Salt Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a mineral substance of great importance to human and animal health. Its mineral form halite, or rock salt, is sometimes called common salt. (more) Why Do People Throw Salt Over Their Shoulder? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Do-People-Throw-Salt-Over-Their-Shoulder Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 1, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Some people may throw salt over their shoulder in the belief that it wards off evil spirits or misfortune. This practice, commonly held to be a superstition, stems from the notion that spilling salt is unlucky and that the devil or other evil spirits reside on the left shoulder. Individuals who subscribe to the practice believe that any spilled salt should be tossed over the left shoulder to blind these spirits, preventing them from causing the misfortune associated with spilling salt. Variations of this practice or ritual uses of salt appear across different cultures, in which the act of throwing ...(100 of 255 words)

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