The Power of Superstition
In a time when technology has reshaped our brains to think like computers, one thing is certain: the spectrum of unexplainable phenomena and circumstances remains unsolved. It is this gap between scientific fact and mystery what can empower humans to either achieve all their dreams or lead a life of struggle and pain.
UFOs, ghosts, religion, pagan rituals, urban legends, lucky charms and rituals, curses, witchcraft, astrology, mysticism, magic, and celestial human powers, to name only a few, form a group of behaviors and beliefs called superstitions. According to some sources, superstition means rejecting change or progress, and it is commonly associated with preserving traditions in rural areas far away from the constant fluctuation of trends and technological inventions that fuel and determine city life. Those rural traditions, also called folklore, initially thought of as simply ‘outdated,’ were eventually labeled ‘superstitious’ from the belief that people in rural areas were more prone to hold religion-like behaviors beyond clerical religion boundaries.
We all have certain superstitious precautions, such as avoiding walking under a ladder, knocking on wood when we gloat over other people’s tragedies to protect ourselves from suffering the same or saying ‘bless you’ to a person who just sneezed. However, rituals like throwing salt over your shoulder, avoiding flying or leaving the house on Friday or Tuesday the 13th, or feeling anxiety if it rains on your wedding day may show a deeper superstitious inclination.
According to Sarah Albert in her article “The Psychology of Superstition”, we are basically pursuing more control or certainty over circumstances