User:Swpb/m/Mirrors in superstition

Mirrors are a subject of superstitious beliefs in many cultures and mystical traditions. Such superstitions likely first arose among ancient humans, who caught their reflections in still water.

In many traditions, reflected images of people are taken to contain the soul. This is the source of the superstition that breaking a mirror will lead to bad luck, as the soul will be broken as well. The tradition that this bad luck persists for seven years derives from a Roman belief in a seven-year cycle in which life is renewed.

The expense of mirrors for much of human history likely also contributed to beliefs in ill effects resulting from their damage.

Myths about vampires and witches often state that these beings are not reflected in mirrors, as they have no soul.

In certain traditions, mirrors are covered during periods of mourning following a death. This is said to prevent the soul of the deceased from becoming trapped in a mirror.

Mirrors are sometimes said to reflect future or alternate worlds, including spirit worlds, and to possess other magical powers.