Passing Salt (Version 2)

General Information about Item:

  • Mexican Superstition
  • Language: Spanish
  • Country of Origin: Mexico
  • Informant: Jennifer Lopez
  • Date Collected: 11-01-18

Informant Data:

  • Jennifer Lopez was born in Chicago but her parents originate from Mexico. She is currently studying Studio Arts modified with Digital Arts at Dartmouth College. Jennifer only speaks Spanish at home with her parents and siblings. Although Jennifer grew up in America, her parents made sure to instill the Mexican culture in her upbringing.

Contextual Data:

  • Cultural Context: This superstition is very similar to another one collected (Passing Salt (Version 1). These two superstitions are similar in a sense that they both involve avoiding bad luck through how one handles salt. However, Rosa does not have to throw a little salt behind her every time she passes the salt. A possible reason for the difference in the superstition could be due to the fact the informants come from different places in Mexico and thus slightly varying cultures.
  • Social Context: Jennifer heard this superstition from her mother as a child. She strongly believes in it and always makes sure to throw some salt behind her whenever she is asked to pass the salt. Jennifer believes that the social context behind this superstition is to promote good relations between friends and family. She continues to practice this because she does not want anything to get in the way of accomplishing good relations with other people.

Subgenre: bad luck superstitions

 

Item (translation)

When you pass the salt to someone, you must grab a little and throw it behind you or else there will be future problems with the person you are passing the salt to.

Collector’s Name: Ama Kyerewaa

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *