20 Popular Mexican Superstitions

Among Mexico’s many fascinating cultural traditions is a significant interest in the paranormal. Mexico is home to fascinating superstitions passed down from generation to generation, many of which have their roots in old indigenous beliefs or the Catholic impact on Mexican society.

These widespread beliefs are interwoven with daily life, lending an air of mystery and folklore to Mexican tradition.

Let us discover the beliefs that continue to impact the lives and perspectives of Mexicans today, in our list of some of the most popular Mexican superstitions.

20 Popular Mexican Superstitions

1. Evil Eye

“El Mal de Ojo” is the Mexican folk belief that is most widely spread throughout the country. The term “Evil Eye” is well-known throughout Latin America thanks to the influence of English speakers and Europeans.

This is a notion that a curse can be passed on just by giving someone an angry stare.

Those on the receiving end of these stares are likely to be children, and they have the power to bring about physical harm.

2. Tuesday the 13th

Don’t take any chances on Tuesday the 13th! In the same way that Friday the 13th is considered unlucky in the United States, so is Tuesday the 13th in Mexico.

What’s the deal here? Nobody knows for sure. Generally speaking, many Mexican and Latin American cultures view Tuesday, the 13th of any given month, as an unlucky day.

3. Meeting a Baby

Smiling or looking at a baby can make it sick, so it’s best to touch it in the arm or leg.

This Is a variation of “El mal de ojo” means evil of the eye in its literal translation.

As a result, if you gaze upon adorable infants, they will develop severe fevers. Putting a piece of charmed jewelry on the infant or mixing anything with eggs seems odd, yet both are necessary if you want the kid to be safe.

4. Children Must Go Back and Forth Under Your Legs

If a young child is playing near you and goes in between your legs, he or she must return and do the same thing, only this time going the other way.

If that doesn’t happen, they’ll never reach their full height potential. These strange beliefs persist in Mexico, even to this day.

5. Don’t Scratch Itchy Palms

Never scratch your palm if it’s itchy. If you feel an itch, it’s a sign of good fortune, but if you scratch, you’ll scare the cash away.

Try putting some coins or banknotes in your hand and squeezing them until the itch goes away instead. If you bump your elbow and try to rub it out, you’ll be in for a nasty surprise.

6. Don’t drop the tortilla

It is stated that if you drop a tortilla, you will be visited by many people you didn’t expect.

Never drop a tortilla, whether or not you believe in superstition. Doing so is wasting good food.

7. Tortilla knows when you’re ready

When preparing tortillas from scratch, there is also a belief that certain things must not be done.

You know you’re ready to tie the knot if the tortilla expands while you cook it on the comal or skillet.

One of the more extreme ones is that you will be doomed to live with your parents for the rest of your life if this doesn’t expand.

8. Happy Tamales

If you want to make good tamales, you shouldn’t become upset in the kitchen.

They will not stand up straight if this occurs. It’s true! Making tamales is a complicated process. They won’t turn out right if you aren’t in the mood to cook them.

9. Upside Down Broom

Create a clever storage solution by placing a broom upside down behind a door. This simple trick will help you maximize your space and keep your broom easily accessible when you need it.

Plus, it adds a touch of quirkiness to your home decor! This practice helps to keep away any unwelcome guests or negative vibes. Here’s a clever trick to avoid unexpected visits from your in-laws. Give it a try!

10. Sweeping Etiquette

It is considered bad luck to sweep a single woman’s feet. This superstition has been passed down through generations and is believed to bring negative energy and prevent the woman from finding a suitable partner.

While there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, it’s a fun superstition that has been passed down through generations.

So, if you want to avoid any potential bad luck, be sure to watch where you’re sweeping!

11. Take your luggage outside

Did you know that on New Year’s Day, taking your luggage outside can give you a taste of different cultures from around the world?

When the clock strikes midnight, it’s time to grab your bags and head outside.

Don’t miss your chance to embark on your next adventure! By doing so, you can ensure that you will have a year filled with exciting adventures and frequent travels.

12. Sweeping Manners

Sweeping may seem like a simple task, but it’s important to take care while doing it to avoid any accidents or injuries. According to popular belief, it is considered unlucky to sweep the floor at night.

Similarly, it is believed that sweeping dirt out of the front door can lead to the loss of good luck.

So, it’s better to avoid these practices to ensure a positive and fortunate environment around you.

13. Tepeyac

Tepeyac is a renowned location in Mexico that holds great cultural and religious significance.

According to legend, it is the very spot where the Virgin of Guadalupe made her miraculous appearance.

Legend has it that if you make a request to the Virgin and she fulfills it, you are expected to climb to the summit of Cerro de Tepeyac on your knees as a sign of gratitude.

This sacred act is believed to demonstrate your devotion and appreciation for the Virgin’s blessings.

14. La Llorona

After being rejected by her Spanish lover, La Llorona killed herself and her three children. The legend has it that she hasn’t stopped crying by the riverbank since she lost her children there.

This terrible tale of La Llorona occurred on the banks of a lake or river. Several superstitious say you shouldn’t go near various bodies of water because “she’ll get you.”

15. Black Moths

In the unfortunate event that a black witch moth, or polilla negra as it is known in Spanish, finds its way into your home, you must act promptly to exterminate it.

According to Mexican folklore, black moths portend the arrival of a tragic end. Get the broom since your parents warned you that they portend financial disaster, illness, and other ills.

16. Using Scissors

A pair of scissors is a dangerous tool; they should never be pointed at anyone.

Leaving them open by accident is another potential source of harm. However, whether you believe in superstition or not, scissors are always a risky tool to have around.

17. Bed Manners

Don’t invite death into your bedroom by positioning the foot of your bed so that it faces the door.

According to the proverb “Los Muertos salen siempre de la casa con los pies por delante,” it is a symbol of death because the dead are said to leave the house with their feet first.

18. Using Salt

A saltshaker should never be placed directly into a diner’s hand, even if they ask for one.

They need to get it off the table first before using it.

Some people believe that passing the salt directly to another person will bring them bad luck or cause them to fight with you in the future.

19. Owls

In Mexican folklore, owls frequently represent witches and Brujeria.

Therefore, many people fear and even hate owls because they see them as portents of doom when they appear.

Mexican witches use owls as familiars in the same way European witches use cats.

20. New Year Decor

To celebrate the arrival of the new year, you can decorate your home with several colors, each of which represents a distinct wish for the future year.

Yellow is for blessings on work; white is for improved health; red is for an overall improvement in lifestyle and love; and green is for improved financial situations.