Learn the superstitions about umbrellas and knocking on wood
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| INTRODUCTION |
| Eric: Hello and welcome to Culture Class: Mexican Superstitions and Beliefs, Lesson 5 - Umbrellas and Knocking on Wood. I'm Eric and I'm joined by Alex. |
| Alex: Hola! Hi, I'm Alex. |
| THE TWO SUPERSTITIONS |
| Eric: In this lesson we’ll talk about two common superstitions in Mexico. The first superstition is about bad luck. What’s the superstition called in Mexican Spanish? |
| Alex: abrir un paraguas adentro |
| Eric: Which literally means "opening an umbrella inside." Alex, can you repeat the Mexican Spanish phrase once again? |
| Alex: [slow] abrir un paraguas adentro [normal] abrir un paraguas adentro |
| Eric: In the US, opening an umbrella indoors is bad luck. |
| Alex: The same in Mexico. |
| Eric: It's believed that opening an umbrella indoors will attract death or accidents. |
| Alex: This superstition has a reasonable purpose. |
| Eric: It's probably because opening an umbrella indoors can tip things over or cause accidents. |
| Alex: So stay safe and lucky! |
| Eric: The second superstition is about good luck. What’s the superstition called in Mexican Spanish? |
| Alex: tocar madera |
| Eric: Which literally means "knocking on wood." Let’s hear it in Mexican Spanish again. |
| Alex: [slow] tocar madera [normal] tocar madera |
| Eric: So when should we knock on wood in Mexico? |
| Alex: When someone says something you don't want to happen. |
| Eric: Some people believe that this will prevent it from occurring. |
| Alex: It's probably because religious artifacts are mostly made from wood. |
| Eric: Therefore, knocking on wood will protect you from evil spirits. |
| Alex: Knock on wood. |
Outro |
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| Eric: There you have it - two Mexican superstitions! Are they similar to any of your country’s superstitions? Let us know in the comments! |
| Alex: Hasta pronto! |
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