Myths

[kirsteenrose]

I heard that throwing salt over your left shoulder when its been spilt originates from when Peter betrayed Jesus, as in the Last Supper painting there is a salt celler that has been spilt next to Peter. Does anyone know wether this is where it originates from? And also i heard a myth that it used to be lucky to touch a sailors collar. Why? Thanks.

[Ethel]

Judas spilt salt during the last supper, and later betrayed Jesus.

This is certainly where the practice comes from. The devil is lurking over your left shoulder, apparently, and throwing salt in his eye displeases him. :)

Touching a sailor's collar comes from Scandinavia. Seafaring men who had just returned from long trips at sea were considered lucky (because they hadn't drowned or succumbed to a dreadful illness) and this luck could be passed on to whoever touched his collar.

[kirsteenrose]

Thanks very much. I have now just realised i wrote Peter instead of Judas, i think i need to brush up on my religous studies :S Thanks.