2007-08-05 04:44:50 · 6 answers · asked by raquel w 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Superstitions about salt date back to biblical times when salt was a highly prized commodity as it was crucial in preserving food, even used in lieu of currency. So spilling salt was considered an almost sacrilegious offence and throwing salt over your shoulder at such a moment was, like blessing someone after they've sneezed, aimed to "keep the devil at bay". Depending on your interpretation, the salt is either intended to blind the devil so he can't witness your error, or keep him from sneaking up on you while you're cleaning up your mess. It's important to note that the superstition calls for the offender to throw salt over the left (sinister) shoulder because that is the devil's side and your right side is your "good" side.
2007-08-05 04:53:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
salt used to be expensive. very expensive. sitting at the king's table, if you spilled some salt, you tossed it over your shoulder to get rid of the evidence. the "good luck" was that you were not chastised for spilling the salt.
2007-08-05 11:54:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do, it's spilled salt that counts and it's usually over the left shoulder
2007-08-05 13:51:44 · answer #3 · answered by mom tree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For good luck to ward off evil; such as placing a plate of salt under your bed...
2007-08-05 11:49:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For good luck, to ward off evil.
2007-08-05 11:48:44 · answer #5 · answered by Simmi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean over their shoulder?
2007-08-05 11:55:44 · answer #6 · answered by marlene g 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋