If you know me well enough, you’ll find that I will perform strange maneuvers to avoid splitting a pole. If unassuring words come out of my mouth like, “I’m probably going to fail this test,” then I am obliged to knock on the nearest wooden surface. Since I was a child I was told to never whistle at night and pray before bed. What started off as a habit is now necessary for a full night of sleep, no exceptions. These ritual-like practices that I’ve developed for luck or avoiding tragedy are often called superstitions. I follow them because I hold a belief that these actions will work in my favor. Having said, do certain actions magically prevent the presence of bad luck, or is it coincidence? I believe that it’s no coincidence at all and that superstitions either make people feel safe or help people believe in themselves; from noticing a pattern, turning it into a habit and finalizing it into a belief.
The notion that superstitions are tied to a strong belief lies deep in its origins. History shows that people have long been experimenting by various means of superstitions to achieve a goal. Psychologist Stuart Vyse, author of “Superstition: A Very Short Introduction,” gives context about their past. In the ancient world, the word “magic” and “mage” comes from Old Persia, where astrology, divination and necromancy were practiced. In ancient Greece, the differentiating line between sorcery, medicine and religion was paper thin, as priest shamans held the power to either heal or curse people by performing incantations and magic. The term superstition comes from Latin superstitio, meaning excessive religious belief. It was first used against Christians, then used to stigmatize other religions at the time. In the mid-15th century any use of magic was seen as witchcraft and deemed a demonic action. During the renaissance, brilliant minds began using processes of observation and logic, and viewed mages as superstitious. Later 19th century spiritualism led to psychics, hypnotizers, tarot card readers and Ouija Boards, which are spiritual practices still used today.
Today, superstitions are a common phenomenon, and more than likely, the average person takes part in them. We incorporate many common superstitions in our daily lives. The fear of the number 13 is said to come from many different origins, like Friday 13th, 1307 when the Knights Templar were arrested and burned at stake. Or in Norse mythology when the thirteenth god Loki killed the god Baldur, and during the last supper when Jesus was betrayed by one of his 12 disciples. The real fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia; It’s common in the US for hotels to avoid labeling the 13th floor, often skipping from 12 to 14. As well as the fear of black cats which traces back to the fear of witches. Avoiding walking under a ladder is a superstition not only formed by safety protocols, but by the action being seen as breaking the Holy Trinity. Four-leaf clovers as a sign of luck is a positive superstition originating from Ireland. Knocking on wood is often seen as good luck, or nullifying bad luck.
Some could argue that placebo effects are a type of superstition. Placebo is like food for the ego, it can improve one’s well-being by imposing a strong belief in itself. In a study, 68 participants were given a dummy substance as a cure without realizing it. Those who were more superstitious reported feeling a lot better than those who were not. The strong correlation between placebo and superstition shapes their meaning and fuels their prominent force in society.
Similarly, Magical Thinking is a subtype of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) where individuals with this condition believe their actions can influence real events. Although, these actions and their believed consequences usually have no direct correlation. Just as the placebo effect, the outcome is produced by a belief in the mind. It can be seen as superstitious behavior involved with OCD. Often it’s not harmful but it can be; A person can create illogical rules for themselves that take control of their daily habits, trapping oneself in their own mind.
Some may find it odd that superstitions exist, although I suspect that most people indulge in some type of superstition, whether they know it or not. Today superstitions are intertwined with our culture. It dwindles down to the strong belief of social norms which then affects our manners to act towards a desirable outcome. These social norms may vary by culture; some may recite prayers for spiritual fulfillment, others may upkeep a spotless bedroom for their wellbeing. When one finds what works for them they will continue to strengthen their belief in that habit. However, those beliefs that are not accepted as the norm may be labeled as superstitious, which holds a negative connotation. Upon noticing what a superstition really is we can diminish the historical implications labelling superstitions as evil.
Despite the fact that the term superstition was once utilized to alienate certain beliefs or demonize foreign rituals; Superstitions today, although they may be strange, help us affirm our beliefs. Of course in moderation, there is nothing wrong with avoiding cracks in the ground or crossing our fingers for good luck. It is our personal belief and we should be allowed to believe whatever we want as long as it isn’t harmful to others. Some superstitions are developed through culture and tradition, other more personal superstitions are created through habit. In the end, without isolating others, superstitions can be used to create the belief of good luck and perhaps give us some confidence in ourselves.
