The superstition of throwing salt over your shoulder for good luck is a long-standing tradition rooted in history, folklore, and spiritual beliefs. Originating from ancient times, this practice is meant to ward off bad luck after spilling salt—an act once considered an omen of misfortune. Many believe that the devil lurks behind the left shoulder, waiting to take advantage of unlucky moments.

Tossing a pinch of salt in that direction is thought to blind or drive away evil spirits. While largely a superstition today, this ritual continues to be followed by many as a harmless habit or a way to ensure good fortune.

Where Does the Spilled Salt Superstition Originate?

Throwing salt over the left shoulder stems from religious symbolism, medieval fears of evil, and historical practicality. While few believe in literal devils or misfortune from spilled salt, this quirky tradition persists. Here’s a closer look at the superstition’s three origins:

1. Christian Influence & The Last Supper

One of the most well-known references to spilled salt and bad luck comes from Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting of The Last Supper. In the painting, Judas Iscariot—the disciple who later betrayed Jesus—is shown accidentally knocking over a salt container.

This visual detail has led many to associate spilled salt with betrayal, misfortune, and deceit. Throwing salt over the left shoulder may have emerged as a symbolic way to ward off potential misfortune or to “reverse” a mistake before it causes harm.

2. Medieval Beliefs: The Devil & Evil Spirits

During the Middle Ages, people believed in the presence of supernatural forces, including spirits and demons, which could cause trouble. According to folklore, the devil was thought to stand just behind a person’s left shoulder, waiting for an opportunity to whisper temptations or bring bad luck.

By tossing salt over the left shoulder, the idea was that you could either blind the devil or temporarily drive him away, preventing him from causing distress. This belief likely stems from the idea that salt was a powerful, purifying substance that could repel evil forces.

Many old superstitions involved actions meant to confuse or trick evil entities, and this one fit right in with the medieval mindset of warding off bad luck through small ritualistic actions.

3. Practicality: The Value of Salt in History

Salt was incredibly valuable in ancient and medieval times. It was not just a seasoning but also essential for food preservation, trade, and even currency. In fact, the word “salary” comes from the Latin “salarium”, which refers to payments made to Roman soldiers, sometimes in salt.

This deep-rooted history makes salt a key ingredient in kitchen magick, where it’s used for protection, purification, and manifesting intentions. Learn how to harness the magick in your kitchen here.

Because of this high value, spilling salt was seen as a careless act and even a financial loss, making it an omen of bad luck. To counteract the potential misfortune, people developed the habit of quickly tossing some over their left shoulder as a symbolic gesture—perhaps as an offering to fate or to “make up for” the mistake.

What To Do When You Spill Salt

Here’s a look at what to do when you spill salt, from both a superstitious and a practical perspective.

1. Take a Pinch of the Spilled Salt

The tradition says that when you spill salt, the first thing you should do is take a small pinch from the pile. This action is symbolic like most spells with salt —it acknowledges the accident and prepares you to reverse the bad luck. Some people believe that only using salt from the actual spill is effective, while others think any salt will do.

2. Throw It Over Your Left Shoulder

This is the most well-known step and the key to the superstition. Tossing salt in that direction is meant to blind or drive away any negative energy. Throughout history, salt has been used for purification, protection, and even exorcism. By throwing salt over your left shoulder, you’re symbolically cleansing the space of bad energy. Even if you don’t believe in the devil, the act of throwing salt can serve as a way to undo the accident and shift your mindset away from bad luck.

3. Stay Positive and Move On

Believing in bad luck can actually attract it. If you spill salt, follow the tradition, but don’t dwell on it. Some cultures have additional rituals, such as saying a short prayer or making a sign of protection (like the sign of the cross in Christian traditions). If you’re skeptical about superstitions, simply grab your broom, sweep up the salt, and remind yourself that luck is what you make of it.

When You Spill Salt, Which Shoulder Should You Throw It Over?

You should throw the salt over your left shoulder. With the devil or evil spirits supposedly lying in wait behind your left shoulder, tossing salt over that particular shoulder is supposed to blind or repel them, preventing trouble and disaster.

If you throw salt over your right shoulder instead, it won’t carry the same protective symbolism—some even joke that it might invite more lousy luck!

See also: How to make Black Salt: Recipe and Uses

It’s Not Always Bad Luck to Spill Salt

Spilling salt is almost always seen as bad luck, but there are a few beliefs that associate it with good luck or ways to turn the bad luck around:

1. Throwing It Over Your Left Shoulder Invites Good Luck

While spilling salt is bad luck, tossing a pinch over your left shoulder is believed to reverse the misfortune and bring good luck instead. It’s a way of neutralizing the negativity and possibly even attracting protection or blessings.

2. In Some Cultures, Salt is a Symbol of Prosperity

In Hindu traditions, salt is linked to wealth and good fortune. Some believe that spilling salt might mean that money is coming your way, especially if the spill happens near a business or place of work. In Russian folklore, while spilling salt is mostly unlucky, some believe it can symbolize a future gain or a change that leads to something better.

3. Salt is a Purifier and Protector in Many Traditions

In Japanese culture, salt is used in purification rituals. Sumo wrestlers throw salt in the ring to ward off evil and ensure a fair fight. In Italian folklore, salt was sometimes sprinkled around the house to keep away evil spirits, meaning that even an accidental spill might have protective properties.

4. Some Believe That Spilled Salt Can Predict the Future

A small spill might be a minor inconvenience, but a large spill could signify an important event or change coming your way. Some people see it as a reminder to stay alert for new opportunities.

Conclusion

Whether rooted in religious symbolism, medieval fears, or the high value of salt in history, the tradition of throwing salt over the left shoulder has endured for centuries. While many people follow this superstition out of habit rather than true belief, it reflects humanity’s long-standing desire to control fate and ward off misfortune.

Superstitions like this connect us to cultural traditions and remind us of how everyday actions once held deeper meanings. Whether you see it as a fun ritual or a genuine safeguard against bad luck, tossing salt remains a small, time-honored gesture in the face of uncertainty.