Superstition is a
false belief that influences people’s lives. It is an early man’s attempt to
explain that nature, objects, animals have a connection with spirits.
So, we can safely say that superstitions,
have come down to us from: (1). our ancestors; like amulets or wearing a birth
stone brings good luck. (2). It has also originated from legends and historical
facts; for example, the number 13, in Norse mythology, a banquet attended by 12
gods, and Loki, the trickster god, crashed the party, making the total 13. In
Christianity, the Last Supper where Jesus dined with his 12 disciples, and
Judas, the betrayer, was the 13th person present. These associations gives fear
of the number 13, according to one’s viewpoint. It is also considered that the
number seven is lucky; perhaps, because it is connected to the Bible; King
Solomon’s temple took 7 years to build, we have 7 sacraments; and 7 heavenly
virtues; also, maybe, because this figure 7 is universal; 7 wonders of the
world; 7 hills of Rome; 7 notes in a musical scale, and so on. (3).
Superstition is also invented by accidental luck or misfortune in one’s private
experiences and so the person reacts to them almost mechanically, e.g. Wearing
a particular dress or ornament which had brought good luck on a certain
occasion; then there is a tendency to repeat that dress or ornament but if
found unlucky than it is cast into the fire. Human brain gives reasons to
certain happenings even where there is no connection to it. Thus new
superstitions come into existence. Francis de Tuem, in his Konkani song,
“Visvas Dhorinakat”: tells us that superstitions are irrational beliefs and we
should not rely on them.
Some
religions consider
superstitions as a sin because it is seen as a form of idolatry or a lack of
faith in the divine. Others
mix superstitious beliefs in their practices, link them with religious
ceremonies. Christians believe that Jesus has saved us by His blood; and do not
believe in curses and in evil eye.
We are in the age of computers and
supersonic where everything happening have a reason and explanations. But silly
superstitions, although considered to be foolish, they are gulped down not only
by lay person but also by highly educated heads. These knowledgeable men, if
they try to avoid these irrational superstitions, they feel slightly uneasy
about not doing or sticking to these age-old ridiculous beliefs.
As
superstitions, are cultural beliefs and not based on scientific evidence,
Science laughs at superstitions and attacks them as wrong cause for an effect. But still superstitions continue to live in the minds of the
people because it gives them charm. So, it is bound to linger, in their mind.
We can free ourselves of false notions by
defying, disobeying, rebelling, resisting superstitions and observing the
results, e.g. It is believed that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad
luck. If you are afraid of breaking a mirror then obtain a cheap mirror and
break it and see the result. If this is done often, the subconscious will soon
be able to distinguish between sense and nonsense of your crippling notions in
your brains that affect your behaviour. Don’t be prisoners or slaves of
superstitions.
