Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Are You Superstitious?

As the Greeks Say......

Luck

Use the same door when entering and leaving someone else's home. To not do so, invites bad lock on impending matters such as a marriage proposal or a business deal.
Put a coin of precious metal in a new house, new car, or in a safe place such as a newborns crib for good fortune.
Preventing Misfortune: 

Jinxing

Do not spoil it good thing by breaking are predicting success. Overconfidence can bring failure. If you post that had a time you may fail. Even in ancient times, myth had it that the Gods chastised men if they became too arrogant. When the triumphant Agamemnon returned home as a conquering hero from the Trojan war, he walked on a purple carpet reserved only for the Gods. His arrogance of fended them, lending to his downfall. 

Dreams

Bad dreams mean something good will happen. Good dreams mean bad things are on the way. If you're barefoot in your dream your worries will be relieved. If you dream of red you will hear news right away.

Knock on Wood

Knocking on wood to keep things from going wrong. This is a cousin to the idea of jinxing. If you must predict that something will go well for example, “it looks like the sun will shine for the wedding.”  Knock on wood several times to keep the rain away. This custom may have religious origins. Many early Christians carried pieces of wood believed to be part of the original cross.  When in danger they touch the wood, receiving God's protection.

Evil Eye

Contrary to popular opinion the evil eye is recognized by the Eastern Orthodox Church as legitimate religious phenomenon.  It is part of a larger picture of evil generated by the devil. A popular full method for determining if someone has been cursed by the evil eye is to put three drops of olive oil and a glass of water. If the oil stays separate from the water you are not cursed. If the oil blends with the water you have been cursed.

A folk remedy employed by the Greeks to dispel the evil eye is a ritual prayer, that is passed on orally. The pair cannot be written, or legend says, it will lose its power. If you're a woman you must learn it from a man; if you are man from a woman. It is passed on when the bearer is old, as the bearer’s power is lost once the powers revealed. The use of garlic is another way to provide  protection which is to be placed in your pocket, a purse, closet or cupboard.

Favorite Sayings of the Greeks

From your mouth to God's ears.

Wine and children speak the truth.

Moderation in all things excellent.

When you get to the dance, you must dance.

Tell me who is your friend, and I shall tell you who you are. (You are judged by the company you keep.)

Blood cannot become water. (Blood is thicker than water.)

A true friend proves himself when needed.

Mend your own faults then look at mine.

Extend your legs only as far as your coverlet reaches. (Live within your means.)

1 comment:

  1. I knew some of this. Did you get these ideas off a certain Greek restaurant menu?
    I really think some of this is wise like "moderation in all things" or "a true friend proves himself when needed "
    "From you mouth to God's ears" is a line from Fiddler on the Roof.
    I think my favorite is" Mend your own faults then look at mine."
    We use to say "go in the front door out the back it brings company."
    "Don't walk under a ladder it will bring bad luck."
    Fun to think on.

    ReplyDelete