Cultural Superstitions: Mexico
After spending a delightful morning touring the city of Guadalajara, we headed to Tlaquepaque for lunch. Once we were seated, the server brought over what I called a “mini coatrack,” which was actually for ladies purses (there were three of us, after all). Baffled at this unique courtesy, I hung my bag on the rack and enjoyed a yummy lunch.
Fast forward to my last night in Mexico, dining at the lovely Cafe des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta. Again, once we were seated, a “mini coatrack” was placed near our table. Because I like to take photos of, well, everything, I just plopped my bag on the floor to keep my bulky Canon Rebel near to me (and off of the table). Carolina, our guide, told me I had to give her my purse because it’s back luck to leave it on the floor. Confused, I said, “Excuse me?” Carolina replied, “It’s bad luck. They say if you leave your purse on the floor, you’ll lose all your money.” Far be it for me to defy this superstition, especially since I’m always terrified of losing money, credit cards, my passport, etc…
Once I returned home, it was back to business. On my way to work, I listened to my favorite radio program, Drex In The Morning on 103.5 KISS FM. Drex’s witty sidekick Mel T brought up the topic of superstitions, saying that in her Mexican-American family, it was bad luck if you didn’t touch a child once you complimented him or her. For example, if you were to look at a baby and say, “Look at that gorgeous head of hair,” you would have to touch the child’s hair to show an absence of envy/jealousy. Because if the hair fell out, you’d be in big trouble.
This is very intriguing to me. Has anyone else come across cultural superstitions on your travels? I’d love to hear some more!
- Posted in Current Vacations, Future Travel Plans, Introduction, Mexico, Travel Tips on June 24th, 2009
June 25th, 2009 at 5:07 am
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June 26th, 2009 at 2:38 am
The Chinese are arguably one of the most superstitious races in the world. I could write a book on the superstitions and taboos that I encounter on a daily basis! At the moment, I’m dealing with a very pregnant and very superstitious colleague who is following a number of traditions in order to ensure the delivery of a healthy baby boy. Most of them have to do with food. She eats a lot of light-colored food because it will make her baby fair-skinned. She has to make sure that the food she eats is properly cut or mashed. If it isn’t, her baby will be born with a careless disposition. She won’t eat anything cold because it’s bad for the baby and she doesn’t want him to catch a chill.
By the way, I’ve just discovered your blog through Michelle at Hip Compass. I can’t believe I didn’t know about you before. Great site, Carrie. (and cool name, too!)
June 28th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I’ve totally heard the superstition of not putting your purse on the ground. My friend’s dad FREAKED out at me once for putting in on the ground in a parking lot. Oops. Totally forgot about it, though. I’ll be sure to stop doing that again!
July 10th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Carrie - Thanks!
Alicia - I know, right? Makes me nervous.