Superstitions are surprisingly still strong in Cyprus. Even in this age of modern technology, people continue to believe that ancient rituals can influence everyday life and that luck can be attracted by simple actions.
It is not only the older generation who attach importance to omens; young Cypriots also adhere to customs. Some do so out of habit, having been taught from a young age, while others take them very seriously. Incidentally, Cypriot superstitions are similar to Russian ones in some respects — some things are painfully familiar. For example, Cypriots also knock on wood and spit over their left shoulder to ward off bad luck.
New Year's omens
New Year's Eve in Cyprus is a special holiday. While it is not celebrated as lavishly as Christmas, both events have their roots in ancient times and are rich in traditions and customs.
In Cyprus, it is believed that the mood with which a person welcomes 1 January sets the tone for the whole year. Therefore, it is important to smile and think positively on the first day of the year. One tradition involves smashing a pomegranate on the doorstep. The more seeds that scatter, the more money and luck there will be throughout the year. Children usually collect the seeds, while the head of the family smashes the juicy fruit.
Homes are decorated with olive branches, wreaths of nuts and berries, and pomegranates. These gifts of nature symbolise prosperity and abundance. Vasilopita cake, a treat for the local 'Santa Claus', is baked with a coin inside. Whoever gets a piece containing the 'surprise' will have a happy and successful year.
Wedding and love omens
The Rock of Aphrodite, also known as Petra tou Romiou, is a powerful place in Cyprus. According to legend, the goddess of beauty and love emerged from the sea foam on this beach. Needless to say, the 'magic' here is stronger than anywhere else! According to popular belief, if a woman swims around the rock anti-clockwise, she will remain youthful for longer. Men who perform the same action are said to become invincible and fearless. If lovers perform the ritual together, they will never part. The 'magic' is said to be especially strong at night during a full moon.
People search for heart-shaped stones on beaches (not only near Aphrodite's Rock) to find love. The stone they find becomes a talisman that is said to bring good luck in love and relationships.
At weddings, pomegranates symbolise passion and the continuation of the family line. They often form the centrepiece of the wedding table. Before the wedding ceremony, the bride pours sugar into a glove to guarantee a sweet life together. To ensure a strong family and longevity, the newlyweds throw a piece of iron onto the roof.
A sprig of ivy is often woven into the bride's hair to symbolise long-lasting love and affection. Red is used as protection against the evil eye and as a symbol of fertility. It is therefore fitting that newlyweds are often given red gifts or presents wrapped in red paper. At weddings, plates are smashed because it is believed that broken crockery brings good luck and wards off evil.
Protecting children
Children in Cyprus are adored and literally worshipped. There are many superstitions designed to protect them until they grow up and become stronger. For example, if a pregnant woman accidentally sees a fire or a burning building, she must not touch any part of her body. This superstition certainly requires self-control! Otherwise, the future child may develop a birthmark in the same place.
There is a deeply rooted belief in Cyprus that if you take a baby out before the fortieth day after birth, evil spirits may enter it. This may explain the reluctance to photograph newborn children. People are also afraid to cut a baby's nails before baptism, as this seemingly simple action could supposedly cause serious trouble for the child.
To protect children and adults from the evil eye, a red thread is tied around their wrists. They do the same thing in Russia, by the way. A child's name must be 'church-like' and associated with a saint. This provides a heavenly patron and reliable protection. Often, a newborn is named after a grandfather or grandmother to strengthen the bond between generations.
The evil eye and good luck
Almost all Cypriots believe that a person can be affected by the evil eye. They carefully protect themselves from this and try not to inflict it on others, either intentionally or unintentionally. In Cyprus, on the first day of summer, you must catch the last ray of sunshine. Catching it means, at the very least, seeing it. This promises happiness, wealth, and love. Easter is one of the most important holidays here. As it symbolises renewal, it is celebrated with great pomp and circumstance, and all the associated traditions are observed very carefully. For example, the 'main' egg is painted red (see above) and is believed to protect the entire house and its inhabitants from misfortune.
When someone sets off on a journey, water is splashed behind them. This is a blessing, ensuring that the person will reach their destination quickly and safely. Superstition about the evil eye is very prevalent on the island. To protect themselves, Cypriots carry an amulet in the form of an 'eye' consisting of blue, light blue, white and black circles.
The head of the family can burn dried olive leaves and pass a smoking bowl three times over the head of an unlucky family member to remove the evil eye. Many people demonstratively spit over their left shoulder to protect themselves from the evil eye and evil intentions. Sounds familiar, right? In Cyprus, Tuesday the 13th is considered the unluckiest day, unlike in other countries where it is Friday the 13th.
Everyday superstitions
In Cyprus, accidentally breaking dishes is seen as a sign of good luck because it is believed that all the bad luck goes away with the shards. Fortune-telling using coffee grounds remains a popular activity to this day. Given the frequent consumption of coffee in Cyprus, it makes sense to tell fortunes at the same time. A cup containing coffee grounds is turned upside down on a saucer, and the dried grounds are then used to 'read the future'. For many, this is more than just a game; some people take the predictions into account when making important decisions.
Bread has a special status. It must never be placed upside down or dropped on the ground. If it does fall, it is kissed and placed on the forehead to ward off misfortune. Leaving a closed temple is considered unacceptable. It is better to find a servant to open the doors and go inside for at least a minute. If a cat touches a deceased person's body, it can curse their soul.
Cutting your nails at night is considered an ill omen as it can shorten your life. Having a cat at the door is believed to protect the house from evil spirits, and if a cat jumps into a suitcase before a journey, it is thought that the trip will be successful. In July, people watch for dew; if it falls early in the evening, the next day will be clear.
Superstitions in Cyprus are not random prejudices, but a cultural tradition formed over centuries. Omens accompany people through joy and sorrow, everyday life and holidays, cities and villages. Some promise good news, good weather or prosperity, while others warn against bad luck or even punish misdemeanours. Some come from history and mythology, while others come from religion.
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