Superstitious beliefs are irrational or supernatural beliefs or practices that are considered by non-practitioners to be at odds with scientific knowledge of the world. They are often attributed to fate or magic and are perceived as supernatural. Superstitions can arise from fear, helplessness, coincidences, or the natural structure of people and the illiterate words of elderly persons or religious officials. Superstitions can be classified as religious, cultural, or personal. Here are some examples of common superstitions from around the world:
- "Knocking on wood" to ward off evil
- Throwing salt over ones shoulder to ward off the devil
- Walking under a ladder is bad luck
- Breaking a mirror is bad luck
- Finding a horseshoe is good luck
- Opening an umbrella inside is bad luck
- Stepping on a crack is bad luck
- Crossing ones fingers for good luck
- Beginners luck
- Finding a penny is good luck
- Careful with mirrors
- Friday the 13th is bad luck
- The number 13 is bad luck
Superstitions are often used to give meaning to the often random nature of luck and put people in the driving seat of their destiny. While many superstitions are not related to any scientific basis, reason, contemporariness, or religious faith, they have persisted throughout history and are still prevalent today.
