Are you wary of black cats? Would you hesitate to open an umbrella indoors? And what are your thoughts on the number thirteen? Whether or not you believe in them, you’re likely familiar with these superstitions. But how did such beliefs, like knocking on wood or avoiding sidewalk cracks, become so widespread? Despite lacking scientific basis, many of these peculiar beliefs have equally peculiar origins.
Many superstitions are deeply rooted in religion, often involving supernatural causes. Take the number thirteen, for instance. It is linked to the biblical Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his twelve disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. This association led to the belief that having thirteen people at a table was unlucky, eventually branding the number thirteen as generally inauspicious. This fear, known as triskaidekaphobia, is so prevalent that numerous buildings worldwide skip the thirteenth floor, jumping from twelve to fourteen.
While some people consider the Last Supper a historical event, other superstitions stem from religious traditions that few remember or believe in today. For example, the practice of knocking on wood is thought to originate from ancient Indo-European folklore, where trees were believed to house spirits. Touching a tree was seen as a way to invoke the protection or blessing of these spirits. Remarkably, this tradition has endured long after the belief in such spirits has faded.
Not all superstitions have religious origins; some arise from unfortunate coincidences and associations. In Italy, for example, the number 17 is feared because its Roman numeral, XVII, can be rearranged to spell “vixi,” meaning “my life had ended.” Similarly, in Cantonese, as well as in Japanese and Korean, the word for the number four sounds almost identical to the word for death. The number fourteen, combining the sounds for “one” and “four,” can be interpreted as “must die.” These linguistic quirks lead many elevators and hotels to avoid these numbers.
Interestingly, some superstitions once had practical purposes. In theaters, scenery was managed with large painted backdrops, and stagehands used whistles to communicate. Unintentional whistles could cause accidents, leading to the taboo against whistling backstage, which persists even though stagehands now use radio headsets. Similarly, lighting three cigarettes with one match was considered bad luck for soldiers, as it could attract enemy attention. While modern smokers need not fear snipers, the superstition remains.
Why do people cling to these remnants of forgotten religions, coincidences, and outdated advice? While superstitions may seem irrational, they often stem from cultural habits rather than conscious belief. No one is born knowing to avoid walking under ladders or whistling indoors, but if these warnings are ingrained during childhood, they can cause discomfort even when logically dismissed.
Moreover, superstitions often require minimal effort, making it easier to follow them than to resist. They can also appear to work, thanks to psychological bias. For instance, you might recall hitting a home run while wearing “lucky” socks, forgetting the times you struck out in the same pair. Believing in their efficacy can boost confidence, potentially enhancing performance in situations like sports. In such cases, these seemingly irrational superstitions might not be so irrational after all.
Research the origins of various superstitions mentioned in the article, such as the fear of the number thirteen or knocking on wood. Create a timeline that shows when and where these superstitions began. Include illustrations or images to make your timeline visually appealing.
Conduct a survey among your classmates, family, or friends to find out which superstitions they believe in or follow. Compile the results and create a bar graph or pie chart to display the most common superstitions in your community. Discuss why these superstitions might be prevalent.
In groups, create short skits that depict the origins of different superstitions. For example, one group could act out the Last Supper to explain the fear of the number thirteen, while another could demonstrate ancient people knocking on wood to invoke tree spirits. Perform these skits for the class to help everyone understand the historical context of these beliefs.
Organize a classroom debate on whether superstitions are rational or irrational. Divide the class into two teams, with one side arguing that superstitions have logical explanations or benefits, and the other side arguing that they are purely irrational. Use examples from the article to support your arguments.
Create a scrapbook that collects various superstitions from around the world. Include a description of each superstition, its origin, and any interesting facts. Add drawings, magazine cutouts, or printed images to make your scrapbook engaging. Share your scrapbook with the class and discuss any surprising or unique superstitions you discovered.
Superstitions – Beliefs or practices resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance. – Many people have superstitions about black cats bringing bad luck.
Religion – A system of beliefs, practices, and values often centered around the worship of a higher power or deity. – In religion class, we learned about different faiths around the world.
Beliefs – Ideas or convictions that people hold to be true, often without proof. – Her beliefs about kindness and honesty guide her actions every day.
Number – A mathematical object used to count, measure, and label, often holding symbolic meaning in various cultures. – The number seven is often considered lucky in many cultures.
Thirteen – A number often associated with bad luck in some cultures and superstitions. – Some buildings skip the thirteenth floor due to superstitions.
Psychology – The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior. – In psychology class, we learned about how emotions can influence decision-making.
Spirits – Supernatural beings or forces often believed to influence the physical world. – Some cultures believe that spirits of ancestors watch over their families.
Luck – The force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, often beyond their control. – Finding a four-leaf clover is said to bring good luck.
Culture – The shared beliefs, customs, arts, and institutions of a group of people. – Each culture has its own unique traditions and celebrations.
Traditions – Customs or beliefs passed down from generation to generation. – One of our family traditions is to have a big dinner together every Sunday.
