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Colombia’s Favorite Superstitions
When a country has a history as diverse as Colombia's, it is no surprise to find it full of myths, legends, and superstitions.
Superstitions in Colombia, a cultural expression
Colombian culture combines the wisdom of Indigenous tribes, Spanish conquerors, and African slaves, along with beliefs passed down through the centuries. Today we present the most well-known ones:
New Year's Eve
December 31st carries more superstitions than any other day of the year. Many Colombians eat twelve grapes at midnight (making a wish for each month), clean their homes to welcome positive change, hold lentils to ensure they will not go hungry, walk around with a suitcase to encourage travel, and wear yellow underwear to attract wealth.
You can also read: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Using Colombian Slang
Monserrate
Lovers, be careful! There is a deeply rooted Colombian tradition that says unmarried couples who climb to the summit of Bogotá’s most iconic mountain will never marry. That’s a pity for romantics, as they won’t enjoy the scenic route to the top of Monserrate, the cable car, or the restaurants with the city’s best views—at least until they get married.
Butterflies
Colombia is home to some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world, but there is one particular variety that is large, brown, or black and frightens superstitious Colombians. Seeing a dark butterfly, usually a moth, inside a house is believed to mean that someone close to the family will die.
Photo: Leandro Peña
Money
There is a strong Colombian belief that is probably the most practical of all, as it suggests that you should never place a purse or handbag on the floor,since money will “disappear.” That’s why, in general, Colombian women always choose to hang their handbags on hooks or place them in their office drawers.
You can also read: The heroes on Colombia’s currency
Photo: Wendy Firmin
A Helping Hand!
Many superstitions revolve around cemeteries in Colombia. For example, at the Central Cemetery of Bogotá, it is said that Leo Kopp, founder of Bavaria Brewery, will help you with your financial problems if you whisper in the ear of his statue. Others believe you will achieve the same result by placing a blue candle at the grave of the famous astronomer Julio Garavito.
