The word "superstition" is believed to come from the Latin superstitio, which means "to be amazed." The term is also related to the Latin word superstes, which means "outliving" or "surviving," and refers to ideas and values that have survived long after their original meaning has been forgotten.
Many people claim that superstitious practices date back to the dawn of time. Humans tried to construct an understandable universe with forces that could be affected by intervention in the face of natural disasters such as thunderstorms and earthquakes, as well as the unpredictability of disease and food supply.
Actors, miners, fishermen, and gamblers are all more superstitious than the average person, and the performance of all of these jobs is more out of the individual's control.
Superstitions are often the result of coincidental events. For example, if an athlete wears a specific pair of socks on a particularly successful day, he might continue to do so in the belief that the socks were the reason for his success.
Certain superstitions have been passed down from generation to generation by such an analytical learning process, and their true roots may be centuries old.
For
example - While human sacrifices are not common in India, they do occur on
occasion, especially in rural areas. Humans have been replaced by animals and
birds in some situations. As a result of the uproar from animal rights
organizations, they have been replaced by human effigies in some locations.
These sacrifices are made for a variety of reasons, including causing rainfall
and assisting childless women in conceiving.
Why are superstitions so common in India?
Superstitions
are commonly associated with a lack of education; however, this has not always
been the case in India, where many educated people hold superstitious beliefs.
Superstitious beliefs and practices vary by area, ranging from innocuous
practices like lemon-and-chili totems to dangerous actions like witch-burning.
These
values and practices have been passed on from generation to generation as part
of culture and faith. The Indian government has attempted to enact new
legislation banning such activities. Because of the long tradition of
superstition, these laws often face strong public opposition.
Narendra
Dabholkar, an anti-superstition expert and member of the Committee for the
Eradication of Blind Faith, was fatally shot by two bikers in 2013 after
demanding the passage of a law prohibiting black magic. Critics argued that
such activities are not prohibited by the Indian constitution.
20 Popular Superstitions in India
- Using
lemon and chilies outside the house and shop doors
When and where did it originate?
According
to our ancestors, Laxmi, the goddess of wellness, has a twin sister Alakshmi.
She used to go together with Laxmi. Alakshmi is known for bringing poverty and
deprivation. So it is natural that people want Lakshmi to enter their house,
not Alakshmi.
Lakshmi
likes sweets and other similar foods. As a result, sweets are often a part of
every Indian festival's menu. Alakshmi, on the other hand, likes sour and spicy
flavors. As a result, individuals hang lemon and chili peppers outside their
homes.
What does it mean?
The
majority of people believe that hanging lemons and chilies outside the house
protect them from evil eyes or negative energies. Spirituality holds that both
positive and negative forces exist. So, until a person has progressed spiritually
and is capable of shielding himself from negative energy, such tactics can be
used.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
One
prominent hypothesis to explain this habit is that people used to go through
woodlands alone in the past. As a result, they brought lemons and chilies with
them as a form of protection. They would actually squeeze the lemon into water
and drink the juice whenever they were thirsty. Lemon is high in vitamin C, so
it helps to eliminate tiredness and restore energy.
This
insecticide was created by our forefathers using lemon and chili. Since they
lived in mud and stone houses, they used to put lemon and chili on the doors
of their shops and homes to keep mosquitoes and insects at bay.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
The
majority of people follow this tradition not because they understand why, but
because they have seen others do so. It is best to use these customs and learn
from those who are truly knowledgeable. One cannot predict the outcomes of
blindly following these customs.
- Not
cutting nails after sunset.
When and where did it originate?
In
Indian sculpture, it is specifically stated that we should not cut our nails at
night. This is specifically stated in medical texts like the Charaka Sahita. It
was extremely difficult to communicate this issue to the rest of society due to
a lack of communication systems. For this, sages used a variety of
methods, including magic, superstition, and so on.
What does it mean?
There
were no lights before. At night, only lamps and diyas were used. Knives or
sharp weapons were used to cut the nails. Because there was a risk of cutting
the fingers in the dark, they outlawed nail trimming at night.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
Nail
clippers have sharp blades that need to be used with accuracy and lightness, or
else someone could be wounded. As a result, it's customary to use one during
the day.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
We
now have electricity, which allows us to have brighter lighting. As a result,
clipping nails at night is not an issue. As a result, there is no risk of hand cuts and bleeding, nor of nails mingling with our meals. But be sure to do it under
stronger lighting. However, Myth still reigns supreme among us now. We may
also say that scientific reason in the past has evolved into superstitious
fiction in the present.
- Not to
go near peepal trees at night
When and where did it originate?
In
the mid-seventeenth century, Jan van Helmont discovered the plant-food recipe.
The world was previously unaware of the relationship between sunshine and
carbon dioxide, which miraculously makes glucose for plants.
What does it mean?
People
think that a ghost dwells on Peepal Tree and that if you approach it at night,
you will be haunted because ghosts are said to be active in the form at night. That
is why people ignore going near the Peepal Tree at night and sleeping under it.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
During
the day, when the plants are exposed to sunlight, they consume CO2 and
release O2 through the process of photosynthesis. Plants, on the other hand, do
not undergo photosynthesis at night, therefore they are unable to utilize CO2,
resulting in an increase in CO2 concentration in the air. The trees take in
oxygen and release CO2 during the night.
If
one sleeps under the trees, the increased CO2 in the air will undoubtedly have
an impact on one's health. As a result, sleeping under a tree at night is not
recommended.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
Also
in today's world, this superstition somewhat prevails in the villages that seem
to be really backward in terms of education. As this superstition has a
scientific meaning towards plants which tends to release CO2 in the atmosphere
during the night which may be severe for people's health. Therefore it is advised
not to go near peepal trees at night.
- Not
sweeping the floor in the evening
When and where did it originate?
The
first four 'pahar' of the day, according to vastu shastra, is the best time to
broom the home. Meanwhile, sweeping is not recommended during the four 'pahars'
of the night.
What does it mean?
Sweeping
and mopping at night or after it gets dark is thought to drive Goddess Lakshmi
out of the house.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
Sweeping
is the easiest thought, and mopping in the dark is challenging enough. Deep
candlelight makes it difficult to see things clearly, and the job that has to
be done is insufficient.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
Because
of electricity, this may not be as effective in today's world and may be
dismissed as simple superstition, which might not be popular as such.
- Not to
wash hair on Tuesday or Thursday
When and where did it originate?
Some
Hindu traditions prohibit Hindus from washing their hair on Thursdays.
What does it mean?
Thursdays are believed to be the most fortunate days for worshipping Brihaspati, Jupiter's Lord as well as Guru. It is said that washing hair on Thursday prevents Brihaspati's blessings and it makes people lose all of their money and prosperity.
Tuesday
is the day of Mars, according to astrology. Mars is found in our blood, and
blood is the source of the hair. Hair cutting on Tuesday raises the risk of blood
disorders.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
In
ancient India, different professions had distinct holidays on different days of
the week. Barbers, who were not only responsible for haircuts but also for nail
clipping, took their weekly vacation on Tuesdays. This was done so that people
may take a day off while still being able to use other services that would be
available throughout their vacation.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
However,
in some communities, cutting hair on Tuesdays or Thursdays is considered taboo,
despite the fact that people have forgotten the major reason why their forefathers
did not cut their hair on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
- Eating
curd and sugar before heading out
When and where did it originate?
We
have heard about this superstition from our elders as this is the oldest that
has been grabbed by us from our ancestors, but no findings have been received in
relation to this.
What does it mean?
People
believe that by doing so, they will increase positive waves in their bodies and
absorb all negative ones.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
Sugar
gives the body a burst of energy, while curd cools it down; the combination of
these two components can help people maintain their energy levels while also calming
their bodies.
Another
alternative is that curd contains calcium and proteins and is gentle on the
stomach and digestive system, whilst sugar gives immediate glucose, making them
both acceptable choices for ingestion before going out. The tropical heat of
India necessitates the utilization of mixtures such as curd and sugar by our
bodies.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
People
have been following this since their parents or elderly people told them about
it. We don't question their reasoning; instead, we blindly follow their lead in
order to try our luck.
- For
Plastering the floor with the help of cow dung
When and where did it originate?
In
most Hindu family ceremonies, cow dung plaster is used to plaster the floor and
walls, and it is considered auspicious.
What does it mean?
Our
forefathers most likely began this practice to keep flies and reptiles away
from the pungent scent of cow dung. They did not have the same access to
commercially packaged disinfectants as we do.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
The motive for this would be to protect the house walls from rain during the monsoon. Because the houses in villages were made of mud and cement was not readily available, the house walls could be washed away during monsoons.
As
a result, cow excrement mixed with mud was used to preserve the area.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
But,
with time, this practice became a routine, and we find ourselves continuing to
do so despite the fact that it is no longer necessary in today's environment.
- Fallen
hair around the house is not considered good
When and where did it originate?
This
superstition was taught to us by our ancestors who believed in such myths
regarding fallen hair.
What does it mean?
According
to legend, if you throw fallen hair inside the house instead of binning it,
your family will soon break up.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
The
true explanation for this myth is that if you leave fallen hair inside the
house, it may fall into the food when the wind blows.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
This
superstition is not that popular, because people are more inclined towards
health and hygiene.
- Giving
one rupee coin as a shagun
Metal
is considered a form of Lakshmi since it comes from the Earth. We all know that
buying silver/gold or metal utensils on Dhantrayodashi/Dhanteras is considered
auspicious. It correlates to the Pancha Maha Bhutas' Prithvi Tattva (Earth
Element).
It
is claimed that as a present, one must provide some metal (dhatu). Remember how
your elders used to offer the priest an extra metal coin or one rupee as a
Dakshina?
What does it mean?
According
to popular belief, this implies that when they meet again, that person will
repay one rupee. This cycle continues, resulting in the formation of a strong
relationship. The more people you meet, the better your understanding and
relationship will be. It's just a way of stating "we'll meet again."
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
We add one to the stated amount since shunya/zero is not regarded as highly favorable for family members. Shunya, like the Brahma muhurta, is related to Brahma jnam. Apart from meditation/spiritual activity, all tasks begun at this hour are doomed to fail.
It's
essentially a blessing: allow the money to grow in addition to what the person
has given. The number ‘0' denotes the finish, whereas ‘1' denotes the
beginning.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
This
superstition is still popular as giving an additional cent is interpreted as a
secret wish for the recipient to have more in life.
- Throwing
copper coins in holy rivers
When and where did it originate?
This tradition was established by our
forefathers, and it is now being passed down from generation to generation.
Most of us must have seen people throwing coins into the holy river while
traveling by road or train, or perhaps you have thrown some yourself. It has
become a custom, and people have been doing it for centuries. Every time
someone crosses a bridge over a sacred river, they toss a coin.
What does it mean?
People believe that by presenting the coin to sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, or Narmada, one will receive numerous blessings. Throwing coins into the holy rivers is also considered a symbol of good luck and fortune. As a result, people (mostly Hindus) join their hands, bow their heads, touch the coin to their forehead, and throw it into the sacred rivers to bring them good luck and charm.
Furthermore,
the people believe that dropping coins in the river washes away one's sins. And
bestows a life free of regrets. Another belief associated with it is that by
leaving something valuable in the rivers, one's dreams can come true.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
Unlike
today, most ancient currencies were made of copper or other valuable metals.
Copper is essential for human health. It aids metabolism, and our bodies are
unable to synthesize copper. As a result, it was critical to obtain absorption
supplies from the outside. Copper is an essential nutrient for human health. It
promotes the health of the bones, nerves, blood vessels, and immune system.
In
addition, submerging copper coins in water helped to kill harmful bacteria,
protecting human health. Water purifiers were not available in the past. As a
result, rivers and tanks were only used as drinking water sources. As a result,
tossing coins into the river was a way of ensuring that our bodies received
enough copper on a daily basis.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
In
contrast to earlier times, today's currency is made of steel and paper. They
provide no significant benefit to the human body. However, throwing coins into
the river is still practiced as a tradition.
- Applying
tilak on the forehead before leaving for an important work
When and where did it originate?
The
application of tilak can be traced back to ancient times, but its origin is
unknown. According to ancient texts, the color of the tilak denotes different
castes such as Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra.
What does it mean?
In Hindu culture, tilak is considered sacred and auspicious. Atithi (guests) are always greeted by a tilak applied between their brows.
A
spot between the brows was marked with vermillion, sandal, or holy ash in order
to be protected from evil intentions. The application of tilak from the Ajna
chakra to the forehead represents an individual's journey of channeling his or
her thoughts and moving upwards toward spirituality.
The
power of intuition is enhanced by wearing a tilak or bindi on the forehead.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
Because
of the churning of thoughts, the region of the forehead must be kept cool.
Sandalwood paste has a calming effect and instantly cools the forehead. Kumkum
(vermilion), mercuric sulfide, is used to relieve stress and fatigue. Turmeric
applied to the forehead promotes good health, regulates the body's aura, and
removes negative energies.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
It
is still popular in India as Tilak is applied during prayer ceremonies, daily
prayer rituals at home, and important events such as weddings, birthdays, and
baby showers.
- Black
cat crossing path
When and where did it originate?
The
Egyptians believed that black cats were evil creatures that brought bad luck,
which gave rise to this superstition. Lord Shani is associated with the color
black in India.
What does it mean?
If
a black cat crosses your path, it is said that you should wait for someone else
to pass before proceeding. It may appear self-serving, but according to legend,
the first person to do so will receive all of the bad luck, while you will not.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
People
used to travel in carts drawn by domesticated animals in the olden days. When
the carriage animals sensed wild cats such as leopards, cheetahs, and tigers
crossing their path at night, they used to get scared and act erratically.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
Today,
this is of no consequence, and we fear black cats for no apparent reason.
- A broken mirror brings seven years of bad luck
When and where did it originate?
The
notion of a shattered mirror bringing seven years of ill luck was first
proposed by the ancient Romans. This is based on another piece of Roman legend
that states that life renews itself every seven years, and any damaged portions
of your existence, such as health concerns, are repaired.
What does it mean?
People
in ancient Rome circulated the rumor that shattering mirrors would bring you 7
years of bad luck. The number 7 was chosen because, according to Roman beliefs,
it takes 7 years for life to replenish itself.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
Mirrors
used to be exceedingly costly and of poor quality. Years of ill luck were
employed as a scare technique to deter carelessness when handling them. They
also thought that the reflection in the mirror represented the person's soul and that a shattered soul took seven years to heal.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
This
was just a tactic to save the money spent on the mirror. It is not
practiced as such now.
- Not Cooking Until Shraadh
When and where did it originate?
There
is no scientific reason to prove it, but this has been passed by our ancestors
to us and has been followed from ancient times.
What does it mean?
It
has nothing to do with bad luck and everything to do with rationality.
According to superstition, this is done to keep the soul of the departed from
being burned.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
However,
it is possible that it began with the thought of the bereaved family members
who need to grieve the departed!
How relevant/popular is it in India?
This
ritual is still followed in the Hindu religion with great faith.
- One should bathe after attending a
funeral ceremony
When and where did it originate?
There
is no scientific reason to prove it, but this has been passed by our ancestors
to us and has been followed from ancient times.
What does it mean?
If
one does not do so, they risk being possessed by an evil spirit. Previously,
if a person was mentally ill (perhaps due to depression following the loss of a
loved one), they were thought to be possessed, and if the person became
physically ill, it was assumed that the evil spirit was to blame.
What is the logic /reasoning behind
it?
Because
our forefathers did not have access to vaccinations for many diseases, such as
hepatitis, smallpox, and other deadly and contagious diseases, it was best to
return home and take a thorough bath.
How relevant/popular is it in India?
It
is still popular in India as some may follow it as per superstition or follow
it because of maintaining health and hygiene.
- Swallowing Tulsi leaves
When
and where did it originate?
Tulsi is the wife of Lord Vishnu,
according to popular belief, so chewing it is considered disrespectful.
What
does it mean?
This one is based on the popular belief
that Tulsi is Goddess Lakshmi's avatar, and thus chewing the leaves is
considered disrespectful.
What
is the logic /reasoning behind it?
It appears that, while a tulsi leaf is
healthy, it also contains a small amount of arsenic. So, instead of chewing,
you swallow to keep your teeth from turning yellow and the enamel from
deteriorating.
How
relevant/popular is it in India?
It is still practiced in some regions of
the country due to its superstition as well as for its scientific reasons.
- Not sleeping facing north
When
and where did it originate?
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.
What
does it mean?
Elders 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.
What
is the logic /reasoning behind it?
The Earth's magnetic fields are
concentrated at the North and South Poles. The magnetic field of your body
interferes with that of the earth when you sleep with your head pointing north.
This can cause blood pressure to fluctuate and even cause heart problems. To
overcome this, your heart must work harder.
How
relevant/popular is it in India?
It is still practiced in India as people
mostly believe in Vastu Shastra these days, also they might avoid it because
it disrupts blood circulation.
- Crushing the snake's head after killing
it
When
and where did it originate?
There is no scientific study for this
superstition but it is said to be followed by our ancestors.
What
does it mean?
One of the cruelest myths is that if you
kill a snake, the snake's eyes would capture your face and take retribution
after you die. It is for this reason that the head should be crushed or burned.
What
is the logic /reasoning behind it?
The snake's head can still move after it
is slain, according to scientists, which implies it can still attack even after
it is dead. The head must then be crushed to avert such attacks.
How
relevant/popular is it in India?
It is still popular in India as people
practice it in villages and in cities they follow for their safety from the
snakes.
- During menstruation, women should
live separately
When
and where did it originate?
Women are not allowed to touch anything when they menstruate, which has become a growing issue in the Western world. However, back then, the purpose was good.
Period days are difficult for women, and
Hindu tradition has recognized this.
What
does it mean?
That is why, in those days, women were
separated from males so that they would not have to labor and could instead
relax.
What
is the logic /reasoning behind it?
It's important to remember that these
were the days before sanitary napkins and pain relievers. They weren't allowed
into the kitchen since some foods, such as pickles and jams, could leak as they
were set in the ground, and without sanitary pads or anything to keep the
bleeding from stopping, you can see how the tradition began.
How
relevant/popular is it in India?
However, in today's world, this is still
seen as a bad component of superstition.
- An eclipse of the sun is a terrible
omen.
When
and where did it originate?
In Hindu mythology, eclipses may be traced back to the samudra manthan, as recorded in both the Bhagawat and Vishnu Puranas. The Devas utilized the apsara Mohini to defraud the Asuras of their part of the amrit or elixir of immortality when it was churned out of the ocean. Svarbhanu, one of the Asuras, pretended to be a Deva and sat between the Sun and the Moon to drink the elixir.
The Sun and the Moon revealed that Svarbhanu was a demon as Vishnu approached. Svarbhanu, on the other hand, had already consumed the beverage. Vishnu promptly severed his head, but the demon's head became eternal after consuming a small amount of the nectar.
The head, known as Rahu (the detached
body, Ketu), then swore vengeance on the Sun and Moon to deprive him of the
elixir. As a result, Rahu occasionally catches and eats the Sun and Moon.
Because Rahu lacks the ability to grasp these two heavenly gods, the incident
is short-lived.
What
does it mean?
According to superstitions surrounding
eclipses, hazardous agents are at work during these times, hence all actions
should be directed with extreme caution during eclipses. The absence of the
sun's rays can lead to an increase in the number of bacteria and germs in the
air, contaminating individuals.
What
is the logic /reasoning behind it?
In truth, there is a science to this as
well. The dangerous rays of the sun pass through the earth's atmosphere during
a solar eclipse, causing damage to people's eyes and, in some cases, blindness.
How
relevant/popular is it in India?
They explained that it is a terrible omen
because science would not have been an appropriate approach to communicating with
people of those ages.
Those
who were born and raised in Indian families are familiar with the different
superstitions that are practiced. Even though most of them appear senseless and
ambiguous to us, they all have a scientific basis. Our forefathers examined the
complexities of daily life and devised a few rules, which subsequently became
superstitions since Indians mindlessly obey anything vaguely religious. Here
are several superstitions to which we Indians blindly adhere to.
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