When I say black cats, breaking a mirror, or the number thirteen, how do you react? Do you try to stay away from these situations? Are you a believer in superstitions?
Superstitions are a natural part of any culture, and they can help us avoid bad things and do things that are beneficial to us. Despite the fact that most of us are aware that these myths and old wives’ tales are false, we continue to believe them.
Even if you’re not superstitious, I’m sure you still believe in a few of these myths every now and then. When someone sneezes, have you ever said: “bless you”? That’s all there is to it. Our forefathers believed that the devil tries to steal our souls whenever we sneeze, so we pray to God to bless that person.
Although many of these beliefs appear to be ridiculous, they are fairly widespread around the world, and most of us practice them without even realizing it.
What are Superstitions, exactly?
It is the belief that supernatural forces such as omens, luck, divination, spirits, spells, and curses can influence our well-being. Fear of the unknown, misunderstanding of causality and science, and ignorance all contribute to these irrational beliefs and practices. It could also be the result of a strong belief in magic, luck, or fate.
Superstitious people believe that things that do not follow the laws of nature or science have the ability to influence our lives in unpredictable ways, both good and bad. Individual or communal beliefs and experiences have led to these beliefs. As a result, they are frequently irrational and unfounded in scientific knowledge.
Why should you believe the impossible?
Over a quarter of all adults in India consider themselves superstitious. Furthermore, 60 percent of students in India use good luck charms to improve their academic performance. The interesting thing about these irrational beliefs is that we believe them despite knowing they are false and irrational. But why is that? Do these beliefs have any psychological significance?
We believe in ghosts and monsters for a variety of reasons. The same trait that makes us believe in the supernatural also causes us to believe in superstitions. When our minds can’t come up with a logical explanation, it fills in the gaps by making stuff up. According to research conducted in 2020, these illogical beliefs can often work, as believing in good luck charms boosts our confidence and performance.
Psychologists have investigated the function of such beliefs and discovered that they are based on the assumption that unrelated, co-occurring events have a strong link. But these aren’t just symptoms of our faulty reasoning. They can frequently provide a variety of advantages.
These beliefs and assumptions calm our minds because superstitious behaviors give us a sense of control. It also aids in the reduction of fear of the unknown.
As a result, your level of superstition may fluctuate depending on how stressed you are about a particular situation. Such irrational beliefs have evolved to give us “a false sense of having control over outer conditions” and to reduce stress and anxiety, according to an article published in the International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. As a result, they’re “common in situations where there’s a lack of confidence, insecurity, fear, or threat.”
This could explain why these legends, beliefs, and old wives’ stories have been passed down down the decades.
Superstitions that you may or may not be aware of
Are you a believer in superstitions? Even if you aren’t, you may be guilty of a few common superstitions that you aren’t aware of. Here are a few of the most popular ones you should look into:
1. Warding off Evil with Lemon and Chilies
One of the most common superstitious beliefs in India is to hang a lemon and seven chilies strung together at the front door or under the front bumper of your car to ward off an evil eye and spirits. It is also thought to have a scientific basis for why this Indian superstition is practiced. Lemon and chilies are said to be effective natural pesticides and antibacterials, protecting the home or the environment in which it is hung.
2. Crow shit brings Luck
When a crow spits on you while you’re on your way somewhere, it’s considered lucky. This Indian superstition is based on the belief that if you are inconvenienced, you will be rewarded with good fortune. So the next time you’re in need of some luck, go after a crow and make sure it uses your head as target practice.
3. Adding one rupee to a Gift
Giving cash as a gift is customary in India for a variety of occasions, from birthdays to weddings and festivals. A one-rupee coin is added to the total because it is thought to be auspicious. When it comes to giving cash as a wedding gift, this Indian superstition is especially relevant. As a result, most gift envelopes will have one rupee coin embedded in the design. In some parts of India, it is believed that round numbers, such as INR 500/1000, denote an end, whereas adding 1 rupee denotes a wish for the person to continue to grow wealthy. This particular superstitious belief tends to involve superstitious mathematics in other parts of the world. A wedding gift that is not divisible by two is thought to bring the couple together because of the remainder is in the equation. An even number, on the other hand, leaves no remainder when divided by two, and thus represents a nullifying metaphor for marriage.
4. Curd before going Out
One of the most common Indian superstitions is to eat a spoonful of curd with a pinch of sugar before going out or embarking on a new journey. The sweet beginning note is said to make any task shubh or good, and the day goes well. The origins of the Indian superstition of eating dahi-shakkar (curd with sugar) could be traced back to the tropical climate, where eating curd cools your digestive system while sugar adds energy.
5. The Mynah chronicles
While it’s possible that the Indian superstition of seeing a certain number of mynah birds or magpies came from a British superstition, its origins are unknown. Seeing a single common mynah bird is thought to bring bad luck, but seeing several are thought to bring good luck. There is a bonus: if you see six of them together, you will be rewarded financially.
6. No Cleaning the House after Sunset
Cleaning or sweeping the house after sunset is thought to frighten away Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. This Indian superstition is based on simple logic. Because there was no electricity when it began, it was more practical to complete all of the housework during daylight hours, when everything could be seen.
7. Cutting Hair and Nails after Sunset? Don’t!
When to cut your hair and nails is another one of India’s most common superstitions. It is said that cutting your nails and hair on Thursdays and Saturdays will bring you bad luck. It is thought that such behavior enrages Saturn (Shani), causing misfortune. Cutting your nails after sunset is also considered bad luck in some parts of India.
8. Kajal dot on a baby’s Forehead
In India, the evil eye is a big deal. As a result, Indians employ various methods (or practices) to avoid it. The belief that even toddlers can be victims of an evil eye inspires a protective superstition. Many Indian infants have a small spot (or several) of kajal on their forehead and/or cheeks, even under their feet, to prevent unfortunate accidents. Their eyes are sometimes lined with black kajal as well. This is supposed to keep the evil eye at bay.
9. Itchy Palms can mean different Futures
According to Indian superstitions, an itchy palm indicates some internal energy moving to your palms. The reason for this is that the right palm is supposed to be dynamic or active, while the left hand is receptive or inactive. So when your right palm itches, it’s believed money will come in, but when your left palm itches, it will flow out.
10. Omitting the 13th floor
This isn’t just an Indian superstition; fear of the number 13 is widespread throughout the world. It is said to have originated from the fact that Judas, Jesus’ 13th disciple, betrayed him. Along with the arrival of Christianity, it spread to India as well. So much so that some airlines frequently leave the 13th row empty on flights, and some hotels do not label the 13th floor.
11. Upside down Slipper
In some Indian households, it is believed that leaving your flip-flops turned upside down will bring bad luck.
12. Eye Twitching
According to Indian superstitions, eye twitching is linked to your fate. However, it is also dependent on which eye twitches. In addition to your gender. For men, a twitching right eye brings good luck, while for women, a twitching left eye brings good news.
13. Black Cat crossing the Road
A black cat crossing your path indicates that tasks are being postponed or delayed. Passers-by must spit, and drivers must make short crosses on the right side of their windshields to reverse it. Some even wait for others to pass by before being saved, reasoning that the others will bear the brunt of the ‘curse.’
14. Don’t step out during an Eclipse
Observing the sun during a solar eclipse, according to Indian superstitions, should be avoided. This could result in retinal burns or eclipse blindness. It is also recommended that you do not eat or drink anything during the celestial event. Pregnant women are also advised to stay indoors for the duration of the event.
15. Swallow Tulsi leaves
This is a popular Indian belief because our forefathers believed Tulsi was goddess Lakshmi’s avatar, and thus it is frequently prayed to. To avoid showing disrespect to the goddess, Tulsi Mata leaves should be swallowed rather than chewed.
16. Don’t go near a peepal tree at Night
In Indian culture, peepal trees are well-known. Peepal trees were thought to be haunted by ghosts by our forefathers, and they were considered a dangerous place at night. Many people believe that if you sleep near this tree at night, the ghosts will come after you and kill you.
17. Taking bath after a Funeral
It is thought that when the deceased’s body is subjected to funeral rites, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria or infections. Infections can spread through the air during these rites. As a result, in Indian customs and traditions, it is recommended to take a bath soon after attending a funeral to wash away any unwanted infections.
18. Breaking a Mirror
A broken mirror, according to this superstition, means seven years of bad luck. Only by taking the pieces outside and burying them in the moonlight can the curse be lifted. Also, if an undisturbed mirror in a house falls and smashes, it indicates that death is imminent.
19. Not saying goodbye before Leaving
It is not a good idea to say goodbye to someone or tell them something as they walk out the door. Calling someone’s name while they are leaving was considered bad luck by our forefathers. If this is done, the person leaving will have bad luck with whatever activity he or she is about to engage in.
20. Don’t buy black shoes on Saturday
Purchasing black shoes on a Saturday is thought to be unlucky. Wearing black shoes on Saturdays, according to Hindu mythology, displeases Shani (the Hindu god of justice), and this may result in failure and obstacles in your life.
21. Keeping Knife and Onion in the Bed
If a couple marries in India, they are advised to keep a knife and chilies on the bed. Similarly, if a loved one passes away, the bereaved are advised to keep these items with them. This will keep the evil spirits at bay and allow you to continue dreaming.
22. Fidgeting can lose Wealth
Fidgeting is the act of shaking one’s legs while sitting. It is thought that if you shake off your legs, you will lose your wealth. Shaking off legs is considered bad according to human behavioral experience. Fidgeting has now been scientifically proven to be a mental disorder caused by a hypertensive and hyperactive brain.
23. Not to sleep facing the North
Our forefathers and mothers were most likely aware of the relationship between the Earth’s magnetic field and the magnetic field of the human body. They established the rule of sleeping with our heads in the south to avoid the negative effects of asymmetry in the Earth’s magnetic field on blood pressure and other diseases. Unfortunately, it has once again devolved into a superstition that if we sleep with our heads in the north, we will die. “LOL (Laugh Out Loud)” is all I have to say!
24. Limiting Women from doing certain things during Periods
Many people have gone daggers with their debates on this one. For those who are unaware, the first sanitary pad was invented in 1896, and painkillers were not available until the twentieth century. There are still many places in India that do not have access to either. So the logic was that these five days were extremely painful and stressful for women before we had access to both, and it was all about giving them rest. Because of the discomfort, it is likely that women did not work during those days, which became a ritual, which was later degraded to the level of superstition. For a logical Indian, the entire “impurity” argument makes no sense. Please always question the practice you are following rather than blindly following it.
25. Crush Head of a Snake after killing it
According to legend, if you don’t crush a snake’s head after killing it, its relatives will see an image in its eyes and seek vengeance. The real reason is that a snake can bite even if its head is detached. As a result, you must crush the head in order to completely neutralize it. This is true for the majority of cold-blooded creatures (a chapter we had in school on). Even if some of its organs fail, it will remain alive for hours before dying slowly and painfully. Cockroaches, for example. Crushing the snake will result in a less painful death for the snake, not the other way around.
26. Plastering Floor with Cow Dung is auspicious
Auspicious… this is a debate I’d like to avoid because it’s about “gau-mata”, but the science is that cow dung protects against insects and reptiles that are repulsed by the pungent odor of cow dung. Because our forefathers did not have the same access to repellents and disinfectants that we do today, they relied on cow dung as a substitute.
27. Teen tigada, kaam bigada.
Anything above two, according to the phrase ‘teen tigada kaam bighada,’ becomes difficult to handle. And that a discussion between two people is always preferable to three. This was misinterpreted, however, as 3 being unlucky.
28. People with flat feet bring bad luck.
Many consider that flat feet indicate widowhood. And, therefore in ancient India, during match-making, the mother of the groom checked the feet of the bride.
29. Hair Cut on Tuesday
Farmers made up a large portion of the Indian population in the past. Monday was their day of rest after a week of hard work. On that particular day, the vast majority of them cleaned their homes and cut their hair. As a result, the barber wouldn’t be as busy on Tuesdays and would close his shop. This practice has persisted to this day, but the reason for it has been forgotten, and many misconceptions have arisen as a result.
30. Do not leave a Dead person’s eye open
In India, it is a common superstitious belief that if a dead person’s eyes are left open, the other souls in the vicinity will be taken away with him through his eyes. However, the real reason for this is to make the deceased person appear to be sleeping peacefully and nothing more.
31. Crows are referred as our ancestors
Shani’s vahana, the crow, represents the karmas of the past. We owe our existence to our forefathers and mothers. As a result, feeding a crow is thought to satisfy the hunger of ancestors in whatever form they reincarnate in. Crows have been linked to our ancestors since the ‘treta yuga,’ according to legend.
According to legend, Jayant, the Son of God Indra, once disguised himself as a crow and attacked Sita. God Rama, on the other hand, took hay and used it as an arrow to split one of Jayant’s eyes. Jayant begged God Rama’s forgiveness after realizing his error. Then Rama forgave him and gave him a boon, saying that if food is given to the crows, it will reach the ancestors.
32. Lizard Falling on Human is Bad Luck
According to India’s Gowli Shastra, every movement of the wall lizard has significance. The lizard’s color, spots, stripes, chirping or twittering, and where it lands on a person’s body are said to foreshadow future events. However, lizards that are naturally poisonous release poisonous chemicals from their bodies to protect themselves from predators. If such a lizard comes into contact with a person’s body or falls into a food item such as milk, it is almost certain to contaminate it. To avoid infectious disease, that specific spot and area should be washed.
33. Fallen Hair Around The House Will Bring Fight In Your Family
According to legend, if you throw fallen hair inside the house instead of binning it, your family will soon break up. Who wants to start a fight in their own home?
The true reason for this superstition is that if you leave fallen hair inside the house, it may fall into the food when the wind blows.
What is your level of superstition?
Some people believe that the mysticism associated with the power of inanimate objects has a significant impact on one’s life. Some of these have been passed down through the generations from our wise forefathers. This is why we can’t seem to let go of many of our long-held beliefs. Let us know if we missed any of India’s strangest superstitions in the comments section below!
What are some superstitions associated with good fortune?
Eating curd before going out for an important task, spilling salt, and hanging lemon and chilies at the gate are all good luck superstitions in India.
In India, what is considered bad luck?
In India, a black cat crossing the road, shaking your legs, eye twitching, a stuck clock, and buying black shoes on Saturdays all represent bad luck.
What causes superstition in the first place?
Some Indian superstitions are based on Indian mythology, while others are passed down from our forefathers and are simply followed out of habit, while others are based on scientific rationale.