The superstition of a broken mirror suggests that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. This belief dates back to ancient cultures, where mirrors were thought to reflect not just physical appearances but also the soul. The idea is that damaging a mirror disrupts this connection, leading to misfortune. Many people avoid placing mirrors in certain areas or handle them with care to prevent breakage. Some even perform rituals to counteract the bad luck associated with a broken mirror, such as burying the shards or throwing salt over their left shoulder.