Why you shouldn't return empty dishes: this simple action can bring bad luck

It may seem trivial, but empty dishes have long been associated with ominous signs that can cause havoc in a person's life. Without even realizing it, some everyday actions that we perform without much thought can carry a negative message if we believe in omens and prejudices. One such action is returning dishes empty.

Traditionally, people fill dishes with treats or delicacies, offering it to others, only to return it empty later. However, according to ancient beliefs and prejudices, this seemingly innocent act can bring misfortune and bad luck upon a person.

The folklore behind this notion suggests that empty dishes symbolize loss and poverty. In past eras, it was believed that returning dishes full rather than empty could attract prosperity and good fortune. For example, the utensils could be filled with candy or other goodies so that the gesture of giving and receiving would be associated with abundance.

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In addition, leaving empty dishes on the table also has its own set of bad omens. According to the belief, this act symbolizes eternal poverty and a continuous state of want. Therefore, our ancestors would either fill the dishes before placing them on the table or quickly put them away when they became empty, effectively avoiding any symbolic association with scarcity or poverty.

It is also good to refrain from giving empty dishes. This prejudice retains similarities to the previous beliefs, emphasizing the negative consequences of giving someone empty dishes. However, if one finds oneself in such a situation, there is a remedy to counteract the potential negative consequences.

The solution is to "buy back" the utensil by giving a few coins for it, or to fill it with tempting sweets or other pleasant surprises before giving it to the recipient. This small act quickly turns an empty plate into a meaningful and auspicious gift.

Recall, UAportal tells about the most common prejudices and prohibitions that exist in Ukrainian household and family life.

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