Salt Notes : Outsalting the Devil
Why is tossing salt over one’s left shoulder to ward off evil, a
widespread superstition ? Its origin is that, until recently, salt was known as
‘white gold.’ It was precious, not the abundant commodity it has become.
Taxation made it expensive. In most countries, rulers had the
monopoly of distribution, and thus took maximum advantage of our need
for this vital chemical. We need three to five grams daily.
This ancient gesture aims to appease the demons by giving them, or
the devil, their due. In a pagan rather than a Christian context, it is a sacrifice
to the Gods.
And why the left side ? Left in Latin is sinister, and it represents our
perceived vulnerability.