude is believed to keep income steady.
69. 📦 Sending goods out the door without a quick final check is said to “send luck away”; careful checking keeps quality strong.
70. 🧵 Sewing a button back on before an interview is a small ritual for confidence and good presentation.
71. 🖊️ Lending a pen right before signing something important is avoided; it’s a playful “don’t hand away your success.”
72. 📱 A cracked phone screen is treated as a cue to be extra careful with communication that week.
73. 🧺 Carrying goods with the left hand only is avoided by some; balancing both hands suggests balanced fortune.
74. 🧯 Fixing small problems immediately (a loose handle, a squeaky hinge) is said to stop tiny issues from “multiplying” into bigger trouble.
75. 💳 Paying with calm words—no arguing at the counter—is believed to keep money “flowing” with ease.

Nature, Weather, and Animals

76. 🦎 A house gecko is often treated as a lucky resident; letting it be is a common habit.
77. 🐦 A bird that enters the home is seen as “news arriving”; people gently guide it out with care.
78. 🐜 Ants crossing a doorway can be read as a sign of incoming abundance.
79. 🐸 Loud frogs at dusk are a classic hint that rain is near.
80. 🦋 A butterfly hovering indoors is seen as a gentle message or a “hello” from far away.
81. 🐝 Bees near the home are treated as a sign of plenty; many avoid disturbing them.
82. 🌧️ The first rains of the season are welcomed; stepping outside briefly is seen as “meeting” fresh beginnings.
83. 🌬️ A sudden warm wind is taken as a cue to close windows and keep the home calm.
84. 🌈 Pointing at a rainbow is avoided in some families; instead, people watch quietly and make kind wishes.
85. 🌙 A bright moon is considered a good night to set clear intentions for the week ahead.
86. ⭐ A “shooting star” is a quick moment for a wish kept private.
87. 🐟 Seeing fish jump near shore is read as a sign of good conditions for work and plans.
88. 🦀 A crab crossing your path is treated as a reminder: move steadily, not quickly—slow progress brings strong results.
89. 🌴 A palm frond falling naturally is seen as “the tree making room”; people interpret it as a sign to declutter.
90. 🔥 Smoke that rises straight from cooking is taken as a sign of peace; swirling smoke suggests it’s time to ventilate and relax.
91. 🌊 Gentle waves are seen as a “yes” day for beach plans; rough waves are a cue to show the ocean respect and keep activities simple.
92. 🕊️ A dove or pigeon lingering nearby can symbolize good tidings and peaceful conversation.
93. 🐈 A cat choosing to rest near the doorway is sometimes viewed as “guarding the home’s” comfort.
94. 🌿 A thriving household plant is treated as a sign the home is in balance—watering it becomes a small daily ritual of care.

Time, Numbers, and Everyday Timing

95. 🕰️ Leaving the house in anger is said to “invite delays”; a deep breath supports better timing.
96. 📅 Starting the week by cleaning the doorway area is seen as “clearing the path” for good news.
97. 3️⃣ The number three appears often in small routines—three knocks, three sips, three breaths—for steady confidence.
98. 7️⃣ The number seven is treated as “complete” by many; repeating a small habit seven times can symbolize commitment.
99. 🧺 Washing clothes right before a big plan is avoided by some; they prefer to finish tasks early so luck feels settled.
100. 🎉 On celebration days, wearing a clean, bright outfit is believed to attract joy and friendly attention.
101. 🪙 On the first day of a new month, keeping a coin in the pocket symbolizes continuous flow.
102. 🕯️ Lighting a candle (or simply turning on a warm light) at dusk is a way to welcome calm evenings.
103. 🧂 Lending salt very late is avoided in some households; they prefer to share it in daylight so luck stays bright.
104. 🌅 Seeing the first sunlight of the day is considered a gentle reset—an everyday ritual for fresh starts.