Broken dishes are not just household items that have lost their functionality. In different cultures, there are ancient traditions and signs related to broken plates, cups, and pots. For some peoples, it even has a deep symbolic meaning that is worth exploring, writes IZ.
Content
- European traditions: broken dishes are a symbol of misfortune
- Asian cultures: broken dishes as a symbol of luck and happiness
- India: Broken dishes as a sign of bad influence
- Can you use broken dishes? Debunking folk signs
European traditions: broken dishes are a symbol of misfortune
In most European countries, broken dishes are considered an unlucky sign. This applies to both ancient and modern beliefs. For example, in Germany and Great Britain, there is a sign that if a person accidentally breaks dishes, this can lead to a quarrel or trouble in the family. Many believe that broken dishes bring bad energy, and therefore it is better not to use them.
In France, there is an interesting tradition: if a plate is broken at a wedding, guests should laugh and together clean up the shards. This symbolizes that, like the broken plate, all the problems that arise in the marriage will also be “broken” and that they can be easily overcome.
Asian cultures: broken dishes as a symbol of luck and happiness
In Asia, however, one can find a completely different perspective on broken dishes. In Japan, for example, there is a tradition of repairing broken objects using the “kinzugi” technique, which means “golden seam.” This is not just the restoration of damaged dishes, but also an art that emphasizes the beauty of “imperfections” and symbolizes eternal rebirth and prosperity.
In China, broken dishes also have a positive meaning. For example, during the Chinese New Year holiday, it is common to break dishes or old plates, which is considered a symbol of cleansing from old troubles and the beginning of a new cycle full of good luck and health.
India: Broken dishes as a sign of bad influence
In India, the belief in the energetic influence of objects on a person's life is quite strong. Broken dishes are considered a bad sign that can bring misfortune or disappointment. It is also believed that this is a sign that the harmony and balance in the house have been destroyed, so broken dishes will be replaced as soon as possible.
Can you use broken dishes? Debunking folk signs
Despite numerous folk signs that often warn of trouble if dishes are broken, there is no scientific evidence that broken dishes can affect a person's life. Perhaps these beliefs arose from the importance of household items in the past, when broken dishes symbolized discord and instability.
In today's world, it can be said that the use of broken dishes has no real consequences for our lives. Moreover, many people choose to use damaged things as an element of decor, thus emphasizing their uniqueness and creativity. In some cases, broken dishes can even have a certain aesthetic value if they are made in a vintage or retro style.
In many cultures, we can now see a trend of abandoning old superstitions. It is no longer so scary to break a cup or plate, as most people understand that the loss of one household item does not affect the overall course of their lives.
Thus, views on broken dishes vary greatly depending on the culture. In some cultures, it is a symbol of good luck and rebirth, in others – a sign of misfortune or bad energy. However, it is important to remember that in the modern world, many people have already stopped paying attention to folk signs. The use of broken dishes does not have any significant impact on our lives, and you can safely continue to use them if it is convenient and acceptable for you.
In one of our previous posts, we talked about Rare and Little-Known Sayings That Are Worth Remembering.