The salt cellar as a magical barrier

The ancient form of the salt cellar and the habit of placing it in the middle of the table are rooted in beliefs about protecting food from evil spirits. It was believed that salt is a pure element capable of burning away evil trying to approach the meal.

This is precisely why spilled salt still causes anxiety: in the past, it meant breaking the protective circle. The modern design of the salt cellar is a simplified heir to an ancient altar.

#magic #superstitions #tableware