Breaking a mirror

What tradition says

Seven years of bad luck — Roman in origin, from the belief that mirrors held a piece of the soul and life renewed on a seven-year cycle.

What is actually happening

Mirrors were extremely expensive until the nineteenth century. A superstition that made servants careful with them had obvious utility.

Itchy right palm Itchy left palm Ringing in the ears Eye twitching Sneezing Hiccups A black cat crossing your path Spilling salt