Such folk superstitions are common among Greeks and many other nationalities. The superstitions below probably span thousands of years and thousands of miles. Most Greek Americans view them as fun and colorful - a form of amusement - yet many give lip service to at least a few!

Preventing Misfortune
Jinxing

Do not spoil a good thing by bragging or predicting success. Overconfidence can bring failure. For example, never brag that you will get an "A" on a test before it is returned or make a million when the deal is closed. If you boast ahead of time, you may fail. Even in ancient times, myth had it that the gods chastised those who became too over confidant. When the triumphant Agamemnon returned home as a conquering hero from the Trojan War, he walked on a purple carpet reserved only for the gods. His arrogance offended them, leading to his downfall.

Knock on wood (Ktίpa Ksίlo)
Knock on wood to keep a good thing from going wrong. This is a cousin to the idea of jinxing. If you must predict that something will go well, for example, "It looks like the sun will shine for the wedding," knock on wood several times to keep away the rain. This custom may have religious origins, May early Christians carried pieces of wood believed to be part of the original cross. When in danger, they touched the wood, receiving God's protective power.

Prevent third misfortune
Some believe bad things happen in three's. After two bad things have occurred (such as two funerals) say, "Na min tritósi" (May it not triple") to prevent a third unfortunate event.

Evil Eye: Identification and folk remedies
Contrary to popular opinion, the evil eye (vaskanίa) is recognized by the church as a legitimate religious phenomenon. It is part of a larger picture of evil generated by the devil. The church helps its parishioners exorcise the evil eye with a prayer offered by the priest. Some people practice the following folk remedies, even though the church discourages their use.

Identification
A popular folk method to determine if someone has the evil eye is to put three drops of oil in  a glass of water. If the oil stays separate from the water, you do not have it. If the oil blends with the water, you do.

Preventing the evil eye
"Ptoú, ptoú,"

The most common protection against the evil eye is the simple phrase, "Ptoú, ptoú," said immediately after receiving a complement. A cautious Greek parent upon hearing, "Your daughter is so smart," would encounter with "Ptoú, ptoú," to keep the evil eye from harming her. Or it might be said by the person who gives the compliment. The phrase is a verbalizing of spitting to scare away evil spirits. In the Orthodox baptismal service, the godparent spits three times and denounces Satan.

Na mi se matiáso (Not to eye you)
One way of giving a compliment without bringing on the evil eye is to end the remark with, "Na mi se matiáso" or "Ptoú, ptoú, na mise matiáso." This lets the person know that you are not putting on the evil eye.

Eye over the door
Some homes keep a picture of an eye over the main entryway to dispel envy brought in from the outside.

Matί The matί ("eye") is a folk talisman made of blue stone, glass, or plastic with a black eye in the center. It is commonly  given to newborn babies and pinned to clothing at the upper back. Adults also wear it as a pin, a necklace, on a charm bracelet, and even on the same chain as their cross. Although frequently viewed with amusement, the matί evokes a skeptical respect from even the most sophisticated!

Layman's Prayer (Ksemátiasma)
Another folk remedy employed by the Greeks to dispel the evil eye is a ritual prayer (ksemátiasma) that is passed on orally. The prayer cannot be written, or, legend says, it will lose its power. If you are a woman, you must learn it from a man; if you are a man, from a woman. It is passed on when the bearer is old as the bearer's power is lost once the prayer is revealed.

Miscellaneous

Use the same door
Use the same door when entering and leaving someone else's house. To not do so, invites bad luck on an impending matter, such as marriage proposal or a business deal.

Reading coffee cups
After finishing a cup of Greek coffee, swirl the dregs, turn the cup over into a saucer and cool. The grounds from unique patterns inside the cup that are then read by a fortune teller (kafetzoú). This is a common form of entertainment.

Beware of knives
Do not hand  a knife directly to someone, or you will have an argument. Lay it down, and have the person pick it up. If you hand a knife, say "Ptoú, ptoú."

Ringing Ears
You will hear some news

Sneeze
If you sneeze, you are telling the truth, or someone is talking about you.

Rece0iving soap, knife, cologne, and handkerchiefs
If you are given a handkerchief, cologne, or a knife, hand the person a penny to avoid an argument and loss of friendship. Never give a friend soap as a gift or hand it to them. It washes away the friendship.

Fold in bedspread
Fold up the corner of the bedspread before going on a trip, so that you will return safely.

Excerpt from the book Greek Traditions and Customs

Gold Evil Eye Jewelry	Costume Evil Eye Jewelry	Evil Eye Glass Art