The Evil Eye “To Mati”

The “Mati” (Evil Eye) is one of the most popular superstitions in Greece and worldwide among Greeks. The ‘evil eye’ is thought to be caused by compliments, adoration or envy in Greece and various other countries (Italy, Iran, Egypt, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Turkey,) The consequences vary from headache, yawning, disease, misfortune, injury, and even death at times. People wear charms in the form of an eye to ward off any curse; in order to eliminate the curse, the recipient usually asks an elder woman (mother, aunt, yiayia) to recite a secret prayer. Spitting (do not worry, this was BC before Coronavirus), or tossing salt over the shoulder, are other strategies. Since one may think and believe they may have contracted the evil eye, some may wear their underwear inside out.

Spitting on someone to avoid the evil eye

Never hand someone a knife

Greeks believe people should never hand a knife directly into another person’s hand if they want to stay friends. Instead, they tend to place the knife on the table and let the other pick it up themselves.

Never give perfume as a gift

Greece has a weird taboo against giving someone perfume as it is thought to ruin any kind of relationship. To counter this, the recipient of the gift hands the giver a coin in return.

Power of salt

Science has already proven the power of salt, but according to Greek tradition, having anyone to leave the house is as simple as sprinkling salt behind them. Try it out the next time an unexpected visitor is there. Before going in, a little bit of salt sprinkled into the doorway of each room is often believed to chase away any bad energies.

Koufeta

Tradition has it that if a single woman places the a Koufeto (sugared almond given at Greek weddings) under her pillow before sleeping, she will dream of the man she will marry.

Hiccups
According to an old superstition, hiccups are thought to mean that someone is talking or thinking about you.

Cheers! But never with coffee! Just like anywhere in the world, Greeks cheer by saying “Yeia mas” with alcohol, be it with wine, ouzo, beer or tsipouro (moonshine). But one thing they will never do is cheers with coffee, which is said to bring bad luck.

Pomegranate smashing

Throughout the Christmas holidays, pomegranates, an ancient sign of prosperity and good luck, are hung above the entrance. At midnight, all the lights in the house are switched off on New Year’s Eve and the pomegranate is smashed on the ground or at the entrance. The more seeds spill out, the more likely it is for the coming year to bring good fortune, health and prosperity.

Leaving from the same door of entry when visiting a home

When Greeks visit someone’s home they will usually leave from the same door they entered. Leaving from another door is believed to be bad luck.

Itchy hand will lead to receiving money from somewhere

When your hand is itchy many Greeks believe that you will receive money soon from somewhere.