WHY IS IT CONSIDERED BAD LUCK TO BREAK A MIRROR?
It is said that when you break a mirror, your cosmic penance is to endure seven years of bad luck, unless you can find a way to counteract the negative effects. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prevent all that karmically bad juju after you break a mirror, although you might have to get a little dirty or soggy. It's still preferable to spending the rest of your seven year sentence wondering why your car keys keep breaking off in the ignition or why you keep missing the bus.
The origin of the "break a mirror, face seven years of bad luck" superstition can be traced back to the Romans, who were the first to create glass mirrors. Just because your culture invents something totally useful like a mirror doesn't mean you can't still have some irrational beliefs about its use. The Romans, along with the Greek, Chinese, African and Indian cultures, believed that a mirror had the power to confiscate part of the user's soul. If the user's reflected image became distorted in any way, this could mean a corruption of his or her soul.
HOW TO GET RID OF THE BAD LUCK
Be sure to dispose of the mirror carefully and to avoid hurting the garbage pickup guys. Nothing speaks of bad luck as much as a big burly dude that got hurt because you did not take proper precautions. Large pieces should be placed in an open cardboard box so that they are easy to identify.
Go outside and stand at the corner of the busiest intersection that you can find. Wait for a light colored minivan to approach from the left side. This is very important. If it approaches from the right side you stand the chance of doubling the number of years of bad luck. To avoid this you will now have to safely cross the street and wait for a dark colored minivan to pass by.
As soon as the van has gone by, count to thirteen, put a seedless orange half in your mouth and walk briskly back to your home, chew once on every fifth step. If you lose count you will need to start again.
Mirrors break. Get over it.
It is said that when you break a mirror, your cosmic penance is to endure seven years of bad luck, unless you can find a way to counteract the negative effects. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prevent all that karmically bad juju after you break a mirror, although you might have to get a little dirty or soggy. It's still preferable to spending the rest of your seven year sentence wondering why your car keys keep breaking off in the ignition or why you keep missing the bus.
The origin of the "break a mirror, face seven years of bad luck" superstition can be traced back to the Romans, who were the first to create glass mirrors. Just because your culture invents something totally useful like a mirror doesn't mean you can't still have some irrational beliefs about its use. The Romans, along with the Greek, Chinese, African and Indian cultures, believed that a mirror had the power to confiscate part of the user's soul. If the user's reflected image became distorted in any way, this could mean a corruption of his or her soul.
HOW TO GET RID OF THE BAD LUCK
Clean up
Broken
pieces of glass are not only bad luck, they are just plain dangerous.
Do a thorough sweep. Then carefully vacuum and mop the entire floor.
Dust and use a damp cloth to wipe all of the surfaces in the vicinity.
This will ensure that you will eliminate the chances of getting hurt by
any sharp little pieces.Be sure to dispose of the mirror carefully and to avoid hurting the garbage pickup guys. Nothing speaks of bad luck as much as a big burly dude that got hurt because you did not take proper precautions. Large pieces should be placed in an open cardboard box so that they are easy to identify.
Step 2
Get a new mirror
A
mirror can be decorative or functional. Which ever category yours might
fall into, one thing is for sure: You had it for a reason. Replace it
as soon as possible. At best, you will not be constantly reminded of
your clumsiness due to its absence. At worst, it was your final check
before leaving the house. Without it, you might find yourself catching
your own reflection, half way through the day, and wondering how you
could have left the house looking that way.
Step 3
Put your luck where your mouth is
Seven
years of bad luck is serious. Nobody has that kind of time to lose so
it is absolutely essential to take some preventative actions.Go outside and stand at the corner of the busiest intersection that you can find. Wait for a light colored minivan to approach from the left side. This is very important. If it approaches from the right side you stand the chance of doubling the number of years of bad luck. To avoid this you will now have to safely cross the street and wait for a dark colored minivan to pass by.
As soon as the van has gone by, count to thirteen, put a seedless orange half in your mouth and walk briskly back to your home, chew once on every fifth step. If you lose count you will need to start again.
Step 4
A pinch of salt
On returning home, wait until the first star comes out. Light a candle (make sure it is not scented), and do the following:- First thing to do is grab that salt. A sprinkle over each shoulder is a good start.
- Next, find a ladder and climb over it.
- Finally, grab a glass, wrap it in an expensive table napkin. If you can find one with your monogram on it, this is better. Lay the well wrapped glass on its side, on the floor, and stomp on it with the heel of your left foot. Make sure you are wearing safety boots when doing this.
- Then leave the smashed glass where it is and walk around it backwards, seven times, while clucking like a chicken and flapping your arms like a mama bird trying to protect her young.
Step 5
Remove all evidence
Stop
flapping your wings. Carefully discard the broken glass and shake out
the napkin. Put away the ladder and the boots. Pour yourself a nice tall
glass of water or whatever else you feel like having and forget about
the entire messy business.Mirrors break. Get over it.
