Top 6 superstitions you may encounter in Egypt

CAIRO – 16 February 2018: People all over the world have extraordinary stories and myths about the causes of bad luck, especially in Egypt. Proven neither right or wrong, superstitions have been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years.

Whether an occurrence of bad luck is mere coincidence or fate, myths of misfortune are a part of our cultural history. Ancient Egyptian culture held many beliefs related to superstitions that affected their daily lives.

1 - Drink until last drop

This is considered one of the most important Egyptian beliefs, even if there was no clear evidence about their speculation. If you enter an Egyptian house, you must finish your beverage until the last drop, particularly if this house has a single girl – the belief is the bad luck would chase this girl and she would never get married.


Tea during sunset in Aswan July 11, 2008 - CC via Flick, S J Pinkney

2 - Leaving scissors open brings bad luck

There are Egyptian myths about leaving scissors open, or opening and closing them again without cutting anything; these actions would change happiness into inevitable sadness. The myth depended on scissors’ function – to cut and separate things – hence the relationships would tear and disperse until you close the scissors again.



Open scissors - CC via Pixabay

3 - Black animals

The majority of Egyptian people are afraid of black animals, especially from black cats and crows. They consider black cats as evil creatures because devils live and exist in cats’ bodies.


A crow - CC via Pixabay

Crows have a complicated relationship with people, as they considered an omen of bad luck. If crows are heard or seen, sickness or death are nearby due to the superstition that says God sent crows to teach Cain how to bury Abel’s body. Therefore, some interpretation made this bird a source and sign of pessimism because they linked crows to unfortunate events that occur to humans.

4 - Footwear can’t be turned upside down

Ancient Egyptian superstition warned that leaving shoes and flip-flops upside down would bring inauspicious events to you, as they considered this as a way of insulting God. However, another explanation for the superstition is that some people are said to have used inverted shoes in black magic and addressing devils.


Upside-down footwear - CC via Flick/ Mikecogh

5 - Eye twitching

According to belief, if one's right eye twitches, the person would receive happy news, as the right side symbolizes peace and angels. On the other hand, if the left eye twitches, the person would receive unpleasant news, as the thought goes that evils exist in any left side.


Mr. Crabby's eye twitching - Youtube still image

6 - Don’t cut your nails at night

Egyptians believe that it’s inauspicious act to cut your nails at night, leading to the loss of precious belongings or loved ones.


Clipping nails - CC via Public Domain Pictures