Fear And Superstitions

Superstition is the fear of what is mysterious and unknown . It is the belief that certain events bring good or bad luck which cannot be explained by reason or science. In short, superstition means blind belief. Superstition is a worldwide phenomenon. People in every country believe in one or the other superstition.


Superstitions have come down to us from ancient times. They were at the mercy of natural elements. They did not understand the causes of physical changes taking place around them. They respected and worshipped the force of nature like the sun, the moon, fire, wind, water, storms, etc. They believed that diseases were caused by the wrath of gods as well as evil spirits. They tried to satisfy the gods with offerings, prayers, sacrifices, etc. They tried to ward off evil spirits by offering sacrifices. Thus, it is fear which gave rise to superstition.


There are certain common superstitions which are shared by all the people in the world. Belief in spirits, ghosts and witches; the cries of certain birds like owl and ravens and mewing of cats are superstitions followed all over the globe. It is also a common belief that when comets are seen, they portend the death of great man.


Some superstitions are supposed to bring good luck or happiness. People believe that meeting a Shudra on one's way for some work brings success. If one finds a horse-shoe and brings it hoe it could bring luck to the finder and the family. Breaking of crockery on the occasion of marriage ceremony is regarded as auspicious.


The world today is governed by science. Science has made life easy and man has advanced a lot. Superstitions have no applications in today's life. So we, should not follow the superstitions that were passed on to us by our ancestors.