Superstitions: Origins, Explanations and Examples

Superstitions – Origins, Explanations and Examples

By

Carole Somerville

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011

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Superstitions – Origins, Explanations and Examples

Contents:

One – Why are people superstitious and different types of superstitions

Two – Superstitions and how it all began – Are people still superstitious?

Three – Wedding customs and love superstitions

Four – Birth and death customs and superstitions

Five – Superstitions, the Moon and farming

Six – Medieval England and superstitions

Seven – Superstitions and numbers

Eight – Superstitions and crystals

Nine – Sea travel and superstitions

Ten – Superstitions and sport

Eleven – Christmas customs and superstitions

Twelve – Indian culture and superstitions

Thirteen (unlucky for some!) – Superstitions that are lined to the body

Fourteen – Bees and omens and superstitions or bees and Old Wives Tales!

- one -

Why are People Superstitious and Different Types of Superstitions

Although many people will insist that they aren't superstitious, omens and superstitions actually play a part in all our lives. Common-sense should by rights, triumph over instinct. But that's not always the case! Suppose for instance, you're looking out of a window and someone kicks a football in your direction. You will automatically flinch even though you know the glass will protect you. Instinct wins over common sense!

Superstitions too, are primitive instincts that continue to lurk in the back of our minds, no matter how intelligent or practical a person we might be. At the same time, how can we condemn beliefs which have primarily come from early man's effort to understand and explain Nature and his own Existence?

Superstitions come in three main forms. The first one implies that certain actions or omens will attract or signify bad luck. It is believed, for example, that it is bad luck to sew anything onto a garment you're actually wearing, or to sew something new onto something old. Around the Mediterranean, there are old women who say that if the thread on the needle gets tangled while a garment is being mended, this will bring health and prosperity to the owner.

Ritualistic Superstitions

Some people might always wear a certain item of clothing when attending a favourite sporting event to help make their 'team' lucky.

And superstition of course, is at the root of the old verse dealing with the bride's outfit. Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

Flowers are an ancient symbol of sex and fertility which is why the bride carries a bouquet to ensure her own marital happiness.

Good and Bad Omens

The last form of superstitions is the reading of omens by which a good or bad event will occur. The adder, for instance, is said to be an omen of good luck and if you kill the first one you seen in the spring, this will ensure triumph over your enemies. Ants are said to be an omen of bad weather whenever they're