How Coffee Inspired Art and Literature Around the World
For many of us, coffee is a comforting daily ritual — a warm hug in a mug, a source of energy, or a way to start the morning.
But throughout history and across cultures, coffee has carried more than just caffeine. It has also been surrounded by superstitions, myths, and strange beliefs that still linger today.
From omens in spilled grounds to spiritual meanings in the way your cup sits on a table, coffee has been at the center of mysterious traditions around the world.
In this article, we dive into some of the strangest — and most fascinating — coffee-related superstitions you’ve probably never heard of.
Long before coffee became a global commodity, it was often considered mysterious or even magical. Its energizing effects made it seem supernatural to early drinkers.
In some parts of the world, coffee was thought to enhance intuition, bring good luck, or serve as a tool for communicating with spirits.
These beliefs have helped shape everything from religious ceremonies to daily habits — and many are still alive in modern folklore.
Let’s explore how different cultures have interpreted coffee beyond the cup.
Perhaps the most well-known coffee superstition is tasseography — the art of reading coffee grounds to tell the future.
This practice is especially common in:
After drinking a strong, unfiltered coffee (like Turkish or Greek coffee), the remaining sludge or grounds in the cup are interpreted by a reader. The process usually goes like this:
Symbols formed by the grounds are said to reveal insights about love, health, travel, money, and more. For example:
Even today, coffee cup readings are a popular tradition at family gatherings, cafes, and cultural festivals. Whether or not you believe in the predictions, the ritual itself is meaningful and symbolic.
In many cultures, spilling coffee — especially accidentally — is seen as a good omen rather than an unfortunate mess.
For example:
Of course, not everyone feels lucky when their coffee lands on their keyboard. But these beliefs show how everyday accidents can take on symbolic meaning.
Another curious superstition has to do with stirring coffee — particularly with spoons.
In some Eastern European and Middle Eastern cultures, it’s believed that:
These little rules turn even a simple stir into a mindful moment — reinforcing the idea that how you treat your coffee matters.
In modern times, coffee has become associated with mental sharpness and productivity — but that belief is older than you might think.
In some regions, students or professionals drink a special blend of coffee before a big event, believing it brings:
In Turkish tradition, adding a pinch of salt to coffee before an important meeting is believed to boost confidence and “protect your words.”
While science confirms caffeine can enhance alertness, these rituals blend psychology and belief — helping people feel mentally prepared and empowered.
Some superstitions go even deeper — into the subconscious.
In dream interpretation across various cultures, dreaming of coffee might mean:
In certain Islamic dream traditions, seeing coffee in a dream can indicate that guests or visitors will arrive soon — while drinking it may symbolize hospitality and wisdom.
Of course, interpretations vary widely — and your own feelings about coffee may influence the meaning.
In many cultures, how coffee is served matters as much as how it’s drunk. This is especially true in traditions involving guests or family.
These customs show how coffee is more than refreshment — it’s a symbol of values, respect, and deeper meaning.
In some cultures, coffee is believed to help protect against negative energies, including the evil eye — a malicious look said to cause misfortune.
Some households keep dried coffee grounds in bowls at home or sprinkle them at doorsteps as a spiritual shield. Others use the act of brewing coffee as a cleansing ritual, much like burning incense or herbs.
It’s not uncommon to hear people say, “Let’s make coffee and get rid of this bad energy,” especially after a stressful event or an argument.
Another interesting superstition involves the number of cups served or consumed:
Even the order in which people receive their coffee can carry meaning — the first cup for the most honored guest, the last for the host.
You might wonder: do people really still believe these things?
The answer is yes — and no.
Many of these superstitions are not strictly “believed” in a literal sense anymore, especially among younger generations. But they persist as traditions, cultural markers, and emotional comfort.
Much like lighting candles or knocking on wood, these rituals bring a sense of order, meaning, and control — especially in moments of uncertainty.
They also connect people to their roots. A grandmother’s habit of flipping a coffee cup or a friend’s warning not to stir backward may seem quirky, but they are pieces of cultural heritage passed through generations.
In many ways, coffee already is. It’s the first ritual of the day for millions. It wakes us up, centers us, and creates a moment of intention — whether we’re rushing to work or relaxing with friends.
Even in contemporary spiritual practices, coffee is gaining new roles. Some people:
In this light, coffee becomes more than a drink. It’s a daily charm, a liquid companion, and sometimes — whether we admit it or not — a bit of everyday magic.
Whether or not you believe in omens or magic, there’s no denying that coffee has inspired wonder, curiosity, and ritual for centuries.
The next time you spill a drop, stir your cup, or finish a brew with a friend, remember: there may be more than caffeine in that moment. There may be meaning, history, and just maybe — a touch of superstition.
Gabriel Rodrigues é especialista em finanças pessoais e escritor, com ampla experiência em economia, planejamento financeiro e gestão de recursos. Apaixonado por ajudar as pessoas a alcançarem sua saúde financeira, ele explora temas variados, desde investimentos até estratégias de poupança. Quando não está escrevendo, você pode encontrá-lo estudando novas tendências financeiras e oferecendo consultoria para quem busca melhorar sua relação com o dinheiro.
