Superstition of Spitting Three Times
Many superstitions have been a part of Jewish life
through the ages. One is to spit three times in reaction to something
especially good or evil. This is done by literally spitting or figuratively
by saying “pooh, pooh, pooh.” Over time the saying of “pooh,
pooh, pooh” substituted spitting due to its offensive custom.
The explanation for ‘three times’ is because the number
three is considered mystical. Long ago, people used to deem odd numbers
lucky. Considering three was the first odd number after the unit (one),
many people judged it as a magical number.
Nobody truly knows where this custom of spitting initiated.
Some scholars believe it originated from the Christian
Bible and the miracles carried out through the saliva of Jesus.
Upon witnessing, listening, or discovering something
shocking, it is customary for believers in this superstition to spit
to prevent such a tragedy from occurring. Moreover, spitting is traditional
at something marvelous to defend against the Evil Eye (spiritual ability
to injure a person). It is believed that spitting will protect one from
trickery or evil spirits.
Sources: Eisenberg,
Ronald L. The
JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions.
PA: Jewish Publication Society, 2004.
Kolatch,
Alfred J. The
Jewish Book of Why/The Second Jewish
Book of Why. NY: Jonathan
David Publishers, 1989.
Wigoder, Geoffrey
, Ed. The
New Standard Jewish Encyclopedia.
NY: Facts on File, 1992. |