Throwing Salt over Your Shoulder: Why We Do It & Which Shoulder Is Correct

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Explaining this superstition’s fascinating history

Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Michelle Arbeau

Last Updated: March 21, 2024 Fact Checked

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What shoulder do you throw salt over?

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Why is throwing salt good luck?

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Superstition Origins

When you spill salt, superstition says you're supposed to throw salt over your shoulder to get rid of back luck. The shoulder you throw salt over is important, with most believers agreeing you have to toss the salt over your left shoulder to counteract bad luck. If you’re curious about this superstition, read on to learn why people throw salt over their shoulder, which shoulder to throw salt over, and where this belief comes from!

Which shoulder is it lucky to toss salt over?

Throw salt over your left shoulder with your right hand for good luck if you've accidentally spilled some. According to superstition, spilling salt is bad luck and invites evil to attack. Toss the salt over your left shoulder because that’s where the devil and bad spirits lurk. The salt blinds them and protects you.

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What shoulder do you throw salt over?

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Throw salt over your left shoulder with your right hand for good luck. According to superstition, the best way to counteract bad luck after spilling salt is to toss the salt over your left shoulder. ^{[1]
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Research source} In many cultures and religions, evil spirits are believed to hide behind your left shoulder. Throwing salt over your left shoulder with your right hand is thought to blind the spirits and prevent them from harming you. ^{[2]
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- The belief is that while you’re distracted and cleaning up the salt spill, the evil spirits are able to move in and take advantage of you.
- The Latin word for “Left” is sinister , which led people to associate the left side of the body with evil and wrongness.
- According to Christian beliefs, your left side is associated with the devil and evil, while your right side is associated with goodness and angels.
- In Buddhist tradition, it’s customary to throw salt over your shoulder after a funeral to keep away bad spirits. ^{[3]
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- Note: Many people interpret this superstition differently. Some believe it’s best to throw salt over your right shoulder while others throw salt over both shoulders. Ultimately, the correct shoulder is whichever one you feel is best!
- The left side of the body is considered the feminine side and is the "receiving" side in terms of energy. Energy flows in the left side and out the right side. If you consider how evil spirits/energy are supposed to physically be able to take over or enter the body (possession), the feminine or left side of the body (being the receiving side) makes sense as this is where the energy would enter.