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Popular Superstitions: Spilling the salt (colour litho)
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Popular Superstitions: Spilling the salt (colour litho)
8668725 Popular Superstitions: Spilling the salt (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Spilling the salt. In olden time salt, perhaps because of its lasting and preserving qualities, was regarded as incorruptible, and became the symbol of the abiding nature of friendship. Consequently, overturning of a salt cellar betokened the breaking of friendship. We are told that the spiller of salt may avert the threatened misfortune by taking a pinch of the salt between finger and thumb, and casting it over the left shoulder. Tradition has it that this will appease the evil spirits which always stand at the left shoulder, and there is still a custom in Siam of beginning a meal by throwing a small portion of food over the left shoulder. Illustration for one of a set of 25 cigarette cards on the subject of Popular Superstitions issued by Godfrey Phillips in 1930.); © Look and Learn
Media ID 38111594
© © Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
Amitie Friendliness Friendship Friendships Good Friends Salt Sodium Supersition Superstition Superstitious Symbole Symbolic Imagery Symbolical Representation Symbology
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This colour lithograph titled "Popular Superstitions: Spilling the salt" by English School from the 20th century depicts an intriguing superstition surrounding the act of spilling salt. In ancient times, salt was considered incorruptible and symbolized the enduring nature of friendship. Therefore, overturning a salt cellar was believed to signify the breaking of a friendship.
According to tradition, if one were to spill salt, they could avert misfortune by taking a pinch of it between their fingers and casting it over their left shoulder. This gesture was thought to appease evil spirits that supposedly lingered at one's left shoulder. Even today in Siam, there is a custom of starting meals by throwing food over the left shoulder as a protective measure.
The intricate details in this illustration highlight the cultural significance and symbolism associated with superstitions around everyday actions like spilling salt. The vibrant colours bring this age-old belief to life, inviting viewers to ponder on how traditions and beliefs have shaped human behavior throughout history.
This print serves as both an artistic representation and a window into past customs and beliefs that continue to fascinate us in our modern world.
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