Superstitions

Hello! In today's blog, I'll discuss with you guys what are superstitions, some common superstitions, and scientific explanations for them.

What is superstition?

Superstition is any belief or practice that is considered irrational or supernatural: for example, if it arises from ignorance, a misunderstanding of science or causality, a positive belief in fate or magic, or fear of that which is unknown. Superstitions mainly revolve around paranormal stuff and good/bad luck.

What are some common superstitions?

1. The Evil Eye ( Nazar )

Has someone ever appreciated something you own only for it to later be ruined? Or you ever felt someone looking at you with a certain creepy look the previous time you looked good? Some superstitious folk might say that was the evil eye at work. To guard against such disastrous gazes, people tend to do things that would kind of ruin the beauty. For example, if a Hindu person had bought a new house or a new vehicle, they might paste a picture of a demon-looking, creature. For humans, people would make a "Kaala Teeka" that is, making a black spot. It's mainly made on brides and kids to save them from the Evil Eye. In Islam, it's said that whenever one finds something admiring or attractive, they should say "MashAllah" so as to not pass on the Evil Eye. Things like hair, fragrance tend to attract evil eyes. So it's advised not to go out with your hair open.

Scientific explanation: There's NO scientific explanation on whether there exists something like an Evil Eye.

2. Trimming nails at night.

Have you ever happened to cut your nails at night and your mom goes like, "What are you doing?! Don't cut your nails right now. Cut them during the day." And you're left completely puzzled? Well, not just your house, but people living in Turkey, India, South Korea, and Japan believe the same. In earlier times, knives or other sharp cutting tools were used to trim nails as people in those times didn't have nail cutters like us.

Scientific Explanation: Darkness plus sharp objects and a then-lack of medical access could have equaled deadly infections. So, yeah.

3. Breaking Mirrors

Another widely-known superstition is that breaking a mirror will result in seven years of bad luck. Breaking a mirror, especially if it has your reflection in it at the time, doesn't sound too great. As a soul-stealing aside: Some lore claims photographs capture a piece of a subject's soul in them when they're taken, which really brings the selfie craze into question.

Scientific explanation: There doesn't seem to be anything practical with breaking a mirror bringing 7 years of misfortune to your life.

4. Crush a snake's head after killing it or else it'll be behind you for revenge.

It's advised that if you ever need to kill a snake, make sure to crush its head else it may find an image in its eyes and seek revenge.

Scientific explanation: There doesn't seem to be anything like a snake revenging for his death. But because of being a cold-blooded reptile, it may take several hours to die and that would be really painful for the poor reptile. So crushing his head might give it a quick death and that would also cause less pain.

5. A black cat crossing your path.

Black cats have always had a bad image. Because the color black itself is considered bad and unlucky. The poor creatures are just as avoided any day of the year, and it's a common superstition that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck.

Scientific explanation: There isn't any scientific explanation for a black cat crossing your path, bringing misfortune into your life.

My opinion: It was Friday the 13th this March and I didn't even know it until the evening when I saw a few memes on it. This is how seriously I take superstitions. But I kinda believe the Nazar concept. 😬

Big thanks to Nisha for such a great recommendation!❤

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