Superstitions

“The black cat has crossed our path. Something terrible is about to happen.” This is an age old superstition still going strong in our country. There are many others. Is India the only country to follow such inscrutable myths? No! You can find them everywhere, from Iceland to America, from Thailand to Africa.

The foundation of these superstitions lies in the ancient belief that unseen forces in the Universe play an active and often, a negative role in our lives. While some superstitions are benign and following them does not bring harm to anyone, others have an adverse impact on people. One such example is the belief that the presence of a widow on auspicious occasions brings bad luck. This is not true for widowers though.

We are in the 21′ century. While mysticism and traditions are well in order, rationalism, logic and reason should be the modern day mantra. In Thailand, eating cold rice mixed with hot rice is to be avoided or else it is believed that you will lose your way when you go out next time. Does this superstition sound reasonable to you? In fact, I wonder if any do! If you do the right thing you have nothing to fear.Life comes with its share-of-problems-which have to be faced bravely. Myths hinder progress rather than simplifying problems.

Questions

• Define Superstition.
• Mention any two superstitions that your mother follows.