Kurdish’s Superstitions

Pessimism and Superstition in the Kurdish Mind

Some views and definitions on superstitions in general

What is superstition: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation. Or an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition. Or a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary.

Broadly defined, superstition is a belief in the supernatural, which is to say, a belief in the existence of forces or entities that do not conform to the laws of nature or a scientific understanding of the universe.

After all this modernization and enlightenment that has taken place, superstitious beliefs still persist in our societies. Every one of us to some extent do believe in such absurd superstitious beliefs.

Superstitions are long-held beliefs that appear to be rooted in coincidence or cultural tradition rather than logic or facts. Superstitions are often connected to pagan beliefs or religious practices that were widespread in the past.

Our ancestors didn’t come up with superstitions because they were more ignorant or naive than we are, but because they lacked many concrete ways to influence the survival outcomes of their lives. Superstitions offered a way to feel more in control, the same way they do now. That’s why highly educated, sophisticated people still believe in certain superstitions.

Most superstitions are fun and harmless, whether you sincerely believe in them or not. But some superstitions can play into mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Kurdish nation has so many superstitions inherited from the past and are still believed among the community to such extent. Part of them are special associated with them only as a part of their culture but some others are similar and shared with other nations of the world with the same aspects and views and sometimes with little bit variations in regard to their origin and formation. Below are some one which have related to those in common with the world superstitions.

Since ancient times and up to the present day, various daily events have shaped the lives of the Kurdish people. These experiences led them to connect everyday occurrences directly to their unpredictable future. Over time, a deep-rooted belief system developed among most people, showing up as symbols and signs that lack any scientific or factual basis. Passed down through generations, these beliefs became part of their identity. Today, they still shape daily life, remaining deeply embedded in the public consciousness through continuous rituals and practices at every opportunity.

Superstitions, Folk Beliefs, and Traditional Customs in Kurdish

Kurdish folklore is rich with predictions and beliefs that have turned into signs over time. People rely on these signs to explain or predict everyday events. Here are some of the most prominent beliefs:

A cat washing its face: When a cat rubs its face and cleans its eyes with its paws, it is a sign that guests will soon visit the house.

A pregnant woman: A pregnant woman's food cravings must be satisfied. Failing to eat the craved food will leave a birthmark on the baby's body.

Bird droppings: If bird droppings land on someone's clothes or body, it is considered a sign of good luck, symbolizing future success and high status.

Breaking eggs: Breaking and splashing eggs onto new property - such as horses, houses, and cars - is a traditional way to ward off the envious eye and prevent its harm.

Broken dishes: Breaking ceramic or clay pots inside the house is seen as a bad omen that brings bad luck and disaster.

Broken mirror: A broken mirror inside the home opens the door for evil spirits to enter and live in the house.

Chewing gum at night: Chewing gum during the night is compared to chewing the flesh of dead relatives and loved ones.

Chirping birds: When sparrows chirp near your doorstep or on nearby branches, it means visitors are coming soon.

Cleft Lip: In these folk beliefs, a person born with a cleft lip is viewed as a carrier of bad luck. This misfortune stays with them and affects those around them.

Cutting nails at night: Trimming your nails during the night brings bad luck and sadness. Some also believe it brings misery or even shortens your lifespan.

Dirty clothes: Dressing children in dirty clothes is believed to protect them from jealousy and the evil eye.

Dropping food: If a piece of food falls from your mouth while eating, or a loaf of bread drops from a baker's hand, it shows that guests are on their way to your home.

Eye twitching: A twitching eyelid can be a sign of good or bad luck; a right eye twitch brings good news, while a left eye twitch warns of trouble.

Goats and rain: Weather conditions and rainfall are predicted by the movement of a goat's tail. Lifting it upward means no rain, while lowering it toward the ground indicates that rain is coming soon.

Hiding teeth: People hide a child's lost tooth inside a wall so that new, stronger teeth will grow in its place.

Inside-out items: Wearing clothes or socks inside out, laying rugs upside down, or sleeping with reversed blankets is seen as bad luck. It symbolizes chaos and a disruption in one's life.

Itchy ears: An itch or ringing in your right ear means someone is speaking well of you behind your back. If it happens in your left ear, someone is gossiping or speaking badly about you.

Itchy nose: An itchy nose is a sign that you will soon hear bad news that brings sadness and bad luck.

Itchy palms: An itchy right palm means money and wealth are coming your way. However, an itchy left palm warns of financial loss or an argument soon.

Knocking on wood: Knocking on wood is a practice done to bring good luck, ward off the envious eye, and keep evil away.

Landing birds: A bird landing on a doorstep or rooftop and singing is a good omen. It signals that joyful news will soon arrive for the household.

Meeting a blind man: Crossing paths with a blind man is seen as a sign of bad luck, suggesting failure in your plans or upcoming work.

Nighttime showers: Taking a shower at night is discouraged due to the fear of being harmed or possessed by spirits (jinn).

Opening and closing scissors without need: This action is thought to bring trouble and constant disagreements to the household.

Playing with a knife: Foolishly opening and closing a blade without need brings conflict and opens the door to trouble and evil.

Playing with scissors: Opening and closing scissors for no reason is seen as a bad omen. It is believed to cause arguments, fights, and trouble among family members.

Pouring hot water: People are warned against pouring hot water in the bathroom at night. This is believed to avoid harming other unseen inhabitants of the earth, such as Jinn and spirits.

Pregnancy cravings: If a pregnant woman craves sour foods, it means she will have a boy. If she craves sweets, she will have a girl.

Protecting the newborn: During their first week, newborns receive extra care from their parents, who place a knife or needle under the pillow to protect them from hidden spirits and unseen worlds.

Rainbow: A blend of green and red colors in the middle of the sky signals prosperity and lower prices. However, if red dominates and flares up in a specific part of the horizon, it is a warning of an upcoming war in that direction.

Seeing a rabbit: If a rabbit crosses your path just as you leave your house, it brings bad luck. People believe it means your journey will fail and face difficulties.

Seeing an owl: Spotting an owl on your path or sitting on a tree is a bad omen. It signals bad luck and failure.

Shoes stacked on each other: If one shoe ends up on top of the other, it is a good sign. It means you will travel or go on a journey soon.

Sleeping on the stomach: Sleeping on the stomach is discouraged for men. It is believed to bring sins because the earth is naturally feminine.

Spilling coffee: Accidentally spilling coffee from a cup or a traditional pot is not seen as a waste. Instead, it is a sign of good news, wealth, and abundance coming your way.

Spilling salt: Accidentally dropping salt from your hand onto the ground is seen as a bad omen that brings bad luck and worries.

Spilling water and oil: Splashing water or spilling oil in front of neighbors' doors - especially those who hold envy and grudge - is believed to attract Jinn and demons. This is thought to bring them bad luck and misfortune in the future.

Spitting on the ground: Spitting on the dirt right after an accident or conflict is believed to ward off evil, prevent arguments, and keep misfortune from returning.

Sprinkling water: If someone passes a house and finds water being splashed in front of the doorstep, it is considered a good omen that brings good luck.

Standing in front of the mirror: Staring into a mirror for too long - whether in the dark or broad daylight - causes madness and insanity.

Sweeping the house at night: Cleaning and sweeping houses in the dark of night is discouraged. It is believed to disturb the angels and heavenly beings who rest like humans. Disturbing them drives them away, which is thought to banish blessings and livelihood from the home.

The black cat: Seeing a black cat while traveling or walking symbolizes bad luck and a loss of blessings. People believe the devil possesses them—especially completely black ones - viewing them as walking shadows that bring misfortune and misery.

The black raven: The appearance of this dark bird only brings gloom. In traditional beliefs, it is a sign of bad luck, disappointment, and failure.

The blue bead: Pinning a blue bead (evil eye charm) onto children's clothes acts as a shield, protecting them from jealous eyes and malicious people.

The number 13: In popular belief, the number 13 is deeply linked to bad luck and is widely seen as a symbol of misfortune.

The sound of a crow: Crows are popularly linked to bad omens. Hearing a crow at night is interpreted as a sign of an approaching disaster.

Twitching eyebrows: When an eyebrow twitches, it is considered a good sign that a guest will visit soon.

Upside-down shoes: Leaving a shoe upside down is believed to block blessings and stop angels from entering the house. It is seen as a bad omen that brings poverty, so people quickly flip it over out of respect.

Whistling: Whistling indoors is believed to invite devils inside and bring bad luck to the family.

3-5-2020 - Ahmed Ali Hassan - Duhok, Kurdistan, Iraq

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