25+ Enigmatic Puerto Rican Superstitions and Folklore

From the evil eye to lucky omens, explore how these age-old beliefs influence daily life on the island.

The complex web of superstitions that shape Puerto Ricans’ daily lives often fascinate us. These Puerto Rican superstitions influence our actions and decisions from when we wake up to when we go to bed.

We avoid certain behaviors, like sweeping the floor at night or looking at mirrors during photographs, to ward off bad luck and evil spirits.

But have you ever wondered where these superstitions come from?

What historical events, cultural traditions, and social norms have contributed to their development?

Let’s explore the intriguing world of Puerto Rican superstitions and uncover the stories behind them.

Importance of Superstitions and Folklore in Puerto Rican Culture

In Puerto Rico, superstitions and folklore are deeply ingrained in our culture. We grow up hearing stories from our “abuelas” and “padres” about mysterious beings, unexplained events, and supernatural occurrences. These tales are more than just mere entertainment; they’re an integral part of our heritage, shaping our values, traditions, and worldview.

We use them to make sense of the world, explain the unknown, and find meaning in life’s complexities. We take pride in our rich cultural heritage, and superstitions play a significant role in it. They reflect our history, our struggles, and our resilience.

We keep our culture alive and vibrant by passing down these stories and legends from generation to generation. We also find solace in the familiarity and comfort of these tales, which provide a sense of continuity and belonging.

In a constantly changing world, our superstitions and folklore remain a constant source of identity and connection to our roots. By embracing them, we celebrate our uniqueness and assert our freedom to preserve our cultural traditions.

Common Puerto Rican Superstitions

Scores of superstitions are woven into the fabric of Puerto Rican culture, many of which are still widely practiced today. We believe that sweeping the floor at night can bring bad luck, as it’s thought to sweep away good fortune.

Similarly, we avoid taking pictures in front of a mirror, which is believed to trap the soul inside the reflection.

We also have a strong connection to nature, and many of us believe that certain plants, such as basil, can ward off evil spirits.

We take precautions to avoid attracting malevolent energies, like wearing garlic or carrying a small bag of salt. Some of us even believe that wearing our clothes inside out can protect us from evil eyes.

25 Puerto Rican Superstitions You Should Know

Here’s a detailed list of some prevalent Puerto Rican superstitions:

1. Mal de Ojo (Evil Eye) Belief that a strong look filled with envy or praise can cause harm or illness, particularly to children. Protection involves using amulets or charms, such as a blue bead or a fist-shaped charm.

2. Martes 13 (Tuesday the 13th) Unlike Western superstitions around Friday the 13th, in Puerto Rico, Tuesday the 13th is considered a day of bad luck, advising against starting new ventures or trips.

3. Sweeping Feet with a Broom: If someone sweeps over your feet with a broom, it’s said that you will not marry. To avoid this fate, you must spit on the broom.

4. Owls as Omens: Seeing an owl, particularly during the daytime, is thought to be a sign of impending death or bad news.

5. Itchy Palms: An itchy right hand suggests incoming money, while an itchy left hand indicates you will lose money soon.

6. No Hats on the Bed: Placing a hat on the bed is considered bad luck and is associated with death, particularly if the hat is placed upside down.

7. No Purses on the Floor: Putting your purse or wallet on the floor is believed to lead to financial loss or difficulty, as it is said to “drain” your wealth.

8. Crowing Hen: A hen that crows like a rooster is considered an ill omen, indicating misfortune or death in the household.

9. Ears Ringing: If your ears are ringing, it is said that someone is speaking about you. The right ear ringing means they are speaking positively, while the left means they are speaking negatively.

10. Jumping Backwards at Midnight on New Year’s Eve: This act is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year, symbolizing a leap into a fortunate future.

11. No Whistling at Night: Whistling after dark is believed to attract bad spirits or unwanted attention from supernatural entities.

12. Flip the Slippers: If slippers are left upside down, it is considered bad luck, suggesting turmoil or unrest within the home. They should be flipped right side up to restore peace.

13. Black Butterflies: A black butterfly entering the house is seen as a harbinger of death, signaling that someone close to the family may soon pass away.

14. Bathing at Night: Bathing after sunset is often discouraged, especially for children, as it is believed to cause illness or bad luck.

15. Throwing Rice at a Wedding: Similar to other cultures, throwing rice at newlyweds in Puerto Rico is not just for celebration but is also thought to bring prosperity and fertility to the couple.

16. Brooms Behind the Door: Placing a broom behind the door can ward off unwanted guests. It’s thought to “sweep away” negative energy or people with bad intentions.

17. Cover Mirrors During a Storm: Mirrors in the home are covered during thunderstorms as it’s believed that mirrors can attract lightning or spirits stirred up by the storm.

18. Do Not Point at a Cemetery: Pointing at a cemetery or graves is considered disrespectful and bad luck; you could invite death or disturb the spirits.

19. Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight on New Year’s Eve: Consuming one grape for each stroke of midnight brings good luck for each month of the coming year, aligning with broader Hispanic traditions.

20. Never Pass the Salt Hand to Hand: Passing salt directly from hand to hand is thought to lead to future arguments or discord between the people involved. Instead, it should be placed on the table before the other person picks it up.

21. Do Not Kill a Lizard Inside the House: Killing a lizard inside the home is believed to bring bad luck, as lizards are thought to be guardians against evil spirits and pests.

22. Avoid Sweeping at Night: Sweeping the floors after sunset is considered to sweep away good luck and prosperity from the home, especially discouraged after a family gathering or celebration.

23. Never Shake a Tablecloth at Night: Shaking a tablecloth after dark is believed to invite misfortune or even stir up spirits. This task should only be done during daylight hours.

24. The First Foot: The first person to enter your home on New Year’s Day should bring good fortune. This person is often chosen carefully, and sometimes a lucky charm or gift is given to ensure prosperity.

25. Hang a Hammock for Good Sleep: Hanging a hammock in a new home is said to bring peaceful and restful sleep to those who use it, symbolizing the swinging away of troubles.

Our superstitions often revolve around protecting ourselves and our loved ones from harm. With these practices, we’re not trying to restrict ourselves; instead, we seek to live in harmony with the world around us.

By embracing these Puerto Rican superstitions, we’re exercising our freedom to choose what we believe in and how we want to live.

Influential Myths and Legends

We consider our myths and legends priceless. Often passed down through generations, they have become an integral part of Puerto Rican folklore. We use them to explain natural phenomena, historical events, and the mystery of life.

Our El Yunque National Forest was once believed to be populated by magical beings and “duendes”–mischievous spirits roaming the forest, causing intrigue and chaos.

Here is a list of influential myths and legends of Puerto Rico:

10 Influential Myths and Legends of Puerto Rico

1. El Chupacabra: This creature is said to attack animals, especially goats, and drink their blood. The legend began in the 1990s and has since become part of global folklore.

2. La Llorona: Though more widely associated with Mexican culture, La Llorona’s tale is also told in Puerto Rico. She is the ghost of a woman who drowned her children and now cries while searching for them in the night, often foretelling tragedy.

3. El Yunque’s Spirit: The rainforest is believed to be guarded by the spirit of Yuquiyu, a benevolent Taino god who protects the island and its people from the peaks of El Yunque.

4. The Legend of the Cemi: Cemi stones are sacred objects in Taino culture, believed to house the spirits of gods. These stones play a crucial role in various myths involving the creation of the world and other natural phenomena.

5. The Pirate Cofresí: Roberto Cofresí, known as El Pirata Cofresí, has become legendary. Stories depict him as a Robin Hood-like character who stole from foreign ships and shared his bounty with the poor.

6. La Piedra del Perro: A mysterious stone at the Condado beach resembling a dog. Legend has it that the stone is a petrified dog turned to stone by gods as a lesson against disobedience. (No longer visible after Hurricane Maria)

7. The Legend of Juan Bobo: Juan Bobo is a popular character in Puerto Rican folklore, known for his silly antics and foolishness. However, his stories often carry deeper meanings about wisdom, perception, and human nature.

8. The Fountain of Youth: While associated with Florida, the legend of the Fountain of Youth also has roots in Puerto Rican folklore, connected to the explorations of Juan Ponce de León, the first Governor of Puerto Rico.

9. The Lady in White of San Juan: A ghostly figure seen wandering the streets of Old San Juan, often associated with historical figures from the colonial era. She is said to be searching for her lost love.

10. The Taíno’s Sun and Moon: A creation story from the indigenous Taíno, explaining the origins of the sun and moon involving love, betrayal, and transformation into celestial bodies.

Although Chupacabra was a monstrous figure, it also shows how our folklore can display an abundance of imagination filled with creativity. Even now, we preserve our myths and legends, believing they enrich our traditional and cultural values.

From stories of mischievous beings to mythical vampire creatures, we’re gifted with a heritage richly populated with imaginative stories that allow our spirits to soar creatively.

Folklore in Modern Times

Many of our traditional superstitions and myths continue to thrive in modern times. We still tell stories of El Chupacabra, the legendary creature that was said to drain the blood of livestock, and La Llorona, the ghost who haunts rivers and lakes, searching for her drowned children. These tales are passed down through generations, and their significance remains strong.

We incorporate our folklore into daily life, often without even realizing it.

For instance, we still use sayings like “¡ Que Dios te bendiga!” (God bless you!) when someone sneezes to ward off evil spirits.

We also celebrate festivals like Día de los Muertos, where we honor our ancestors with offerings and altars. Our Puerto Rican superstitions and myths add flavor to our lives, connecting us to our heritage and the island’s rich history.

In this way, our folklore becomes a part of who we are, influencing our perspectives and experiences. By holding onto these traditions, we preserve our unique cultural identity and keep the spirit of our ancestors alive.

Understanding the Cultural Psyche of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s cultural psyche is a complex tapestry woven from threads of Spanish colonialism, African traditions, and indigenous Taino heritage. We see this vibrant cultural blend in our everyday lives, from how we interact with each other to how we celebrate our holidays.

As we explore the world of Puerto Rican superstitions, it’s crucial to understand the historical context that shapes our collective mindset. The strict rules of Spanish Catholicism, the spiritual practices of African slaves, and the nature-based rituals of the Taino people have influenced us.

This diverse heritage has instilled a strong sense of spirituality and a deep respect for the unknown. Our Puerto Rican superstitions reflect this cultural fusion, often uniquely and fascinatingly combining different traditions.

The Last Stop

We’ve explored superstitions’ integral role in Puerto Rican culture, revealing a rich heritage shaped by the island’s history and struggles.

We find comfort and a sense of belonging by embracing these Puerto Rican superstitions. As we navigate modern times, we continue to draw on our folklore, strengthening our cultural identity.

Understanding these superstitions is key to grasping Puerto Rico’s cultural psyche, allowing us to appreciate the island’s unique spirit and traditions.

Before You Go

If you found this article insightful, consider sharing it with others who may be interested in learning more about Puerto Rican culture.

Share the richness of the island’s heritage and the significance of its superstitions with friends and family, and help keep the cultural traditions alive.

More on Puerto Rico Culture