Why Moroccan Parents Say Don’t Jinx It And Science Says They Might Be Right

Moroccan parents swear by the phrase “Don’t jinx it,” and science surprisingly backs up their superstition.

Fez– If you’ve ever excitedly shared good news with a Moroccan parent, you’ve probably heard the warning: “Don’t jinx it!”

This belief in the power of words and thoughts to influence reality isn’t just a cultural quirk, it has deep roots in both tradition and psychology. But could science actually back up this superstition? Surprisingly, yes.

The evil eye

The fear of “l’ayn” (the evil eye) exists across many cultures, from the Mediterranean to the Middle East.

In Morocco, people believe that excessive praise or open discussion of good fortune can attract envy, leading to misfortune.

This explains why phrases like “Allah ybarek” (May God bless it) or “Mashallah” (God willed it) are commonly used to deflect bad energy.

This belief may stem from our evolutionary instincts. Humans are wired to be wary of jealousy because it can disrupt social harmony.

In ancient communities, being envied could mean losing resources or social standing, so people developed protective rituals, like avoiding talking about success or wearing protective charms, to safeguard themselves.

The science of jinxing: is it real?

The belief in jinxing is linked to cognitive biases like confirmation bias and the self-fulfilling prophecy. When people think they’re jinxed, they become anxious, which can negatively affect their performance.

When people believe they are “cursed” or “jinxed,” their stress levels rise, leading to poor decision-making and decreased confidence.

Interestingly, people believing in luck (the opposite of a jinx) performed better on tasks, thanks to increased self-confidence.

On the flip side, people who thought they were jinxed became more nervous and performed worse.

Why do Moroccan parents insist on it?

Moroccan parents aren’t just trying to ruin your excitement, they’re actually applying a mix of cultural wisdom and psychology.

Avoiding premature celebration reduces the risk of disappointment and helps keep expectations realistic. In a way, their warnings serve as a mental safeguard against overconfidence and emotional distress if things don’t go as planned.

While there’s no scientific proof that simply talking about good fortune can bring bad luck, there is strong evidence that believing in a jinx can impact your mindset and actions.

So, the next time your Moroccan parents tell you not to jinx something, you might want to listen — if only to keep your own nerves in check!