Superstitious Beliefs
SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS
INTRODUCTION
Over a period of time, superstitious beliefs have rooted themselves firmly in our society, so much so that it is virtually impossible for the person to ignore them. They have made a place for themselves in all the walks of life, including politics and sports. Politicians resorting to the astrological predictions is not at all rare. On the other hand, examples of superstitions in sports include cricketers carrying a coloured handkerchief in their pocket, or soccer players putting their right foot first when they enter the field. Such superstitious practices are found all over the world. Basically, superstitious beliefs and practices are illogical assumptions based on one particular incident, which are then followed. Much older superstitions usually involve supernatural forces like evil spirits, witches, etc. This paper discusses about various superstitious beliefs around the world.
ORIGIN OF SUPERSTITIONS
The origin of superstitions can be traced to beliefs people held, in the olden times. While most of them arise out of fear, some are meant to drive fear away. Superstitious beliefs are an outcome of ignorance and lack of rational thinking, but then they are beliefs after all. Beliefs become notions, then become opinions, and then begin to prevail in society. For instance a cricketer who casually carried a red handkerchief in his pocket and played a magnificent innings that day is bound to believe that the good luck was brought upon him by this very handkerchief, and therefore carry it in his pocket every time he goes out to bat. With passing time, some superstitions were rendered false, while others 'succeeded' in establishing themselves as truths. Many superstitions become the basis of certain social customs and go on to become traditions. Such is the power of superstitions that they turn from being false beliefs to becoming strong notions and masses start following them.
MOST COMMON SUPERSTITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Black cats
The
INTRODUCTION
Over a period of time, superstitious beliefs have rooted themselves firmly in our society, so much so that it is virtually impossible for the person to ignore them. They have made a place for themselves in all the walks of life, including politics and sports. Politicians resorting to the astrological predictions is not at all rare. On the other hand, examples of superstitions in sports include cricketers carrying a coloured handkerchief in their pocket, or soccer players putting their right foot first when they enter the field. Such superstitious practices are found all over the world. Basically, superstitious beliefs and practices are illogical assumptions based on one particular incident, which are then followed. Much older superstitions usually involve supernatural forces like evil spirits, witches, etc. This paper discusses about various superstitious beliefs around the world.
ORIGIN OF SUPERSTITIONS
The origin of superstitions can be traced to beliefs people held, in the olden times. While most of them arise out of fear, some are meant to drive fear away. Superstitious beliefs are an outcome of ignorance and lack of rational thinking, but then they are beliefs after all. Beliefs become notions, then become opinions, and then begin to prevail in society. For instance a cricketer who casually carried a red handkerchief in his pocket and played a magnificent innings that day is bound to believe that the good luck was brought upon him by this very handkerchief, and therefore carry it in his pocket every time he goes out to bat. With passing time, some superstitions were rendered false, while others 'succeeded' in establishing themselves as truths. Many superstitions become the basis of certain social customs and go on to become traditions. Such is the power of superstitions that they turn from being false beliefs to becoming strong notions and masses start following them.
MOST COMMON SUPERSTITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Black cats
The