The word superstition carries a lot of weight. It basically means that people who believe in supernatural forces, fate, luck, etc. There is no direct link to logic. However, when we discuss the science of superstition we can say that there is a possibility that superstition is maybe or maybe not based on scientific things but the problem is that its origin in history has been forgotten.
Let’s look into such superstitions,
Black cats
When we are talking about superstition, we must discuss black cats. It is one of the most superstitious things for many people out there who believe that black cats bring bad luck or we should stop walking or driving on the road if a black cat has crossed our path or else our day will probably get ruined.
But actually, the reason behind it is that many years ago when people used to travel by bullock cart or horses at night, what used to happen is that because the color of the cat is black it was not used to get visible during the night and because of there glowing bright lights coming from the dark then the horses and cows used to get frightened and that sometimes leads to causing an accident. Thus, we find it was just a mere precaution measure.
Lemon and Chillies
In India, it is popularly believed that lemon and chilies are sawn by a cotton thread if hung on vehicles, stores, and even front of house doors then it will protect your vehicle, business, and house from evil sources or black magic.
But actually, the science behind this is that lemon and chili produce vitamin c and cotton thread absorbs the nutrients from these two substances and vaporizes into the air gradually. Therefore, the strong aroma helps keep the insects away. So we can easily conclude that it is just an insect repellent and not evil or black magic repellent.
Fingers crossed
Fingers crossed is another superstition where it is believed that if we cross our fingers then it will provide us with good luck when we wish for something. But actually, it is said that when we do fingers crossed, it makes a shape of a cross representing the Christian cross which was considered to be a bit of good luck. However, it is not scientific superstition but a religious superstition.
Number 13
In many places in the world number 13 is considered to be unlucky. There is a fear of the number 13 so much that many buildings skip the 13 on the floor. Even in a meeting 13 members sitting together is considered to be unlucky. The probable reason behind it is that in the last super there were 13 members sitting at a table together, where Jesus was also present among them, later we know that Jesus was made a prisoner and was crucified. Thus due to such a horrible fate number 13 is considered to be unlucky.
Pregnant women should not go out during an eclipse
It is suggested that pregnant women should not go out during an eclipse because if she does then there is a chance that the unborn child should be affected by the devil or evil forces. But the science is just that pregnant women should avoid going out during the eclipse just because there are harmful UV rays coming from the eclipse which will not be good for the baby who is in her mother's womb.
Therefore the big question lies that why people believe in the unbelievable. In my opinion traditionally, culturally, and psychologically we are so driven by the fear of bad luck or bad
possibilities affecting us that we end up believing that there is a higher evil power or devil’s doing or black magic which is out there to get us.
It’s not generally being a superstition that can cause any harm so people tend to believe in it and keep on doing it to avoid bad circumstances. Doing the superstitious thing is not that much hard work. For example, touch wood. There is no logic behind it but touching or knocking on wood is no rocket science, thus people do it anyways.
As long as superstition is not causing any harm to a person or an animal it is fine to believe. But when we cross that line then that causes problems. In history, we have seen some superstition has horribly gone wrong. For example, human or animal sacrifices in the name of god or even in the name of a devil.
We must understand how we are living in a world where we can question, we can have doubts, we can know the truth, we can believe in the reality, and also we can reason thus if something
superstitious which can cause harm to something or someone then we as human beings have a right to stop it from happening.
Written By - Rumela Gupta
Edited By - Kritika Sharma
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