Category: Protection Origin: Ancient Mediterranean, universal Traditions: Greek, Roman, Jewish, Islamic, Celtic, African Risk: Protective
Spitting — particularly three times — as protective magic appears across traditions with remarkable consistency.
Greek tradition: Phtou phtou phtou (three times) is still performed by Greek grandmothers after complimenting a child, to ward off the Evil Eye. The logic: saliva contains life force; spitting preemptively disperses any envy before the Evil Eye can form.
Jewish tradition: Spitting three times (tfu tfu tfu) after mentioning something terrible neutralizes the evil. Yiddish speakers say ptoo ptoo ptoo for the same reason. The number three invokes divine protection (three patriarchs, three daily prayers).
Roman tradition: Pliny the Elder documented spitting into one’s palm before beginning difficult work — invoking the gods’ assistance. Spitting on a person in some contexts was a deliberate blessing transfer, not an insult.
Islamic tradition: The Prophet Muhammad reportedly recommended spitting to the left three times after a nightmare, to prevent the nightmare from affecting waking reality. Left is the direction of the devil; spitting left expels evil.
Celtic/British tradition: Spitting on a new coin brings good luck. Spitting on hands before a fight or a difficult task transfers courage into action. Spitting on a stone before throwing it increases its power.