Why you shouldn't put an empty bottle on the table: where the superstition comes from

Almost all of us have heard of the superstition that forbids placing an empty bottle on the table. No gathering is complete without this belief, and even non-superstitious individuals are more likely to adhere to this taboo. But have you ever wondered about the origin of this superstition?

OBOZREVATEL delved into the source of this superstition and discovered several explanations beyond the esoteric one.

The Essence of the Superstition

From an esoteric standpoint, empty objects are thought to attract misfortune. Therefore, an empty bottle is believed to bring about poverty. It is said that if there is one empty bottle on the table, soon there will be nothing left to fill the other dishes.

Some also believe that a malevolent spirit could accidentally enter the bottle, causing conflicts, significant troubles, and diseases. As a precaution, the container should be kept off the table and on the floor.

Another belief is that placing empty bottles on the table could drive guests away from the house permanently. Supposedly, a house with empty bottles on the table becomes unattractive, deterring anyone from entering.

Historical Explanation

A historical explanation links the practice of putting bottles on the floor to a particular event. In ancient French taverns, hosts calculated guests' drink charges based on the number of empty bottles left on the table. In response, clever visitors devised a way to dishonestly save money—they concealed the bottles under the table. This allowed them to consume more drinks without incurring significantly higher costs.

Practical Explanation

However, the most plausible explanation pertains to everyday comfort. Empty bottles on the table clutter the space and hinder communication among people sitting at the table. Moreover, there is a risk of accidentally knocking over and breaking a bottle. If someone wishes to place a plate of food or another item in front of them, they may find that there is no available space due to the presence of empty bottles.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you where the folk sign forbidding walking under a ladder came from and what explains it.

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