Walking backwards to reverse bad luck: A unique Mexican superstition
There is a superstition in Mexico that says that one has to walk backwards to reverse bad luck. Do you want to know more about it? Read on!
New Delhi: Superstitions influence cultures worldwide, shaping how people respond to luck, fate, and misfortune. In Mexico, one particularly intriguing belief suggests that walking backwards can undo bad luck.
Whether it’s a streak of misfortune, an unlucky statement, or even an encounter with someone considered to bring bad vibes, some Mexicans take a few steps in reverse to symbolically "rewind" the bad luck and ward off negative energy.
Walk backwards to reverse bad luck
The origin of this superstition is unclear, but it is deeply tied to the idea that movement and direction have spiritual significance. In many cultures, forward motion is associated with progress, while backwards motion can symbolise reversal or undoing. This belief in undoing bad luck through physical movement is similar to other traditions, like throwing salt over one's shoulder after spilling it or knocking on wood to prevent jinxing oneself.
In Mexican folklore, luck and fate are often considered fluid rather than fixed. If something unfortunate happens—like accidentally breaking a mirror, dropping a glass, or saying something negative about oneself—some believe that walking backwards will "rewind" fate and prevent the bad energy from settling in. Some even take it a step further by saying a small prayer or making the sign of the cross while walking backwards for extra protection.
More about the superstition of walking backwards
This practice isn’t exclusive to Mexico. In some other cultures, walking backwards has its own superstitions and meanings. In parts of Eastern Europe, for instance, walking backwards is sometimes associated with inviting spirits or bad omens. However, in Mexico, the belief is more lighthearted and used as a way to counteract everyday misfortune rather than attract it.
Even in modern times, you might see someone playfully taking a step or two backwards after an unlucky moment, laughing it off as a precaution. While science doesn’t support the idea that physically rewinding one's steps can change luck, the act serves a psychological purpose—it gives people a sense of control over unpredictable situations. Whether it's a deeply held belief or just a fun cultural quirk, in Mexico, if bad luck strikes, sometimes the best way forward is actually backwards.