SUPERSTITIONS

Superstitions is the irrational fear of the unknown it is an unjustified idea od the nature of effects of a thing. Superstitions beliefs are as old as man himself and have continued to stay in some form or the other through the ages. Some superstitions are common in the entire world over, but others belong exclusively to a particular place.

    In the west, the most popular superstition is regarding the number "thirteen". Hotels do not have a thirteenth floor, aeroplanes do not have a seat number thirteen and Friday, the thirteenth is considered particularly unlucky. There are so many people who are altogether free from it. This may seem rather strange. Man prides himself on his gift of reason and generally refuses to believe anything which cannot be explained by science or philosophy. Still, the really wise admit that human knowledge is limited after all and that, "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy" as Shakespeare put it. The great German poet Goethe said, "Superstition is a part of the very beginning of humanity".

    Generally, however, the word is used as a term of disgrace or reproach for senseless beliefs based on ignorance of fear. 

    Back home, we hardly ever go through a superstition-free day. A superstitious person is advised never to sneeze before leaving the house and not to let a black cat cross to path, if his left hand itches it means something else and if a crow sits on his head, God must help him for his days are numbered!

    In modern times, however, superstations are gradually losing their hold on their hold on people. Most things are logically explained and if one does not perform well in exam it is not because a black cat crossed his path but because he did not study!

    Sometimes, it becomes difficult to draw lines between superstition and religion. Often, we fall into the trap of criticising religious rites and rituals, calling them superstitious beliefs. As educated people we should be able to differentiate between the two and respect the ceremonies which are a part of every religion but condemn those superstitious which are detrimental to the progress of society.

    We should remember the wise line of Bacon, "There is a superstition in avoiding superstition".