Egyptian superstitions, beliefs and legends you may encounter in Egypt

People all over the world have extraordinary stories and myths about the causes of bad luck, especially in Egypt. Proven neither right nor wrong, superstitions have been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years.

Whether an occurrence of bad luck is mere coincidence or fate, myths of misfortune are a part of our cultural history. Ancient Egyptian culture held many beliefs related to superstitions that affected their daily lives.

Drink until the last drop

This is considered one of the most important Egyptian beliefs, even if there was no clear evidence of their speculation. If you enter an Egyptian house, you must finish your beverage until the last drop, particularly if this house has a single girl – the belief is that bad luck would chase this girl and she would never get married.

Leaving scissors open brings bad luck

There are Egyptian myths about leaving scissors open, or opening and closing them again without cutting anything; these actions would change happiness into inevitable sadness. The myth depended on the scissors’ function – to cut and separate things – hence the relationships would tear and disperse until you close the scissors again.

Black animals

The majority of Egyptian people are afraid of black animals, especially black cats and crows. They consider black cats as evil creatures because devils live and exist in cats’ bodies.

rows have a complicated relationship with people, as they considered an omen of bad luck. If crows are heard or seen, sickness or death are nearby due to the superstition that says God sent crows to teach Cain how to bury Abel’s body. Therefore, some interpretations made this bird a source and sign of pessimism because they linked crows to unfortunate events that occur to humans.

Footwear can’t be turned upside down

Ancient Egyptian superstition warned that leaving shoes and flip-flops upside down would bring inauspicious events to you, as they considered this as a way of insulting God. However, another explanation for the superstition is that some people are said to have used inverted shoes in black magic and addressing devils.

Eye twitching

According to belief, if one's right eye twitches, the person would receive happy news, as the right side symbolizes peace and angels. On the other hand, if the left eye twitches, the person would receive unpleasant news, as the thought goes that evils exist on any left side.

Don’t cut your nails at night

Egyptians believe that it’s an inauspicious act to cut your nails at night, leading to the loss of precious belongings or loved ones.

Genies

Many Egyptians believe in genies – supernatural beings akin to Western ghosts or fairies. This type of spirit is mentioned in Islamic literature dating as far back as the eighth century, including in the book One Thousand and One Nights and others. A special type of genie is the afarit – a powerful, malicious demon. Some people consider them to be the soul of a person who died suddenly and was not buried. They are often “seen” in mirages that manifest for a few seconds at the edge of the desert. Other types of genies have good temperaments and may even end up in paradise, just like humans. 

Evil eye

The “evil eye” is described in the Koran, but the concept is common in many countries around the world. Many Egyptians believe that when something good happens to them, it is a result of good luck. However, bad luck is just as easy to come by if someone gives them the evil eye. For example, if an Egyptian buys a new car and it breaks down a few days later, it is thought to have been caused by the envy of someone such as a neighbor. If someone falls ill unexpectedly, Egyptians will often blame the evil eye. In fact, the evil eye is thought to be the reason for all kinds of misfortunes that befall Egyptians.

Protection from the evil eye

To ward off the power of the evil eye, women and children wear amulets of gold or silver, beautifully inscribed with the word “Allah” ("God" in Arabic), symbolizing that everything is in God's hands. Protection from the evil eye can also be found in the hamsa, also known as the hand of Fatima. It is a very popular symbol throughout the Middle East, North Africa and the Balkans. It can be found on all kinds of souvenirs, T-shirts and jewelry. Another popular symbol that protects against the evil eye is the blue eye of the prophet. You will often see one hanging from the driver's mirror in a taxi or bus.

Touching wood

Touching wood has a similar effect to the hand of Fatima and the eye of the prophet, protecting against human envy. When Egyptians tell others about their achievements, listeners will often tell them to touch something wooden to avoid the negative effects of the evil eye.

Spilled coffee

Spilled coffee brings happiness in Egypt. Of course, spilling coffee on purpose doesn’t have the same result. But if somebody spills a little coffee from their cup, no one gets upset, and in fact, Egyptians will say it is fortunate.

Having daughters

There is a stereotype that Arabs and Muslims dream of having only sons. They don't want daughters, and if they do have them, they don't pay attention to them. In Egypt, having a son ensures the continuity of the surname and thus the family. Sons are responsible for the support of the family, including parents and sisters if necessary. However, according to the Koran, having daughters is what brings people happiness and prosperity. 

Entering the house with the right foot

In Egypt, happiness can be ensured by crossing the threshold with the right foot. The superstitious Egyptians believe that the left foot should never cross the threshold first. Why tempt fate if entering the house with your right foot can bring you a bit of luck?

Kissing money

Street vendors still practice the custom of kissing the money earned on the first sale of the day (istiftah in Arabic). Then they touch it to their forehead. It is a way of thanking God for the first money they earn and praying that God will allow them to earn more throughout the day.

Pictures with images of people and animals

Egyptians and Muslims in general avoid displaying pictures and photos of people and animals on the walls of their houses. The interior walls are usually decorated with still lifes, landscapes and verses from the Koran. They believe that angels do not stay in places where there are pictures of living creatures hanging, and if angels do not enter the house, there will be no joy, happiness, or harmony.

Most Egyptians are raised believing these and other superstitions and will pass these beliefs on to their children.