The broken mortar: A look into the beliefs surrounding the mortar and the symbolism of dreaming about it breaking.

A broken mortar is a nightmare for chefs and cooks alike, as it’s something they hope to avoid. In traditional beliefs, there are many predictions associated with a broken mortar. Part of this stems from the fact that a mortar is a valuable item, often used daily, and even has monetary worth that could be pawned at a shop.

The mortar is primarily used for grinding chili paste and crushing other ingredients for cooking. However, if too much force is applied, the mortar or pestle may crack, which could cause harm to the cook. Given the long history between the mortar and the indigenous people of Thailand, there has been an emphasis on properly maintaining these tools, passed down through generations. For instance, the people of Lanna believe that breaking the pestle or mortar is an ill omen.

If a woman breaks the mortar while grinding chili paste, she must remedy the situation by becoming a nun. This is because the mortar is seen as a symbol of femininity. In Lanna culture, it is believed that breaking the mortar brings bad luck, particularly for the woman grinding, and that leaving the pestle inside the mortar without cleaning it will result in difficulty during childbirth.

Dreaming of a mortar breaking, or suffering damage in the home, is believed to symbolize bad news regarding relatives or close friends of the same age group. However, if it involves an ordinary mortar, it could signify unfortunate news coming from distant relatives or acquaintances.

As dreams about broken mortars are considered ominous, no specific lucky numbers are associated with such dreams, and people generally avoid using it as a basis for gambling or fortune-telling.

• Do not pound the mortar without any ingredients.
• Avoid using a pestle to knock on the mortar's edge.
• Do not leave the pestle inside the mortar.
• If the mortar breaks, it is believed you must perform a cleansing ritual.
• Do not pound the mortar too loudly.
• Do not eat chili paste directly from the mortar.

Since the mortar is a key tool in traditional Thai kitchens, the beliefs surrounding it likely stem from teachings designed to encourage women to keep the mortar tidy and not allow it to be used carelessly or damaged. Furthermore, the mortar and pestle should be cleaned properly, as food scraps left behind can attract ants, mice, or insects, potentially leading to health issues for the household.