Spitting, now generally considered unhygienic, once held a significant place in various cultures as a means of warding off evil and misfortune. This practice, deeply rooted in superstition, reveals fascinating insights into historical beliefs about spirits, health, and protection.

Historically, spitting has been associated with both healing and repulsion. In the Gospel of John, Jesus employs saliva to restore sight to a blind man, illustrating a belief in its curative properties. Conversely, in ancient Greece, spitting served as a defense against malevolent spirits. Pliny the Elder, in AD 77, documented the practice of spitting to repel contagion, suggesting an early understanding, albeit superstitious, of hygiene and disease prevention.

Cultural beliefs significantly influenced the ritualistic use of spitting. The ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus, in his work ‘The Characters,’ described how a superstitious man would shudder and spit into his bosom upon seeing someone with epilepsy or mania, conditions then attributed to demonic possession and believed to be contagious. This highlights the role of spitting as a protective measure against perceived spiritual threats.

The superstition evolved over time, adapting to specific cultural contexts. In Greece and Cyprus, spitting on the bosom became a tradition to ward off evil, particularly the Evil Eye. While the actual act of spitting gradually diminished, the sound ‘ptew’ remained as a symbolic substitute. The phrase ‘Ptew, Ptew mi me matiasis,’ translating to ‘Spit, spit, I spit on myself to protect myself from the Evil Eye,’ is still commonly recited. Some individuals continue to mimic the action of spitting onto their chest for added protection.

Modern interpretations of spitting to ward off evil vary across different cultures. Fishermen around the world traditionally spit into their nets to ensure a successful catch. In the UK and America, boxers sometimes spit on their knuckles before a fight. Furthermore, pretending to spit on one’s hands before undertaking a challenging task is a widespread custom, symbolizing readiness and a warding off of potential failure. In Irish folklore, spitting on horses was believed to protect them from fairies, who were thought to be repelled by uncleanliness. Ironically, modern science recognizes saliva’s antiseptic qualities, lending an unexpected basis to the traditional belief in its protective properties, as it aids in healing wounds.