A superstition is the irrational belief that future events can be influenced or foretold by specific, unrelated behaviors or occurrences. The earliest superstitions were created as a way to deal with ignorance and fear of the unknown. Superstitions are thus a way of attempting to regain control over events in one's life. Superstitious beliefs are more common among certain groups of people than others, and vary from culture to culture: For example, the number thirteen is considered by many in western society to be inherently unlucky whereas in Japan the number four is often considered unlucky. Some superstitions, notably the connection between mirrors and the soul, are however found to be almost universal, suggesting a deeper connection than mere happenstance or at least a universal experience and interest in such cases. While most superstitions are harmless, and even may be helpful in encouraging people to achieve their goals, attributing results to an unrelated cause if it leads to a lack of responsibility on the part of the person can be somewhat dubious. Understanding the true cause of phenomena is the deepest desire of human beings, and people should not abandon that endeavor in favor of superstition.
The term superstition is thought to derive from the Latin superstitio, meaning "to stand over in awe." The term is also related to the Latin word superstes ("outliving" or "surviving"), and in this sense refers to the remains of ideas and beliefs that continued long after their original meaning had been forgotten. For this reason superstitions are often considered relics of outmoded ways of thinking.
Many believe that superstitious beliefs originated during the earliest days of humanity. Faced with natural phenomena like thunderstorms and earthquakes, as well as the unpredictability of illness and food supply, human beings attempted to create an understandable world of powers that could be influenced by action. The earliest superstitions were created as a way to deal with the ignorance and fear of the unknown. Chance misfortunes could be ascribed a cause, and the potential to avoid or control them was created.
Superstitions are thus a way of attempting to regain control over events, particularly when one feels helpless. Some groups are more prone to superstitious beliefs than others. Actors, miners, fishermen, and gamblers all tend to be more superstitious than average; the success of all these occupations tends to be more out of the control of the individual.
Often, superstitions are born from casual coincidence. For example, if an athlete wears a particular pair of socks on a day he performs particularly well, he may continue to wear the same pair of socks in the belief that the socks were responsible for the success. Future successes reinforce such a belief. In some cases, it is certainly possible that the simple belief in success or failure can influence the outcome. The athlete who cannot find his "lucky socks" may, due to lack of confidence, perform poorly, further reinforcing the belief in the power of the socks.
Superstitions can also be learned behaviors. Children who watch those around them perform superstitious actions like "knocking on wood" or not walking under ladders may adopt these behaviors. The true origins of certain superstitions can be centuries old, having been passed down from generation to generation through such an observational learning process.
Some people believe in superstition and practice their daily life following do's and don’ts. Some people just disregard those superstitions and do whatever they wanted to. Some even never heard of any superstition. Well..., in the old days, superstitions were created with reason, usually good reason for their children. Usually, children tend to disobey their parents, so the parents will make up stories so that the children will follow their advice and this traditions go on and on through generations.
From around the world, I'll find the most interesting and unique superstitions and compile it here. So keep looking....
It is believed that when eating (especially male), you should not switch or change your place to avoid being married more than once.
One should not open an umbrella in the house, a snake will enter the house if you do so.
In Pakistan, there is a belief that one should not open and close a pair of scissors without any reason or purpose. It is considered bad luck and believed to cause problem to the family living in the home.
This is one popular superstition in America. When you are moving to a new home, you have to put your cat in the house through the window for the very first time, so that it will not leave the house. Avoid bringing your cat through the door...
A popular belief in Korea is that when someone dies, their spirit or soul will stay around for six weeks. Do not talk bad about them, they will hear it. If you missed the chance to say goodbye to them before they die, you still have the time before their spirit gone forever.
In Indonesia, it is best to avoid sweeping the house at night. There is a believe that sweeping at night will bring bad luck as you sweep all the good luck out of your house.
There is a belief in Russia about eating at the table. While eating, if suddenly a fork or spoon falls on the floor, one should expect a female guest will visit them. Otherwise a male guest is expected when a knife falls.
In UK, there is an old belief that when a man and woman who are unrelated but have the same surname marry, they may also be considered healers as the wife will be gifted with medical healing power.
In Mexico, it is believed that if someone accidently sweeps an unmarried woman's shoes with a broom, she will never marry. This is considered as bad luck and should be avoided.
One should avoid choosing knives and other sharp and pointed objects for wedding gifts as it is believed that this will lead to a broken marriage.
It is believed that if you drop some salt, you have to put some salt from its container in your hand and throw it behind your shoulder. As this will prevent the evil eye you would normally get when dropping the salt.
In Brazil, they have a superstition that when babies stand on their heads, they are calling for another sibling to join in the family.
It is believed that in the southern regions of France, if a young unmarried girl accidentally steps on a cat's tail, it's a sign of bad luck that she will have to wait twelve months before she finds a husband.
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