Pakistan’s culture is a vibrant fusion of Islamic tradition, ancient South Asian folklore, and deep-rooted regional customs. With estimates suggesting there may be as many as 750 unique superstitions, these beliefsโknown locally as tohamat or wahamโare woven into the fabric of daily life. They shape decisions, offer explanations for misfortune, and provide comfort against the unknown. From the ever-present fear of the ‘evil eye’ to omens whispered about jinns at twilight, here are 50 of the most enduring superstitions found across Pakistan.
1
The Evil Eye (Nazar)
The most pervasive belief. A glance filled with envy or jealousy (Nazar) can cause illness, misfortune, or failure.
2
Black Dot on Babies
A small black dot of kajal (kohl) is applied to a baby’s cheek or forehead to deflect the evil eye and protect their beauty.
3
Burning Red Chilies
To remove Nazar (Nazar Utarna), dry red chilies are circled over the afflicted person’s head and then burned. The pungency of the smoke is said to neutralize the curse.
4
Saying “Masha’Allah”
When praising someone or something, “Masha’Allah” (“What God has willed”) is said immediately to prevent one’s own praise from inadvertently casting an evil eye.
5
Black Cat Crossing
If a black cat crosses your path, it’s a severe bad omen. Many will wait for someone else to pass first or choose a different route to avoid misfortune.
6
Crow Cawing
A crow cawing persistently on your rooftop means mehmaan (guests) are arriving soon.
7
No Sweeping at Night
Sweeping the floor after sunset (Maghrib) is believed to sweep away rizq (sustenance and wealth) from the home.
8
Cutting Nails at Night
Trimming fingernails or toenails after dark is thought to invite poverty or bad luck.
9
Itchy Palms
An itchy right palm means you will receive money soon. An itchy left palm means you are about to lose or spend money.
10
Twitching Eyes
A twitching right eye is good news for men but bad for women. A twitching left eye is bad for men but good for women.
11
Sneezing Before Leaving
If someone sneezes just as you are about to leave for an important task, it’s a sign of a delay or bad outcome. You should pause and drink water before proceeding.
12
Spilling Milk
Spilling milk (especially after boiling it) is considered a bad omen, signifying impending loss or bad news.
13
Owl Hooting
Unlike in Western cultures, an owl (ullu) is often seen as a sign of misfortune or ruin. Its hooting near a house is a bad omen.
14
Dog Howling at Night
A dog howling in the middle of the night is believed to be a sign that it senses jinns or spirits nearby, or that a death will occur in the neighborhood.
15
Hiccups (Hichki)
If you get persistent hiccups, it means someone is remembering you. To stop them, you must guess who it is.
16
Broken Mirror
Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. The broken pieces should be disposed of carefully, often by burying them.
17
Whistling at Night
Whistling indoors, especially after dark, is said to attract jinns, snakes, or invite poverty.
18
Upside Down Shoe
An upside-down shoe (joota) must be turned over immediately. It is believed to invite a fight or quarrel into the household.
19
Sunset (Maghrib) Dangers
The time of sunset is considered spiritually vulnerable. Windows are closed to prevent jinns from entering, and children are called inside.
20
Peepal Tree at Night
It is strongly advised not to go near or sleep under a Peepal tree at night, as it is considered the abode of spirits and jinns.
21
Don’t Say “Jinn”
Saying the word “Jinn” aloud, especially at night, is thought to summon them. People use euphemisms like “Makhlooq” (creatures) instead.
22
Perfume at Night
Wearing strong perfume (itr) after dark is believed to attract unwanted attention from jinns, especially for women.
23
Tuesday is Unlucky
Tuesday (Mangal) is often considered an inauspicious day for starting new ventures, traveling, or getting a haircut, as it’s associated with conflict and anger.
24
Shaking Legs
Idly shaking your legs while sitting is seen as shaking away your wealth and prosperity.
25
Stepping on Paper
Accidentally stepping on a book, newspaper, or any piece of paper with writing is a sign of disrespect to knowledge (ilm). One must kiss it and touch it to their forehead as an apology.
26
Handing Sharp Objects
Never hand scissors or a knife directly to someone (blade first or not). It’s believed to sever the relationship. You should put the object down for them to pick up.
27
Cutting with Empty Scissors
Snapping scissors open and shut without cutting anything is said to cause fights in the family.
28
Spilling Salt
Spilling salt (namak) is a bad omen, leading to arguments or misfortune. Some believe you must throw a pinch over your left shoulder to undo it.
29
Sweet Curd Before Exams
Eating a spoonful of dahi (yogurt) with sugar before leaving for an exam or important interview is believed to ensure success.
30
Right Foot First
When entering a home or a mosque, stepping in with the right foot brings blessings (barkat). Leaving with the left foot first is also practiced.
31
Standing on One Leg
Resting one foot on the other knee while standing is considered a bad omen, thought to bring bad luck to a sibling.
32
Ta’wiz (Amulet)
A small amulet, often containing verses from the Quran, is worn around the neck or arm to protect against Nazar and evil spirits.
33
Lemon and Chilies
A string of seven green chilies and one lemon is hung at the entrance of shops or on new vehicles to ward off the evil eye.
34
Kettle Spout
When pouring tea for a guest, the spout of the kettle should never face the guest, as this is considered rude and brings bad luck to them.
35
Calling a Name at Night
If you hear someone call your name at night when no one is there, do not answer. It is believed to be a jinn or spirit trying to lure you.
36
Eclipse (Gehan)
During a solar or lunar eclipse, pregnant women must stay indoors and avoid using knives or sharp objects, fearing it will harm the baby.
37
Lending Money at Sunset
Giving or lending money, milk, or salt to someone during Maghrib (sunset) is believed to transfer your home’s prosperity (barkat) to them.
38
Pigeon Nesting
If a pigeon or dove builds a nest at your home, it is a sign of peace and good fortune. You must not disturb it.
39
Sitting on a Pillow
Sitting on a pillow (takiya) is considered disrespectful and is believed to cause debt or headaches.
40
Stepping Over Someone
If you step over a person who is lying down, it is believed you will stunt their growth. To reverse the “curse,” you must step back over them.
41
Black Thread (Kala Dhaga)
A simple black thread tied around the wrist or ankle is a common and inexpensive amulet to protect against Nazar, especially for children.
42
Milk After Fish
It is widely believed that drinking milk immediately after eating fish will cause vitiligo (white patches on the skin).
43
The Number 7
The number 7 is often considered lucky and spiritually significant in many local traditions (e.g., seven chilies, seven heavens).
44
Crying at Night
Crying loudly after sunset is discouraged as it is believed to attract sadness and the attention of malevolent spirits.
45
Shoes Near Door
Guests turning their shoes to face away from the door as they enter means they intend to visit again soon. Shoes facing the door mean a quick departure.
46
Sighting the New Moon
Seeing the new moon (especially for Eid) is a time of blessing. It is customary to make a prayer (dua) immediately upon first sight for good fortune.
47
Don’t Shake Hands at Doorway
Shaking hands or exchanging items on the threshold of a doorway is bad luck, as it symbolizes a barrier and can lead to arguments.
48
Feeding Ants
Routinely leaving small amounts of sugar or flour (atta) for ants is considered an act of charity that removes obstacles from one’s life.
49
Gifting Perfume
Gifting perfume (itr) is sometimes avoided as it’s believed it will cause a rift or fight between the giver and receiver.
50
Number 786
This number is seen as a divine symbol in Abjad numerology, representing the Arabic phrase “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” (In the name of God). It’s used on homes and shops for blessings.
References
- Wikipedia โ “Folklore of Pakistan” โ An overview of the folk traditions, legends, and beliefs that are prevalent in Pakistani culture.
- The Express Tribune โ “Rationalising Superstitions in Pakistan” โ A Pakistani news article discussing common superstitions and their societal impact.
- ResearchGate โ “Superstitious Beliefs among University Students: A Case Study of University of Sargodha” โ A 2020 academic paper analyzing the persistence of superstitious beliefs among educated youth in Pakistan.
- Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage, Pakistan) โ The official website of Pakistan’s national body for cultural preservation, detailing folk customs and beliefs.