The superstition that burning cheeks signify someone is talking about you persists to this day, often recited when experiencing a burning sensation in the cheeks or ears. The core belief suggests that the heat indicates that one is the subject of conversation, although interpretations vary concerning the nature of the remarks.

The roots of this superstition lie in early beliefs surrounding witchcraft and the perceived ability of wise women to cast spells. During the Middle Ages, ‘cheek burning’ was regarded as a potential sign of magical influence, prompting the afflicted to recite counter-curses to negate the spell. An example of such a curse is:

Right cheek left cheek, why do you burn? Cursed be she that doth me any harm: If she be a maid, let her be staid; If she be a widow, long let her mourn; But if it be my own true love – burn, cheek, burn!

This specific curse was typically uttered by women, with the final line included to address the possibility that the spell was cast by a witch on behalf of the woman’s sweetheart, hoping to intensify her affections. In this instance, the woman might welcome the magic’s influence.

As faith in the power of witchcraft diminished, the burning cheek sensation became more generally associated with criticism. Consequently, less potent antidotes emerged. In Pennsylvania, a solution involved biting the corner of one’s apron, thought to make the gossiping detractors bite their tongues. A more widespread American custom involved licking the tip of one’s finger and pressing it to the burning cheek while reciting the names of suspected individuals. The person whose name was on one’s lips when the cheek cooled was believed to be the guilty party. Furthermore, in some interpretations, a burning on the left cheek indicates negative commentary, while a burning on the right cheek signifies praise. In Pennsylvania, a burning sensation on both cheeks is said to mean two people are arguing about you.