The relations of a mirror and a man that have been formed over the centuries have spilled over into signs and superstitions, characterizing their special connection.
- In ancient Egypt, the mirror was endowed with magical power, was the subject of rituals and fortune-telling.
- Slavic mythology considers the mirror a gift from the servant of the master of darkness, so that a person does not feel lonely. Perhaps this is how folk signs are formed - to break a mirror means to offend the owner, wait for the punishment.
- In Germany, infants were washed in front of a mirror so that they could start talking faster.
- In Russia, on the contrary, it was considered unacceptable to bring infants to the mirrors so as not to frighten the baby.
- The Chinese believe that the mirror can heal and cope with diseases. But they also have an omen to break the mirror is considered a bad omen.
- The Japanese worshiped mirrors, putting them on a par with such treasures as a sword, a throne, and three Pearls (knowledge, courage, and mercy). If the Japanese woman dreamed of giving birth to twins, then during pregnancy, before going to bed, she looked in the mirror.
- In Syria, so that the head does not hurt, they look at their reflection in the mirror after they leave the bath.
- Hindus using a mirror drove away evil spirits; for this, clothes were decorated with small fragments of mirrors, always carefully polished.
- English folklore has preserved the tradition of sitting in front of a mirror on the day of St. Agnes, in order to see his fiancé during the mystical time of midnight. In Russia, there is also such an action in holy divination, and at the same time of the year - January 21. Of course, the sign of breaking a mirror in such a mystical time could only be accompanied by the expectation of misfortune.
The mention of Chinese magic mirrors made using sophisticated technology in the 11th century with hieroglyphs written in such an ancient language that it was not possible to read them was found in 1086. Archaeologists from different countries of the world store bronze Etruscan mirrors in museums, and they are in Russia. According to historians, the sign of breaking a mirror is associated with frequent wars, accompanied by breaking glass and mirrors.
In Russia, bronze mirrors, similar in manufacturing technology to Etruscan, were made by masters from Pechora. In addition to the inscriptions, they contained the image of the ancient goddess Mary, the angel of death, accompanying the souls of dead people to paradise. Mirrors have long been considered guides to the other world. It is quite possible, therefore, with mirrors they perform various actions in the event of a person's death.
Signs, their action and reaction
In Russia, as in many countries of the world, traditionally during mirrors, mirrors are covered with cloth, explaining such an action by the possibility that a person’s soul can get lost and “get stuck” in a mirror, then giving peace to those living in the house. That is why it is not recommended to purchase old mirrors, “lost souls” can live in them. They say that before such mirrors the candles go out, how many do not light them.
The oldest sign to break a mirror has been preserved in Russia as the forerunner of troubles, troubles and misfortunes. Many are looking for an "antidote" against omens, throwing salt over their shoulders, spinning counterclockwise and spitting in all directions. It is recommended that, without touching the fragments with bare hands, collect everything and throw it away or bury it. A broken mirror is by no means in all respects, and in common sense, not suitable for use. If the mirror is cracked, the sign indicates that the family will be in trouble or unhappiness.
Another sign that came from antiquity is that if you go somewhere and go back, then there will be “no way” so that this does not happen, you need to look in the mirror.
In the room where the sick person is lying, there is no need to hang mirrors, it is believed that the patient’s soul is weakened and vulnerable, he should not see his reflection.
Mirrors do not always promise failures and portend losses: if there are a lot of them in the house, they bring good luck. A large mirror hanged opposite the front door will take away all evil designs from the enemies entering the house. If a mirror hangs in the living room or in the kitchen near the table, it attracts luck and prosperity.