The great spiritual superstition article!
Have you ever knocked on wood to avoid bad luck or crossed your fingers for good luck? These are examples of superstitions and practices that many people follow, even though they may have no scientific or logical explanation. In this article we will explore spiritual superstitions in simple words. Why do we believe in this? How did it come into existence? We go through why they exist, how they impact our lives and the fascinating history behind them.
Superstitions are beliefs or actions that people hold or perform based on the idea that they can influence future events. This mainly concerns events that are uncertain or beyond their control. Superstitions can relate to different aspects of life, from luck and fortune to health and relationships. Most people use superstition to avoid bad luck. So it arises from anxiety.
Common types of superstitions
-Knocking on wood: when people say something hopeful or positive, they can knock on wood to avoid jinxing it (cursing themselves). This spiritual superstition probably arose from the belief in tree spirits such as Khabbis that protect against misfortune;
-The break mirror: it is often said that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. This superstition may have its origins in ancient Rome, where it was believed that a person's reflection in a mirror was a representation of their soul;
-Black cat: many people believe it is bad luck to encounter a black cat. This superstition is rooted in medieval Europe, when black cats were associated with witches and evil spirits;
-Walking under ladders. Walking under a ladder is considered bad luck. This superstition may have evolved from the idea that a ladder against a wall forms a triangle, a symbol of the Holy Trinity in Christianity;
-Friday the 13th. This day is often considered bad luck and is called “Black Friday”. It is a combination of two superstitions: the fear of the number 13 and the superstition surrounding Fridays;
-Finding a Clover is considered a good luck bringer. Each leaf is supposed to represent something: hope, faith, love and happiness;
-Throwing salt over your shoulder. If you spill salt, a pinch over your left shoulder is thought to blind the devil there and prevent bad luck;
-Wishing something on a falling star: Seeing a shooting star and making a wish is a common superstition that symbolizes hope and luck.
Why do superstitions exist?
Superstition exists for several reasons:
-Human desire for control is 1 of these. Superstitions can give people a sense of control over uncertain or uncontrollable situations. By performing a specific action or believing in a particular talisman, individuals may feel that they can influence the outcome. Of course I believe in it talismans;
-Cultural traditions. Many superstitions are deeply rooted in cultures and are passed on from generation to generation. People often hold these beliefs out of respect for tradition and community;
-Superstitions can be emotional comfort and reduce anxiety. Believing in something that offers protection or happiness can make people feel more secure;
-Sometimes people attribute positive results to superstitions because of coincidence. For example, they may win a game after wearing a lucky shirt and believe that the shirt has brought them luck.
The History of Superstition
The history of superstition should also not be missing from this article. Superstitions have a long history of more than thousands of years. They have been part of human culture for centuries, in various forms, and have evolved over time. In any case, think back a long time ago: the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. These societies had spiritual superstitions related to gods, spirits, and celestial events.
A less pleasant subject is Mimedieval beliefs: During the Middle Ages, superstitions often revolved around religion and the fear of the unknown. Black cats, owls and mirrors were associated with evil forces. You could be persecuted yourself (witch persecution).
A more contemporary topic is also the influence of the literature. Literature, folklore and fairy tales have contributed to the survival of superstitions. These stories contain elements of luck, curses and magical objects.
Even more global spiritual superstitions in this article
Superstitions are not limited to one culture or region. They vary widely around the world and reflect the unique beliefs and traditions of different societies. Here are some examples of superstitions from different cultures:
-Chinese New Year: during Chinese New Year, it is customary not to sweep or clean the house on the first day to prevent good luck from being wiped out;
-Having the evil eye: In many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, people believe in the evil eye, a malevolent gaze that can bring bad luck or harm. To ward it off, they use amulets and talismans;
-Hanging a horseshoe above the door is considered to bring good luck in some Western cultures. The open side is placed up to hold good luck;
-In Chinese culture the number 8 considered lucky because it sounds like the word for wealth and prosperity. People can go to great lengths to incorporate the number 8 into their lives;
-Native American cultures believe that dream catchers can filter bad dreams and only let good dreams through, providing protection while sleeping.
The influence of superstitions in everyday life
Superstitions, despite their lack of scientific basis, can have a significant impact on people's lives. They often influence decision, behavior and even personal well-being. Some people make decisions based on superstitions, such as choosing not to travel on a certain day or avoiding certain songs. The aforementioned fear reduction by believing in the positive aspects of superstition also plays a role. Superstition also helps with grief or processing. For example, it may be easier to accept that you are having a bad day because you walked under a ladder.
Perhaps the greatest influence is the social aspect. Superstitions can serve as a means of social bonding within communities or families. Shared beliefs create a sense of connectedness, but also think of a nice conversation topic. Just think about count the number of 8's in a telephone number! Finally, don't forget about entertainment. Isn't superstition actually practiced in casinos? Just think of choosing the same number that brings so-called luck and much more.
A few last examples of spiritual superstitions
I would like to add some old superstitions that I have inherited from my family. I believe in some. I will list them:
-Think of the close the door behind you and spirits that can come along;
-Your sell your child to heal him;
-Spirits cannot travel across the sea. This is how you get rid of bad spirits;
-Not allowed to whistle in the evening, because that attracts ghosts;
-Do not store ashes, because then the soul reincarnates handicapped;
-Finally, don't accept money directly. Have them put it down on the table first. Otherwise, your happiness may be stolen. Oh, and also remember never to borrow the full amount if someone asks for it, but always 1 cent less.
Which of these superstitions from this article do you believe in?