Skimlinks
Superstitions

13 Common superstitions in Trinidad and Tobago: Unveiling the mystical beliefs

Superstitions are deeply embedded in the culture and daily lives of people in Trinidad and Tobago. These beliefs, often passed down through generations, serve as warnings, guidance, or explanations for life’s mysterious occurrences. Whether you’re a curious traveller or a local, understanding these superstitions can offer fascinating insights into the traditions of the twin-island nation. Here are 13 superstitions and the intriguing stories behind them.

Discover the enchanting superstitions of Trinidad and Tobago

1. Protect hair in comb or when cut

After combing or cutting your hair, never throw it outside. This practice stems from the belief that obeah practitioners can use discarded hair to perform rituals. These rituals might transfer illnesses or misfortune to the hair’s owner.

Superstitions

Another common belief is that if a bird uses your hair to build its nest, it could cause you to suffer persistent headaches. To avoid such misfortune, people often burn or bury their hair by a banana tree. At salons, some individuals go as far as collecting their cut hair in their pockets for safe disposal.

Superstitions

2. Turn your back and walk inside your house

When entering your home at night, it’s customary to turn around and walk backward through the doorway. This is believed to confront and scare off any jumbie (spirit) clinging to your back, preventing it from entering your home.

The jumbie, akin to a mischievous or malevolent ghost, is said to latch onto unsuspecting individuals. Walking backward into your home ensures the spirit jumps off and remains outside.

3. Butterfly and visitors

A butterfly fluttering into your home is a sure sign that someone you haven’t seen in a long time will visit soon. Locals often connect the appearance of the butterfly with a reunion, sometimes noting the time frame as within a month.

This superstition adds a touch of excitement to spotting butterflies indoors, often leading to eager anticipation of an unexpected guest.

Superstitions

4. Green grasshopper and money

Spotting a green grasshopper inside your home is considered a harbinger of wealth. The belief emphasises protecting the insect from harm to ensure the fortune materialises.

In homes with children or pets, adults often intervene to safeguard the grasshopper, viewing it as a symbolic promise of financial blessings.

Superstitions
Screenshot 2022 01 01 220512

100% stocks, 0% commission

The advantages of buying stocks on eToro don’t end with pricing. There are also no limits on commission-free trades and you can buy fractional shares.

5. Pigeon droppings and luck

As unpleasant as it sounds, having a pigeon drop its excrement on your head, face, or back is seen as a stroke of extraordinary luck. This event is often associated with receiving a substantial sum of money.

While the incident might be embarrassing, many take solace in the belief that financial rewards are on their way.

6. Black-eyed peas and prosperity

Eating black-eyed peas on Old Year’s Night is thought to usher in prosperity for the New Year. A traditional dish like pelau or stewed black-eyed peas with rice and meat is commonly prepared to increase one’s chances of good fortune.

This superstition reflects the deep connection between food and cultural rituals, blending culinary traditions with aspirations for success.

Superstitions

7. Itchy hand and money

An itchy palm has different meanings depending on which hand it is. An itch on the left hand signifies incoming money, while an itch on the right suggests financial loss. For some, the meanings are reversed.

People often humorously speculate about unexpected wealth or expenses whenever they experience an itchy palm.

8. Sweeping away money

Avoid sweeping money into the garbage, as it symbolises throwing away your future wealth. Many people meticulously pick coins out of dustpans, ensuring they don’t inadvertently discard their financial prospects.

This superstition highlights a cultural emphasis on respecting even the smallest denominations of currency.

9. Pointing at a cemetery

Pointing at a cemetery is believed to bring about severe consequences, such as your finger rotting and falling off. To prevent any bad luck, locals often avoid pointing or even looking directly at cemeteries while passing by.

Superstitions

This eerie belief underscores the reverence and caution associated with spirits and the afterlife.

10. Sweeping feet and marriage

If someone sweeps your feet with a broom, it’s said that you’ll never get married. This belief is particularly popular among young women, who often react strongly to accidental foot-sweeping.

To counteract the supposed curse, the person whose feet were swept might spit on the broom as a remedy.

77583 main

Floating Diamond Eternity Bandin 14k Yellow Gold (1 1/2 ct. tw.)

Original price: US$3,690 (Discount 30%)

Special price US$2,583**

Use code VDAY22 at checkout

11. Picking plants at night

Never pick fruits or medicinal plants after 6 p.m. The belief is that plants “sleep” at night, and disturbing them could bring misfortune. Early morning harvests are preferred, but even then, the plants must be “greeted” to ensure they’re awake.

This practice reflects a deep respect for nature and its cycles, blending practicality with spiritual considerations.

12. Taking back and cataboil

Retrieving something you’ve given to someone can lead to a painful bump, or “cataboil” over your eye. This superstition discourages the act of taking back gifts or items once given.

The fear of developing a disfiguring bump often leads to generosity and careful decision-making when giving items away.

13. Ear ringing and gossip

A ringing ear signals that someone is speaking ill of you. People often joke, “Like somebody bad-talking me,” when their ear starts to ring.

Some take it further, claiming they can identify the gossiper based on intuition or context, adding an element of intrigue to this common superstition.

In closing

These 13 superstitions offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Trinidad and Tobago. Whether you believe in them or not, they are an integral part of the islands’ folklore. Share your own versions or experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more fascinating cultural content by subscribing to our newsletter or YouTube channel!

_______________________________________

Playstation 5 Pro

Every month in 2025 we will be giving away one PlayStation 5 Pro. To qualify subscribe to our newsletter.

When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn commission and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Folklore: 13 Creepy tales in Trinidad and Tobago

Sweet TnT Short Stories

Hair superstition: Protect hair in comb or when cut

A common hair superstition in Trinidad and Tobago is protect hair in comb or when cut. Hair has long been a symbol of beauty, health, and identity. For many, it represents self-expression through style, cut, and colour.

Medically, hair provides insights into a person’s health—its texture and thickness may signal vitality, while hair loss could indicate illness or stress. Hair is also used in forensic and diagnostic fields for drug testing and DNA analysis.

But beyond the common uses of hair holds significant spiritual and mystical value in the Caribbean, particularly in obeah and voodoo practices. This article delves into the superstition that discarded hair can be used in spells, its origins, and how to protect oneself from potential harm.

The origins of the hair superstition ‘protect hair in comb or when cut’

The belief that hair should not be discarded carelessly has roots in African and Caribbean traditions. These practices were carried over during the transatlantic slave trade and evolved within the cultural melting pot of the Caribbean. Hair, being an extension of a person’s physical self, was seen as a powerful link to their soul and essence.

As obeah and voodoo developed as forms of spiritual and mystical practices in the region, hair became a common material used in rituals due to its perceived ability to connect the physical and spiritual realms.

Spells involving hair in the Caribbean

Hair is considered a potent tool in obeah and voodoo rituals because it is uniquely tied to an individual’s identity. Here are some ways hair has been used in spells:

Healing rituals

In some cases, a person’s hair is used to transfer sickness from one individual to another. This could involve rituals where the hair of a healthy person is combined with that of a sick person, symbolising the movement of the illness.

Financial manipulation

Hair has been used in spells aimed at altering financial fortunes. For example, combining a person’s hair with specific herbs and oils could bring wealth or cause financial struggles, depending on the caster’s intent.

Love spells

Hair has been used to bind individuals romantically. These rituals often involve braiding the target’s hair into charms or dolls to ensure that they remain emotionally or physically attached to the spell caster.

Enslavement spells

In darker practices, hair may be used to symbolically trap a person’s essence, making them obedient or submissive to the spell caster’s will. Such spells are said to use hair combined with other personal items like fingernails or clothing.

Outcomes of spells using hair

When hair is used in rituals, Caribbean folklore suggests that the effects on the individual can be profound and life-altering. These outcomes might include:

Sickness

Persistent illness or unexplained physical ailments are believed to result from rituals aimed at transferring diseases.

Financial struggles

Individuals might experience sudden financial losses or an inability to accumulate wealth due to spells targeting their prosperity.

Romantic complications

Victims of love spells may find themselves in unexplainable or unhealthy relationships, unable to break free from emotional or physical attachments.

Loss of autonomy

Those affected by enslavement spells could feel a loss of control over their decisions and actions, as if being manipulated by an external force.

Historical references and sources

Obeah and voodoo practices frequently involve the use of personal items in rituals. According to historical accounts, personal artifacts like hair, nails, and clothing are often incorporated into spells to establish a direct connection to the individual.

For example, the book Obeah and Other Powers by Diana Paton and Maarit Forde explores the use of personal objects in obeah rituals, emphasizing their spiritual significance. Similarly, voodoo practices documented in Haitian Vodou: Spirit, Myth, and Reality by Karen McCarthy Brown highlight how body-related items are considered essential in spellwork.

Recommendations for disposing of hair

To avoid the potential misuse of hair, Caribbean folklore advises several precautionary methods for disposing of it safely:

1. Burning hair

Incinerating hair is the most common method, as it completely destroys the physical material, making it unusable in rituals.

2. Burying hair by banana tree

Hair can be buried in a safe, concealed location, such as near a banana tree, which is believed to encourage positive energy and growth.

3. Secured disposal of hair

When at a salon, ensure that the hair is collected and disposed of in a manner that prevents others from accessing it.

How to ward off spells

If you suspect that your hair has been used in a ritual, Caribbean folklore offers several remedies to counteract potential spells:

Spiritual cleansing

Bathing with certain herbs like basil, rue, or lemongrass is believed to cleanse negative energy and break spells.

Protective charms

Wearing protective talismans, such as a silver chain or a cross, is thought to ward off harmful spirits and energy.

Consultation with a spiritual practitioner

Visiting an obeah man, voodoo priest, or spiritual healer can help identify and reverse any spellwork.

Prayer and faith

For many, turning to prayer and religious practices provides comfort and protection from spiritual harm.

Conclusion

The superstition of protecting hair after combing or cutting is deeply ingrained in Caribbean culture, rooted in the mystical traditions of obeah and voodoo. While modern science offers rational explanations for the use of hair in medicine and forensics, the spiritual significance of hair remains a powerful part of folklore. Whether or not one believes in these practices, taking steps to safely dispose of hair and protect oneself reflects the enduring cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. By understanding these beliefs, we gain insight into the intricate tapestry of Caribbean traditions and spirituality.

_____________________________________

You may also like:

Obeah in Trinidad and Tobago: A complex tapestry of tradition, spirituality, and resistance

Traditional methods for removing blight in Trinidad and Tobago: A comprehensive guide

Folklore: 13 Creepy tales in Trinidad and Tobago

Churile: The Caribbean’s terrifying spirit of miscarriage

La Diablesse: The enchanting and terrifying Caribbean folklore figure

Lagahoo: The haunting shape-shifting spectre of the Caribbean

Mama D’Leau: The mother of the waters in Caribbean folklore

Moko jumbie: A guardian of Caribbean folklore

Jumbie umbrella: A mystical tale of Caribbean folklore

Jumbie folklore in the Caribbean: Tales, traditions, and ways to ward them off

Silk cotton tree: The mystical guardian of Caribbean folklore

Papa Bois: Guardian of the forests in Caribbean folklore

Douen: A Caribbean folklore on lost souls

Soucouyant: The blood-sucking demon of the Caribbean

Buck: An enigmatic Caribbean folklore figure

The stick insect: Exploring the ‘god horse’ of Trinidad and Tobago

24 hours lizard: Trinidad and Tobago old wives tale of the reptile

Corner House Chronicles: Trinidadian artist captures island culture in vibrant colouring book

Galaxy S24 Ultra

About Sweet TnT

Our global audience visits sweettntmagazine.com daily for the positive content about almost any topic. We at Culturama Publishing Company publish useful and entertaining articles, photos and videos in the categories Lifestyle, Places, Food, Health, Education, Tech, Finance, Local Writings and Books. Our content comes from writers in-house and readers all over the world who share experiences, recipes, tips and tricks on home remedies for health, tech, finance and education. We feature new talent and businesses in Trinidad and Tobago in all areas including food, photography, videography, music, art, literature and crafts. Submissions and press releases are welcomed. Send to contact@sweettntmagazine.com. Contact us about marketing Send us an email at contact@sweettntmagazine.com to discuss marketing and advertising needs with Sweet TnT Magazine. Request our media kit to choose the package that suits you.

Check Also

Bush baths, sea baths and cocoyea cleanses explained: The ultimate guide to removing blight in Trinidad and Tobago.

Traditional methods for removing blight in Trinidad and Tobago: A comprehensive guide

Have you ever had a string of bad luck so profound that you thought the …

Discover the spine-chilling folklore of Trinidad and Tobago with 13 eerie tales of spirits, shapeshifters, and vengeful supernatural beings that continue to captivate and terrify.

Folklore: 13 Creepy tales in Trinidad and Tobago

Folklore in Trinidad and Tobago has been passed down through generations, with each retelling adding …

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Sweet TnT Magazine

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading