Holy Week and Easter Superstitions in the Corn Islands
Holy Week and Easter are sacred periods observed by Christians worldwide to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. In the Corn Islands, as in many parts of the Caribbean, this time of year is surrounded by several superstitions—many of which are tied to Good Friday. These beliefs have been passed down through generations, often as a way to honour the religious solemnity of the season or to provoke curiosity and instil caution.
The Egg and the Future
One of the most well-known Good Friday traditions is "egg setting." It is believed that if you crack an egg into a clear glass of water before sunrise and place it under the sun until noon, a mysterious shape will form. The shapes carry symbolic meanings: A veil represents marriage, a boat symbolises travel or a new venture, and a coffin is a sign of death. Islanders believe the shape predicts the future of the person who performs the ritual.
Avoiding the Sea
It is said that bathing in the sea at noon on Good Friday could lead to transformation. If you are caught in the water at 12:00 p.m., you may be turned into a fish or a mermaid.
No Work, No Noise
Traditionally, no chores should be done after 3:00 p.m. on Maundy Thursday and throughout Good Friday. This includes cooking, cleaning, or any type of manual work. To respect this belief, families prepare meals in advance to avoid working during these sacred hours. Additionally, music is not to be played from Thursday evening until Easter Sunday—unless it is gospel music. This period of silence is a form of mourning and respect for Christ’s crucifixion.
Stay Home and Safe
Those who do not attend church on Good Friday are advised to stay at home. Visiting the beach or engaging in leisure activities is discouraged, as it is believed that accidents are more likely to happen.
Spirits and the Supernatural
Several superstitions involve spirits and the unseen. One of the more frightening beliefs suggests that if you visit the cemetery on Good Friday, stand with your legs open at the entrance of the graveyard, and look between them, you might see spirits of the dead walking around. Another belief warns that spirits roam freely between 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday and 6:00 a.m. on Easter Sunday, which is why people are told to avoid going out at night during this time.
Sacred Nature
Rainwater: Rain on the dawn of Good Friday is considered a blessing. Drinking this rainwater is believed to bring good luck.
Bleeding Trees: If you cut a physic nut tree at noon on Good Friday, it is said to bleed. For this reason, it is advised not to harm the tree on that day.
Cold from Roots: People believe that if you dig up a broom weed tree on Good Friday, you might find coal.
Animals
There’s a belief that if you visit a cow pen at exactly 6:00 a.m. on Good Friday, you may witness the cows kneeling—an act of reverence said to symbolise respect for Christ’s sacrifice.
Climbing Trees
Climbing trees during Good Friday or Holy Saturday is strictly discouraged. It is believed that anyone who climbs a tree these days will fall and suffer serious injuries—or worse.
The Dancing Sun
On Easter Sunday, many believe that the sun “dances” at sunrise to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
Many of these beliefs and superstitions were ways for people to honor the sacredness of the season, discouraging secular activities and encouraging reflection. For others, they served to inspire awe or fear, especially in children. Whether embraced or challenged, these traditions remain part of the island’s cultural memory—passed down through stories, lived experiences, and the collective imagination of generations.
