What is breaking a mirror?

Breaking a mirror is often associated with bad luck, rooted in various cultural superstitions. Here's a breakdown:

• The Seven Years of Bad Luck: The most common belief is that breaking a mirror results in seven years of bad luck. This likely stems from the Roman belief that life renewed itself every seven years. Breaking a mirror was thought to disrupt this cycle, causing misfortune.

• Soul Trapping: In some cultures, mirrors were believed to capture a piece of the soul. Damaging the mirror would damage the soul, leading to ill health or misfortune.

• Reflection and Identity: Mirrors are linked to self-image and identity. Breaking one could symbolize a fractured or damaged sense of self.

• Historical Value: Before mass production, mirrors were expensive and valuable objects. Breaking one meant significant financial loss, which could easily lead to hardship and, therefore, "bad luck".

• How to Counteract the Bad Luck: There are several ways to supposedly counteract the bad luck, including:

  • Collecting all the pieces and burying them under the moonlight.
  • Grinding the pieces into dust.
  • Immediately throwing the broken pieces into a flowing body of water.
  • Touching a tombstone with a piece of the broken mirror.
  • Painting all the pieces silver.