I'm one of those people who believe that words are some of the last forms of magic that exist.

Our ancestors attributed far more power to words than we often do today. They believed that a spoken word was not merely a sound, but could carry an intention, a wish, a blessing, or a curse. Because of this, people were careful about what they said, especially in moments of anger, grief, or strong emotion.

It is fascinating how traces of this way of thinking have survived in everyday speech. When someone angrily says Bog te ubio, meaning May God kill you, they may immediately add da te ne ubio, meaning may He not kill you. It is almost as though the curse has to be taken back and cancelled as soon as it has been spoken. This is more than simply an expression of anger. It reflects an older belief that words could have consequences, and that it mattered what a person wished for or spoke aloud.

In folk tradition, a curse was not necessarily seen as an empty sentence spoken in a moment of rage. It was believed that a spoken word could take hold, especially when it came from someone with a reason to utter it and when it was spoken with genuine intention.

That is why I find the old warning to be careful what you wish for and what you say so interesting. Even when something is said as a joke or in the heat of the moment, the words have still been spoken. Perhaps not everyone today believes that words possess supernatural power, but the idea that words carry weight is clearly deeply rooted in our folklore.

@OnReturningtotheOldGods