Learn the superstitions about breaking a mirror and horseshoes
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| INTRODUCTION |
| Eric: Breaking a Mirror and Horseshoes. I'm Eric and I'm joined by Yasmine. |
| Yasmine: Hi, I'm Yasmine. |
| THE TWO SUPERSTITIONS |
| Eric: In this lesson we’ll talk about two common superstitions in France. The first superstition is about bad luck. What’s it called in French? |
| Yasmine: casser un miroir |
| Eric: Which literally means "break a mirror." Yasmine, can you repeat the French phrase again? |
| Yasmine: [slow] casser un miroir [normal] casser un miroir |
| Eric: In France, it's believed that if you break a mirror, you will be unlucky for 7 years. |
| Yasmine: This superstition has ancient origins. |
| Eric: The Romans used to believe that mirrors contained your soul. Breaking one would damage the soul. |
| Yasmine: They also believed the physical body renewed itself every seven years. |
| Eric: Therefore, it would take 7 years to fully restore the soul. |
| Yasmine: At least it’s not forever. |
| Eric: The second superstition is about good luck. What is it called in French? |
| Yasmine: fer à cheval |
| Eric: Which literally means "horseshoe." Let’s hear it in French again. |
| Yasmine: [slow] fer à cheval [normal] fer à cheval |
| Eric: In the US, we also have a superstition about horseshoes. |
| Yasmine: Cool! Where are you supposed to hang them? |
| Eric: Umm, I’m not sure it matters where you put them. Does it matter in France? |
| Yasmine: Well, in general, it's believed that hanging a horseshoe above your door will bring you luck. |
| Eric: Horseshoes are lucky for many reasons in France. They’re said to be a source of wealth. |
| Yasmine: They keep bad spirits away. |
| Eric: And they’re a symbol of strength and protection. |
Outro |
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| Eric: There you have it - two French superstitions! Are they similar to any of your country’s superstitions? Let us know in the comments! |
| Yasmine: À bientôt! |
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