Coffee is a beloved beverage, but throughout history, it has been surrounded by mystery, fear, and even supernatural beliefs. While today we see coffee as a simple pleasure or an energy booster, many cultures have associated it with omens, curses, and even magical properties.
In this article, we will explore some of the strangest superstitions and myths about coffee from around the world—stories of fortune-telling, forbidden brews, and coffee’s connections to the spirit world.
1. Coffee Fortune-Telling: Can Your Cup Predict the Future?
One of the most widely known coffee superstitions comes from Turkey and the Middle East, where people have practiced coffee tasseography (fortune-telling with coffee grounds) for centuries.
How It Works
- After drinking a cup of Turkish coffee, the remaining grounds settle at the bottom.
- The cup is turned upside down onto a saucer, allowing the grounds to form patterns.
- A fortune-teller then “reads” the shapes, predicting future events related to love, health, and fortune.
Some believe that certain symbols in coffee grounds—like a ring (marriage), a snake (betrayal), or a bird (good news)—offer glimpses into the drinker’s fate. Despite skepticism, many people still turn to coffee readings for guidance.
2. The Cursed Coffee of Sweden: The King’s Deadly Experiment
In the 18th century, Sweden had a bizarre and dark relationship with coffee. King Gustav III believed coffee was dangerous and even set up a medical experiment to prove it.
The Experiment
- Two prisoners were sentenced to death but given a chance to live under one condition: one had to drink coffee every day for life, while the other had to drink tea.
- The experiment was meant to show that coffee was poisonous and would kill the coffee-drinker first.
- However, things didn’t go as planned—the doctors overseeing the study died first, then the king himself was assassinated, and the coffee-drinker outlived them all, reaching old age.
The experiment was supposed to curse coffee, but ironically, it ended up proving its safety!
3. Coffee as a Love Potion: The Ethiopian Bride’s Test
In Ethiopia, coffee is not just a drink—it has deep cultural significance, especially in relationships. One old belief states that a woman can test a man’s loyalty with coffee.
The Ritual
- A woman prepares and serves coffee to her suitor.
- If he drinks it without hesitation, it means he is honest and will be a good husband.
- If he refuses, it means he is hiding something or unfaithful.
Some say this superstition comes from Ethiopia’s long tradition of coffee ceremonies, which symbolize trust and hospitality.
4. The Devil’s Drink: Why Coffee Was Once Considered Evil
Not all cultures embraced coffee when it first arrived. In fact, some religious groups believed coffee was demonic.
The Pope’s Coffee Baptism
When coffee arrived in Europe in the 16th century, many Catholic leaders called it “the Devil’s drink” because it was popular among Muslims. They believed coffee was a tool of temptation meant to corrupt Christian minds.
However, legend says that Pope Clement VIII tried coffee and loved it so much that he declared:
“This drink is so delicious, it would be a sin to let only the infidels have it!”
He then “baptized” coffee, allowing Christians to drink it freely. This act helped spread coffee’s popularity across Europe.
5. Coffee and the Spirit World: Brazil’s Rituals to Honor the Dead
In Brazil, there is an old superstition that coffee can connect the living and the dead.
The Offering Ritual
- Some families leave a cup of coffee on the table overnight as an offering to spirits or deceased loved ones.
- It is believed that spirits enjoy the aroma and take the “essence” of the coffee.
- If the coffee level drops overnight, it’s a sign that a spirit has visited.
This practice is part of Umbanda and Candomblé traditions, where coffee is sometimes used in spiritual ceremonies.
6. The Coffee Curse of the Ottoman Empire
During the 17th century, coffeehouses were banned in the Ottoman Empire because they were seen as places where people plotted against the government.
The Sultan’s Punishment
- Sultan Murad IV outlawed coffee and declared that anyone caught drinking it would be executed on the spot.
- Despite the ban, people secretly met in underground coffeehouses, and drinking coffee became an act of rebellion.
- Some believed that a curse was placed on anyone who reported coffee drinkers to the authorities.
Today, Turkey has a strong coffee culture, proving that even a deadly coffee ban couldn’t keep the drink away from its people!
7. Spilling Coffee: A Sign of Luck or Disaster?
In Italy, an old superstition states that spilling coffee is a sign of bad luck. If you accidentally knock over your espresso, you might lose money or receive bad news.
However, in Brazil, the belief is the opposite—spilling coffee is a sign of good fortune! Some people even touch spilled coffee and rub it on their skin, believing it will bring prosperity.
This contrast shows how the same drink can have completely different meanings depending on the culture.
8. Coffee and Vampires: The Strange Connection in Eastern Europe
In Romanian folklore, there is a bizarre belief that coffee can keep vampires away.
Why?
- Some legends say that vampires hate the smell of roasted coffee.
- Others claim that drinking coffee makes your blood taste bitter, making you less attractive to vampires.
- A few stories even suggest that placing coffee grounds around your home will prevent vampires from entering.
While there is no scientific proof that coffee repels vampires, it’s still a fun myth to imagine—especially when drinking a dark, strong espresso late at night.
Conclusion: Coffee’s Mystical Legacy
Coffee is more than just a drink—it carries centuries of myths, superstitions, and fascinating traditions. From fortune-telling in Turkey to curses in Sweden, and even connections to the supernatural, coffee’s history is filled with intrigue and mystery.
The next time you sip your coffee, take a moment to appreciate its dark and mystical past. Who knows? Maybe your next cup holds a secret waiting to be revealed.