There is just a fine line between beliefs and superstitions (read a related post here in Tamil). Especially in a religion as old as ours, there are several beliefs and superstitions that got integrated over time. The superstitions/beliefs can fall in three categories – those that have been validated and are still applicable today, those that were applicable earlier but not valid any more and finally those that were never valid at all.
Let’s look at some superstitions and see if we can discern them:
A cat crossing the path will bring failure
In earlier days, people used to travel on horses or ride bullock-carts. Any sudden appearance of a cat used to startle the animals and causing the rider to fall off. Also, cats have a tendency to drag in dead animals which could be disturbing to some. Hence people used to avoid cats while on a journey. I guess this may not be applicable anymore.
Verdict: An old belief not in sync with today
Seeing a solitary Brahmin on the road will bring bad luck
Again, in earlier days whenever there is bad news to be conveyed, kings and others used to summon learned Brahmins to convey the same. Brahmins those days were very knowledgeable and were able to convey bad news with empathy and compassion. If you may recall, Kamsa asked his minister Akrura (who was a Brahmin) to go to Gokulam and fetch Lord Krishna with an intention to kill him. The Gopikas in Gokulam on seeing Akrura were worried for Krishna on account of this. Turned out, it was bad luck for Kamsa instead! In any case, this belief is not valid anymore.
Verdict: An old belief not in sync with today
Relaxing before continuing when we stumble
When we leave the house sometimes we accidentally stumble on the doorway or on the ceiling. Elders in our house will immediately stop us and ask us to sit for a few minutes and take a drink of water before we start again. This is self-explanatory. Our anxiety or carelessness may have caused us to stumble in the first place. Sitting down and relaxing will help us to gain our composure before going out. This can help avoid any mishaps if we were to continue without stopping.
Verdict: Valid belief
Cawing of crows brings relatives to the house
Crows are aplenty in our country and invariably everyone will hear cawing in their house! But if we believe in this line, we will end up preparing additional food to welcome the relative (or lock the house and leave, but that is for another day!). By doing so, even if we don’t receive a relative, we will look for someone to invite and share the food with them. Isn’t that great?
Verdict: Valid, by all means
Cutting nails or sweeping the house after dark is prohibited
In earlier days, we were dependent on light from the Sun, so all activities that required light were done during day time only. So activities like cutting hair or nails or cleaning etc which require brightness were done in the mornings. Now, however we have good illumination even during night time. However, do note that after a day’s work we will be usually exhausted. Will that be the best time to cut our nails or cleaning ? I will leave it to you to decide.
Verdict: Mostly valid
Pregnant women should not venture out during eclipse time
Today it is scientifically proven that there are harmful radiations that emanate during eclipse time . Hence it is better for all of us to avoid venturing out during those times.
Verdict: Valid belief
Widows should not be part of auspicious occasions
This is one of those beliefs which was originally intended to protect the affected but with the turn of time ended up vilifying them instead. In earlier days, widows spent their lives mostly in mourning. They preferred to live a quiet life in memory of their departed one and preferred not to participate in social events. Do note that it was their choice and not that of the society. Ironically in today’s world, such women want to move away from their grief and they want to blend in while the society is keen on segregating them. Even in scriptures, there is absolutely no reference to this superstition. This is gross injustice and should be corrected.
Verdict: Completely invalid belief
So, what are the other beliefs that you know of? Can you classify them based on the above and give your own verdict?
Rangarajan has been blogging for over 12 years now on various topics. With Thedal, he becomes one with the universe and he is hoping that his search will help him discover the eternal truth. Please join him as he traverses through the universe across temples, philosophies and science!
A very logical analysis of superstitions and myths or truths, Ranga! This is a very interesting topic and some age old practices really have scientific or logical reason behind them while others are not relevant today. Nice classification of the types of superstitions 🙂
Wonderful articulation and very logical and highly analytical categorization of the types of beliefs and sensible reasoning of each one of them . Quite a few beliefs (or should I say practices) come to my mind. I am listing a few below :
1. When we give or get an object from someone the transaction should not happen at the “Nila padi” or entrance door. Although this is associated with the spot where Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu, I think it’s more for the safety of one’s head…if you remember, Nila Padis would have very short ceilings and we would get the head hurt most of the time! However in these days of theft n crime, it sounds very scary to let someone in (I sometimes feel very bad for the delivery boys ..we eye even the genuine folks with a thought of suspicion)
2. Things like salt and chillies shouldn’t be given by hand (while transacting between two persons) . If done, it will result in a big fight between the two parties soon…I think this might have come into being for the simple reason that both chilly and salt are corrosive on the eye… if someone used the same hand to rub their eye , especially after touching the chilly or salt grains their eyes wud go for a toss. We dont have to worry about this these days when the groceries are neatly packaged n insulated..however I am personally unable to let go of this. .as the fear of the fight looms large :)…
Excellent observations Soumya. Both instances are very valid ones and ‘common-sensical’ as well. Thanks for your feedback and please continue to enrich us with your views. Thanks.