Superstitions | Cats, Brooms, and Santería in Puerto Rico

Summary

In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into a variety of superstitions from different cultures. They discuss common beliefs about black cats, brooms, and marriage, as well as less-known superstitions like not placing bags on the floor and the devil's hour at 3 AM. They humorously touch on topics like Santeria, voodoo, and religious practices, adding personal anecdotes about family beliefs. The light-hearted tone makes for an entertaining exchange about old traditions and their place in modern life, with a mix of laughter and genuine curiosity.

Takeaways

• 😺 Superstitions about black cats are common in many cultures, but there's also a Latino superstition that cats can make women infertile.
• 👻 Some believe cats keep ghosts away, adding to their mystical reputation in various cultures.
• 🧹 A superstition claims that if a broom touches a woman's feet while sweeping, she will never get married.
• 💸 Another belief is that placing a purse on the floor causes financial loss.
• 🕒 Waking up at 3 a.m. is linked to the 'Devil's hour,' the opposite of the time of Christ's crucifixion at 3 p.m.
• 🧙 Some people claim not to believe in witches, but still hold the superstition that witches can fly.
• 🚪 To make guests leave, placing a broom upside down by the front door is said to encourage them to go.
• 🙏 Santeria is briefly mentioned, described as a religion involving saints and candle rituals, often confused with Catholic practices.
• 🏠 There's a superstition that burying a St. Christopher medallion in the yard of a house can help it sell faster.
• 🕯️ Lighting large religious candles is a practical tradition, often used for long-lasting light during power outages, but they are also seen as part of religious practices.

Q & A

What superstition is commonly associated with black cats?

The superstition about black cats is that they are considered bad luck, especially in English-speaking cultures. This is a widespread belief that exists in many countries.

What superstition about cats is mentioned in the Latino culture?

In Latino culture, there's a superstition that cats can make women infertile, though this belief was unfamiliar to one of the speakers in the conversation.

What is the superstition related to brooms and women?

A superstition states that if a broom touches a woman’s feet while sweeping, she will never get married. It's a common belief that even educated people sometimes repeat.

What superstition is associated with placing a purse on the floor?

There is a belief that putting a purse on the floor will cause someone to lose money. It’s a superstition that some people take seriously.

What is the superstition about waking up at 3 AM?

Waking up at 3 AM is considered the 'Devil's hour,' which is the opposite of the time Christ was crucified at 3 PM. Some believe this is a time when evil spirits are more active.

What is the significance of placing a broom upside down at the door?

Placing a broom upside down at the front door is believed to make unwanted guests leave the house. The broom must be placed with the handle down and the bristles up.

What is Santería, as mentioned in the script?

Santería is a religion that involves lighting candles, often linked to saints and rituals. It is a mix of Catholicism and African beliefs, especially practiced in regions like Puerto Rico and parts of the Caribbean.

What is the superstition involving Saint Christopher and selling houses?

Some people bury a Saint Christopher medallion in the yard of a house they want to sell, believing that it will help them sell the house for its full value.

What was the superstition about a man getting a tattoo in the script?

In the script, a man's wife, who practiced Santería, told him he would die in a week if he got a tattoo. This was believed to be a form of supernatural warning.

How are saints viewed in Santería according to the script?

In Santería, saints are seen as spiritual entities that can be communicated with. They are believed to offer guidance, protection, and even warnings about the future.