Superstitions: An Age-Old Human Practice
Superstitions have crisscrossed human society for ages. Despite scientific advancement and information explosion, many of us still believe in these abstract phenomena and follow them religiously. Whether it is evading a black cat, warding off the evil eye with chillies and lemon or horseshoes for good luck, superstitions persistently remain an intricate part of our lives. So let’s traverse this meandering path and see what hidden truths lie behind these popular superstitions.
Salt: The Harbinger of Misfortune or a Symbol of Prosperity?
Accidental Spilling of Salt
Adherents of this superstition believe accidentally spilling salt can bring a wave of bad luck or misfortune. Originating from the Roman times, the expense of salt led to its spillage seen as wastage and hence, considered a bad omen. After all, who wishes to welcome financial collapse?
Reversal Ritual
For those worries about the ill fortune of spilt salt, the Romans conceived a reversal ritual. Toss a pinch of it over your left shoulder to blind the devil lurking there, thus escaping the impending doom.
Salt as a Symbol of Prosperity
On the other hand, salt is viewed as a symbol of prosperity in many cultures. It is often exchanged as a token of goodwill and friendship symbolising long-lasting relations. In Jewish folklore, using it in housewarmings can invite abundance.
The Unlucky Number Thirteen
For many, number thirteen is steeped in bad luck. This superstition is so well entrenched that many hotels and high-rise buildings skip the 13th floor, and airlines avoid numbering a route as 13.
Origin of the Superstition
Historians link this to Christian tradition where at The Last Supper, Judas, who was the thirteenth guest, betrayed Jesus Christ. Consequently, inviting thirteen guests to dinner considered bringing misfortune.
The Fear of Thirteen
The fear of the number thirteen is so prevalent that it has been stamped with a scientific name: triskaidekaphobia. Many sufferers go to great lengths to avoid anything associated with this number to evade any potential bad luck.
Breaking A Mirror: Seven Years of Bad Luck
Breaking a mirror is universally believed to bring seven years of bad luck. However, how did the innocent act of accidentally breaking a mirror culminate in this fear?
The Soul in the Mirror
The belief originates from the Romans, who were the first to create glass mirrors. They maintained that a mirror had the ability to confiscate part of the user’s soul. So, a broken mirror harms the soul.
The Healing Cycle of the Soul
But why seven years? Romans also believed the physical body goes through a regeneration process every seven years. Therefore, any damage to the soul would heal after seven years, hence the exact period of penance.
Knocking on Wood: Warding Off Bad Luck
Knocking on wood after making a hopeful statement or expressing a good fortune seems to be an almost reflex action for many.
Origin of Knocking on Wood
It finds its origin in folklore where wood nymphs (dryads), were believed to live in trees. Knocking lightly and politely on the wood was a way citizens would ask for a favour or ward off bad luck from these protective spirits.
Whether these superstitions hold any water, or they are just psychological placebos, certain patterns in their origins emerge. They largely arose from historical, cultural or religious contexts and morphed over time. Understanding these hidden truths can foster respect for multicultural differences, even if we can’t resist tossing that pinch of salt over our shoulder.