Preventing Bad Luck the Korean Way: Throwing Salt, Avoiding Broken Mirrors, and more
Nobody enjoys being down on luck, which is why many cultures worldwide have beliefs and superstitions that surround getting rid of bad luck. In this regard, Korea stands out as one of the countries with unique ancient practices that are said to be able to prevent bad luck. We’ll explore some of these customs that shape the Korean way of life here.
1. Throwing Salt
Apart from serving as a seasoning or preservative, did you know that salt can also be used to protect you? In Korea, the act of throwing salt is said to be able to ward off bad luck. This ancient practice can be traced back centuries, and has a link to shamanistic rituals. It was believed that by throwing salt over one’s left shoulder, he or she can blind and deter evil spirits from bringing harm, thus ensuring protection and good fortune.
Today, salt throwing is still widely practised as it’s considered a powerful means of cleansing and purifying one’s surroundings from negative energy and misfortune. Even during weddings, housewarmings, moving into a new apartment, or after hearing bad news, Koreans would throw salt in the air or at themselves to get rid of the bad luck.
2. Avoiding Broken Mirrors
In Korean culture, the mirror is believed to harbour a connection to the spirit and fate of the person who gazes into it. Hence, broken mirrors are often seen as an omen of misfortune, as it symbolises the disruption of this connection and a fractured destiny.
In order to prevent this bad luck from coming your way, it is said that one should avoid looking into broken mirrors, and to carefully dispose of them immediately. During disposal, the broken mirror and its shards should be collected, wrapped in white cloth, and buried or thrown away in a secluded area. This is to prevent any lingering negative energy or misfortune associated with the broken mirror from affecting the individual or their household.
3. Burning Incense
The burning of fragrant incense sticks is believed to purify one’s surroundings, create a harmonious atmosphere, and ward off negative energy and misfortune. This practice traces its roots back to ancient Korea, and is influenced by Buddhist, Confucian, and shamanistic beliefs.
Learn More: Understanding Confucianism’s Impact on Korean Society Today
Incense was considered a sacred offering to the deities, a means of communicating with the spirit world, and was a tool for cleansing spaces of malevolent forces. By burning it, the aroma that is released is said to be able to uplift the spirit and invoke a sense of tranquillity.
Today, many Korean households maintain the tradition of lighting incense, especially during significant life events such as funerals and ancestral rites.
4. Rearranging Your House
The act of rearranging your house is often seen as a way to counteract any negative energy or misfortune that may have accumulated within the living space. Koreans believe that by changing the layout of furniture or decor, they can disrupt stagnant or unfavourable energy patterns and create a fresh, positive atmosphere. They may position the beds, sofas, and tables to face different directions, or add symbolic items that are believed to bring good luck into the home.
5. Not Stepping on the Door Threshold
In Korean culture, the elevated threshold at the door that separates one’s home and the outside is seen as a boundary that separates the living world and the afterlife. Many Koreans believe that stepping on it would breach the boundary, disrupt positive energy within the home, and bring bad luck.
As this superstition is deeply ingrained, Koreans today are careful to avoid stepping directly on the threshold when entering or leaving a room or building.
6. Not Shaking Your Leg
As a result, many Koreans will consciously avoid shaking their legs in various settings and make an effort to maintain good posture and remain still.
Traditional Korean beliefs view the human body as a vessel of energy, and maintaining balance and harmony in the body is essential for overall well-being. Shaking your legs is believed to disturb this balance, potentially inviting negative energy and misfortune into your life. It is also said that shaking one’s legs will “shake away fortune,” and is an act that many will avoid. As a result, Koreans will consciously maintain good posture and remain still in various settings, and avoid shaking their legs.
From the ritualistic act of throwing salt to deter evil spirits to the soothing practice of burning incense, Koreans have a rich tapestry of customs aimed at safeguarding against misfortune. In embracing these customs, Koreans not only preserve their rich cultural heritage but also find a sense of comfort, empowerment, and connection to their destiny in an ever-changing world.
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