User:Swpb/m/Mirrors in superstition

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Mirrors are a subject of superstitious beliefs in many cultures and mystical traditions. Such superstitions likely first arose among ancient humans, who caught their reflections in still water.[1]{{{1}}}

In many traditions, reflected images of people are taken to contain the soul. This is the source of the superstition that breaking a mirror will lead to bad luck, as the soul will be broken as well.[1]{{{1}}} The tradition that this bad luck persists for seven years derives from a Roman belief in a seven-year cycle in which life is renewed.[1]{{{1}}}

The expense of mirrors for much of human history likely also contributed to beliefs in ill effects resulting from their damage.[1]{{{1}}}

Myths about

witches often state that these beings are not reflected in mirrors, as they have no soul.[1]
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In certain traditions, mirrors are covered during periods of mourning following a death. This is said to prevent the soul of the deceased from becoming trapped in a mirror.[1]{{{1}}}

Mirrors are sometimes said to reflect future or alternate worlds, including spirit worlds,[2] and to possess other magical powers.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Mirror Superstitions - Superstitions Related to Mirrors". MirrorHistory.com. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  2. ^ "10 Strange Mirror Superstitions". Strange Ago. July 20, 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2019.