Breaking a mirror is believed to cause seven years of bad luck.

Seven Years Bad Luck: The Broken Mirror Belief

Details

According to this belief, when a person breaks a mirror—whether by accident or carelessness—it disrupts their spiritual balance, resulting in seven years of misfortune. This superstition stems from the idea that mirrors reflect not only physical appearance but also the soul. It is believed that damaging a mirror damages one’s soul, which then takes seven years—the length of time ancient Romans thought it took for the body to renew itself—to heal. To avoid the curse or lessen its effect, various remedies have been suggested, including burying the broken mirror shards under moonlight or pulverizing them completely to prevent one’s reflection from being trapped. Practitioners might also avoid looking into a cracked mirror believing residual misfortune remains embedded in it.

Historical Context

The superstition of broken mirrors causing bad luck can be traced back to Ancient Rome. Romans believed that mirrors held a piece of the viewer’s soul. Damaging one was considered harmful to the soul itself, possibly condemning them to misfortune until it could regenerate over a seven-year cycle—a common Roman belief about bodily and spiritual renewal. This idea was later carried through European traditions, where mirrors became associated with omens and spiritual presence. During the Middle Ages, mirrors were thought to reveal one’s true self or fate, enhancing the view that damage to a mirror might damage one’s future. As glass-making became more widespread, this belief persisted across various cultures in Europe and beyond.

Modern Relevance

Today, the superstition remains a popular cultural reference, especially in Western societies. Although not as seriously believed, the idea of ‘seven years bad luck’ from breaking a mirror is often mentioned humorously or with playful caution. It appears frequently in films, television, and literature, typically illustrating a character’s misfortune. Some people may still avoid cracked mirrors or feel a moment of hesitation after breaking one, reflecting the lingering psychological impact of superstition. In online forums and social media, advice on countering ‘mirror curses’ circulates among superstitious and spiritually inclined communities, sometimes linked to New Age or energy-healing practices. However, scientific and skeptical communities discount the superstition entirely.

Sources

Newbell Niles Puckett, ‘Folk Beliefs of the Southern Negro’ (University of North Carolina Press, 1926)

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