Why You Can't Shake Hands Over the Threshold: The History and Meaning of Superstition
Among the many Russian signs and superstitions, one of the most famous and widespread is the ban on greeting, saying goodbye or shaking hands across the threshold of a house.
Why is this considered and what are the consequences if this rule is broken?
The threshold of a house had a special meaning in ancient times. It symbolized the border between two worlds – internal and external, living and dead, light and dark.
The threshold was a kind of protection from evil forces that could penetrate the home from the street.
Therefore, various rituals were performed on the threshold, for example, burying the ashes of deceased relatives or leaving offerings to the brownie.
Greeting or saying goodbye across the threshold was considered a great sin and an insult to the spirits of ancestors and the brownie.
It could also disrupt the harmony and comfort in the home, attract negative energy, the evil eye or damage.
As a result, quarrels, illnesses, misfortunes or poverty could begin in the family.
Even today, many people adhere to this superstition and do not shake hands across the threshold.
If this happens by accident, you need to cross yourself or knock on wood to ward off trouble.
You can also ask the guest to enter the house or go outside and repeat the greeting or farewell on one side of the threshold.
