Bosnian Superstitions | Promaja, Rituals and the Strange Customs People Still Believe

An Englishman in the Balkans is a weekly podcast about the people, places and everyday life of Bosnia and Herzegovina, told by David Bailey, who has lived here for more than 25 years. New episodes arrive every Tuesday.

What happens when everyday life is shaped by beliefs passed down through generations?

In this episode, I sit down for a lively conversation about some of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most enduring superstitions, rituals and curious customs. We begin with the dreaded promaja, the cross-draught many people here genuinely believe can cause a stiff neck, an ear infection or something even worse.

After more than 25 years of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I have learned that these beliefs are far more than amusing pieces of folklore. They remain part of everyday conversations, family advice and the small rituals people follow almost without thinking.

From open windows and sitting on cold concrete to the customs surrounding luck, health and protection, this is a warm and entertaining look at the beliefs that continue to shape daily life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Thanks for listening. If this episode was worth your time, the best thing you can do is pass it on to someone who'd enjoy it.

Every episode, and more about my life here, is at anenglishmaninthebalkans.com.

I also write a short, free weekly newsletter, The Sunday Edition, a recap of my week in Bosnia. If you're not already receiving it, you can join here:

https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.substack.com

Already a subscriber?

If you don’t want to receive everything I publish, you don’t have to unsubscribe completely.

Use the unsubscribe or preferences link at the bottom of any email and you can choose which of my newsletters and sections you’d like to receive.

That way, you can keep the Sunday Edition, for example, while switching off emails from sections you’re less interested in.

I’d much rather you received only the things you enjoy than felt I was filling up your inbox.