Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Why Spilling Salt is Unlucky
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Sep 13, 2023 Spilling salt is linked to the misfortune of a lifetime, but there's a quirky remedy—tossing it over your left shoulder to ward off bad luck. The discussion dives into fascinating superstitions surrounding salt, its historical significance, and its cultural ties to luck and wisdom. Anecdotes shed light on its place in folklore and Christianity, while humorous insights reveal salt's surprising value compared to treasures. This exploration uncovers the deeper meanings of salt across various traditions, making you think twice before brushing it off.
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Chuck's Unfamiliarity with Salt Superstition
- Chuck has never seen anyone throw spilled salt over their shoulder.
- He also wasn't familiar with the superstition, unlike Josh.
Ancient Salt Superstition
- Spilling salt is a very old superstition passed down through generations.
- It's noteworthy because even those who don't identify as superstitious, like Josh, still practice the ritual.
Salt and Salary
- The word "salary" is linked to salt, possibly because Roman soldiers received salt rations or money to buy it.
- While the exact nature isn't clear, salt's historical value likely contributed to the spilling superstition.