One sneeze or two, it’s up to you

Armenians are superstitious people. The act of warding off evil and keeping away bad luck is an essential part of life for the most superstitious Armenian.

Most superstitions have to do with luck. Everyone wants to have good luck and people take measures to achieve that luck.

I have never been very superstitious. The occasional knocking on wood or keeping fingers crossed is as far as I’ve gone to have some luck come my way.

In many cultures, an animal or mythical creature, is a symbol of luck. The elephant, for example is considered to lucky in Thailand.

The Armenian people consider the “kapoot achk,” or blue eye, lucky. That doesn’t mean whoever has blue eyes is the luckiest person in the world.

A blue eye charm is hung often on the front mirror of a car or on a chain as a necklace. The blue eye keeps away the “evil eye” and is to prevent bad luck from occurring.

Many people actually have more than one blue eye charm. An entire set of stringed blue eyeballs is also common as a necklace or bracelet.

Other superstitions are a bit more abstract. When traveling, it is always customary, well, more of a superstition again, to throw water on the path of the traveler.

My mother is the official “water thrower” in the family. She will stand holding a glass of water and as soon as the traveler drives away in their car, she will throw the water after them.

Since water is symbol of life, it also represents purity, as if to say “may your travels be righteous with God on your side.”

Another superstition has to do with sneezing. This may sound a bit absurd, but it is one of those superstitions that many Armenians take seriously.

It is always said that two sneezes are better than one. If you sneeze once, you should follow it with another.

Sneezing twice is particularly important when one is engaged in a conversation about the future or an upcoming event.

Armenians believe that if you sneeze once your future goal will less likely be achieved. But a second sneeze will take away all the ills or devastations that may stand in the way of achieving your goals.

I have relatives who believe deeply in this superstition. They will worry, and even be alarmed, if the second sneeze does not follow.

During a conversation, it is best to refrain from sneezing, because if one sneezes, they are expected to have a second one on the way.

I have engaged in conversations with people who have stopped and asked me to sneeze again.

“Sneeze again, bring another one,” is often the request. The request is usually followed by a long pause, where they await the second sneeze.

Sneezing becomes a requirement and if one ceases to sneeze for a second time, a stern look is often returned that translates to “you are doomed.”

So when it comes to Armenian superstitions, it’s helpful to be familiar with them before entering into an Armenian household.

They provide a glimpse into the culture.

* ANI AMIRKHANIAN is a news assistant. She may be reached at (818) 637-3230.