Why is breaking a mirror considered 7 years of bad luck? Meaning of superstition explained

MANY of us have accidentally broken a mirror and quickly panicked at the thought of seven years of bad luck.

But, have you ever wondered where the superstition came from and why the breaking of a mirror is considered to bring such bad luck - here's everything you need to know.

1

Does breaking a mirror bring 7 years of bad luck?

A superstition is a belief in something - therefore, there is no scientific evidence to prove if this act can actually bring years of misfortune.

However, to those who do believe in superstitions, breaking a mirror does not only cause a mess - it also brings with it seven daunting years of bad luck.

According to the myth, breaking a mirror by accident or on purpose still results in the same period of misfortune.

After seven years elapse, the curse of bad luck will be over and the possibility of good luck is restored.

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How did the superstition start?

The origins of many superstitions are unknown and date back so far in history that they cannot be traced.

However, in this case, it is believed this superstition started with the Romans who believed that the soul would regenerate every 7 years.

So essentially, when you break a mirror, you’re waiting for an entirely new soul to rid yourself of bad luck.

Others believed that mirrors were actually devices of the Gods.

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Breaking a mirror would anger the Gods, who would then torment the person whose last reflection it held. 

How do I avoid bad luck if I break a mirror?

If you're a believer in superstitions and are rushing to find a way to avoid any upcoming misfortune then don't panic - we've got you covered.

There are a number of beliefs that allegedly reverse any bad luck after breaking a mirror.

Here's a look at some of them:

• Leave the broken pieces for two hours then bury them deep underground in the moonlight
• Throw salt over your left shoulder
• Spin in circles three times
• Grind the mirror into a fine powder
• Toss the broken mirror into a south-running stream