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What To Do When a Mirror Breaks

Mary Smith
By Mary Smith. Updated: February 26, 2020
What To Do When a Mirror Breaks

For the superstitious, a mirror smashed into a million pieces is a bad omen that is said to bring 7 years of bad luck. How can you reverse this curse? If you believe in superstitions and want to get rid of the bad luck, read this article on oneHOWTO.

Today we will give you helpful tips so you know what to do when a mirror breaks. Follow these tips to get rid of bad luck and bad omens because, as they say, better safe than sorry!

You may also be interested in: What Were the Gods of the Aztecs?

Why is breaking a mirror bad luck?

The origin of this superstition comes from ancient myths and philosophy. Before the creation of mirrors, it was thought that all that the reflections of a human (in rivers, ponds, lakes or the sea) were part of oneself and represented the soul. When observing these images, any movements or distortions could cause a bad omen. With the appearance of mirrors, this superstition led to the belief that breaking it, whether by accident or on purpose, would bring 7 years of bag luck.

But why seven years? Just like the mirror is associated with the representation of the soul, the number 7 is associated with portentous events. However, the reason why these two superstitions came together in one curse remains unknown. It has been lost in history but the superstition remains as a popular belief in certain areas and countries.

How to reverse bad luck from breaking a mirror

So, what should you do if you break a mirror? First of all, it's important to pick up all the pieces. It is recommended to do this with a broom and dustpan, as glass can be a hazardous material.

Once you have the glass collected, do not simply toss them in the bin. That may bring bad luck! To avoid this curse, you must reuse the glass in a handcraft or turn it into fine powder, preventing the mirror to show any more reflections, and then get rid of it under a full moon.

Another popular method for superstitious people, is immediately spinning around three times in counter-clockwise direction to confuse the spirits and reverse the curse.

What To Do When a Mirror Breaks - How to reverse bad luck from breaking a mirror

Mirrors and salt

One of the techniques known to reverse bad luck from breaking a mirror is to throw salt behind your shoulders. In many cultures salt is a symbol of auspiciousness, so if you accidentally break a mirror, it is recommended to through a handful of salt over your left shoulder with your right hand. Be careful and remember to do this over your left shoulder as it is another belief that throwing salt over your right shoulder may bring more bad luck.

What To Do When a Mirror Breaks - Mirrors and salt

Mirrors and the moon

One of the popular remedies when you break a mirror is to use one of the pieces to see how the moon is reflected in it. This should be done on the first full moon after the mirror is broken. This method is believed to significantly lower bad luck. So, why not give it a try?

Gemstone protection

What's more effective to reverse bad luck from breaking a mirror than a powerful amulet? It is perfect to protect you from incidents like the cracking of a mirror. Among the most popular charms are lucky four-leaf clovers, a horseshoe or a gemstone.

On OneHowTo you can discover the best stones that bring you good luck.

What To Do When a Mirror Breaks - Gemstone protection

How to avoid bad luck

Breaking a mirror by accident can happen very easily and yet, it could spell disaster for you, your friends and family. This is why it could be a good idea to prevent bad luck by always being optimistic and thinking positively. If you hold on to negative thoughts it can bring negative energy to your life. On oneHOWTO we offer some tips so you know how to attract positive energy with your thoughts and actions.

If you want to read similar articles to What To Do When a Mirror Breaks, we recommend you visit our Culture & Society category.

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6 comments
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Arcy
My aunt drop my mirror and got crack but I didn't throw it. Is this one of the reason why we have so many bad luck this year? Is it okay im the one who will get rid of the mirror since my aunt came to.visit only
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DEIRDRE CUNNINGHAM
I WAS LOOKING INTO AVERY OLD HAND HELD MIRROR BY ACIDENT THE MIRRIOR FELL OUT OF CASING AND SHATTERED BAD LUCK HAS FOLLOWED ME FOR YEARS WHAT SHOULD I DO
Russell
I beleve they have some more in the poundshop?
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Adam
What if there's a sheet of glass that's NOT being used as a mirror anymore and is no longer in its frame, if you accidentally break that is it still considered unlucky? I have a sheet of glass under my sofa that I've kept hold of for some reason, and it's got a crack in it now because it was sticking out slightly and I stood on it. I don't use it as a mirror and haven't for ages, and it doesn't even have its frame anymore.

It's not technically used as a mirror, so I'm hoping it "doesn't count" in the world of superstition, which I am very wary of.
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Adam,

We don't think it counts as being unlucky, although you should probably dispose of it safely as having broken glass around can lead to accidents.
Rating:
Sue
Hi sat on my small this morning what is the best thing to do please as I so worried
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Sue,

The best thing to do is not to worry. If you worry, you will only manifest feelings of having bad luck. Bad luck in breaking a mirror is a superstition and doesn't have to have a bearing on your life if you don't let it.
Sana Issa
What about if I need to break a mirror on purpose? I need to get rid of a bathroom mirror that is glued to the wall. There is no way to remove it without it breaking. Would the above methods work if I was to breaking it on 'purpose'? Thanks
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Sana,

Superstitions are personal issues which rely only on your own perception of how the world works. This article represents the belief of superstitious people, but many do not believe nor is there any scientific evidence to support the idea of having bad luck form such an action. If you are also superstitious, then we understand there may be a personal concern. However, we know lots of people who have broken mirrors for various reasons and have been able to live healthy and happy lives afterwards.
Dave Novak
i broke a mirror so it would take up less space in the trash bin. ever since bad luck hit me like a bus. the trash company already hauled it away and the shards are gone. i dont know what to do. my $130 bike actually broke earlier on a ride because of bad luck and it cant be fixed. so now THAT has to go in the trash too. i need help. i dont like this.
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