Mediterranean cultures have believed in the mystical curse of the evil eye for centuries, often countering it by pretending to spit on babies or loved ones to ward off the negative energy.

Why praise could feel risky

In traditions shaped by the evil-eye belief, a person’s admiring gaze—or the envy thought to lie behind it—could be seen as a source of misfortune. A beautiful or thriving baby was especially conspicuous: praise might draw attention to the child and, in this worldview, expose the child to harm. The concern was not that affection itself was dangerous, but that admiration could attract envy.

A small gesture turns admiration aside

One response in some Mediterranean communities was to pretend to spit toward a baby or loved one. The gesture was not an attempt to hurt the person. It worked as a protective sign: instead of leaving admiration unqualified, the speaker added a deliberately unrefined act that could deflect envy or bad luck. The exact practices and meanings vary from place to place.

That contrast is the custom’s logic. A person can express fondness while avoiding language or behavior that makes the child seem too enviable. The gesture treats praise as something that may need to be softened, not simply celebrated. To an outsider it can look startling; within the tradition, it makes care visible through a brief act of protection.