SUPERSTITIONS
Superstitions are ideas or beliefs
or practices which have their roots in irrationality or magic or any kind of
mysterious fear. Dictionaries define superstition as a belief that cannot be
explained by reason or science. For example, Saturday is an unlucky day for the
purchase of ironwares and 13 is an unlucky number. Britannica dictionary defines
superstition as a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown
and faith in magic or luck or a belief that certain events or things bring good
or bad luck. Here are some examples:
Breaking a
mirror is bad luck. Itchy palm is good luck, it may bring money. Opening an
umbrella inside is bad luck. Night is always bad, especially for counting
money, paying debts, giving or exchanging money.
Superstitions
are not uncommon. They exist even in highly educated people like great
scientists. Some people consult astrologers for lucky days or times which do
not really happen to be lucky. Many
political leaders who file their papers according to their astrologers’
guidance lose elections. Time has no connection with bad or good luck.
English
Bishop Thomas Sherlock (1678-1761) said: By superstitions I mean all
hypocritical arts of appeasing God and procuring his favour without obeying his
laws, or reforming our sins; infinite such superstitions have been invented by
heathens, by Jews, by Christians themselves, etc.
English
novelist Henry Fielding (1707—1754) said superstition renders a man a fool, and
skepticism makes him mad.
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G.R.Kanwal
15 January 2024
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