A superstition is a belief or pattern of behaviors surrounding magical or supernatural events. Many people partake in various rituals to feel in control of unknown factors – and some of these rituals are so common that some participate without even realizing it.
For example, the term “jinxing it” means to bring bad luck or put a curse upon something. This phrase goes back to the late 1600s and early 1700s, when the people were paranoid about witchcraft. So when someone says not to jinx anything, they are saying not to foster any negativity.
Another common action is to knock on wood in order to accumulate good luck. This is because knocking on wood was seen as a tribute to spirits or gods, and therefore would protect a person from harm.
Along with this, crossing fingers is also commonly used to indicate good luck because the cross-like shape was thought to bring good intentions from God. Saying “fingers crossed” indicates that someone wishes good luck for someone else.
Finding a four-leaf clover is considered lucky due to the rarity of having four cloves instead of three. In addition to this, during the 1600s, they were also assumed to be a charm to ward off evil spirits.
Out of countless superstitious behaviors, one of the most commonplace examples is blessing someone after sneezing. It began thousands of years ago, as sneezing was the first sign of illness; and whenever someone fell ill, it was believed that saying “bless you” would help expel evil spirits from the body.
There are many more common superstitions including walking under ladders, the number thirteen and breaking mirrors bringing bad luck, but nearly all superstitions encompass the same general idea of luck, spirits and trying to manifest prosperity and happiness within a life by warding off evil.
People are hardwired to love superstitions; after all, the idea that misfortune is avoidable gives people a sense of control. This is especially true since outside factors often wreak havoc on their lives.
Their continued prevalence today builds a story of humanity’s unwavering hope through the ages that things will be better and belief in the control people excerpt over their lives.
