Superstitions or Science? Let’s explore
I don’t consider myself superstitious in the traditional sense, where beliefs are based solely on superstitions passed down through generations. However, I do believe in understanding the underlying reasons behind superstitions. If there’s a logical explanation or practical benefit to following a superstition, I’m open to it. For me, it’s more about understanding the cultural and historical significance along with science of these beliefs rather than blindly adhering to them.
Superstitions or Science
Lets talk about few superstitions and the science or logic behind those.
1. Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck:
- Superstition: Breaking a mirror is believed to bring seven years of bad luck.
- Explanation: This superstition may have originated from the belief that mirrors reflect our soul. Breaking a mirror was considered a bad omen, symbolizing the shattering of one’s soul. The seven years of bad luck could signify the time it takes for the soul to rejuvenate.
2. Sweeping the floor at night brings bad luck:
- Superstition: Sweeping the floor at night brings bad luck.
- Explanation: This superstition may have originated from the practicality of sweeping in dim light, which could lead to missing valuable items or even injuring oneself. Hence, it was discouraged to sweep at night for safety reasons.
3. Lemon and green chillies :
- Superstition: Placing a lemon and green chillies at the entrance wards off evil spirits.
- Explanation: Lemons and green chillies have antibacterial properties. Hanging them at the entrance could have been a way to ward off insects and prevent diseases, which were often associated with evil spirits in folklore.
4. Opening an umbrella indoors brings bad luck:
- Superstition: Opening an umbrella indoors is believed to bring bad luck.
- Explanation: The superstition may have originated from the belief that opening an umbrella indoors would offend the spirits residing in the house, inviting their wrath. It could also be a cautionary measure to avoid accidents in small, confined spaces.
5. Shaking your legs brings financial loss:
- Superstition: Shaking your legs is believed to bring financial loss.
- Explanation: This superstition may have originated from the belief that shaking one’s legs indicates restlessness or impatience, which could lead to careless decision-making and financial loss.
6. Cutting nails or hair at night is unlucky:
- Superstition: Cutting nails or hair at night is considered unlucky.
- Explanation: In the past, cutting nails or hair at night was discouraged due to the lack of proper lighting and hygiene, which could lead to injuries or infections. The superstition likely persisted as a precautionary measure.
7. Seeing a crow near your house is unlucky:
- Superstition: Seeing a crow near your house is considered unlucky.
- Explanation: Crows are often associated with death in Indian culture. However, from a logical standpoint, crows are scavengers and often congregate near areas with food sources, which could be near houses, leading to the superstition.
8. Eating curd and sugar before an exam brings good luck:
- Superstition: Eating curd and sugar before an exam brings good luck.
- Explanation: This superstition may have originated from the belief that curd and sugar provide energy and improve brain function, which could help in performing well in exams.
9. Putting a black dot on a newborn baby’s forehead wards off evil eye:
- Superstition: Putting a black dot on a newborn baby’s forehead wards off the evil eye.
- Explanation: The black dot, known as ‘kajal’ or ‘kohl’, is believed to protect the baby from the evil eye. Additionally, kohl has antibacterial properties, which could protect the baby from infections.
10. Sneezing before leaving the house is unlucky:
- Superstition: Sneezing before leaving the house is considered unlucky.
- Explanation: This superstition may have originated from the fear of falling sick or encountering obstacles on a journey. Sneezing was considered a bad omen, indicating that the journey might not be smooth.
Your turn, Superstitions or Science
Comment 1-2 superstition and logic behind the same or just write the superstition we will explore the logic together.
