Today we are living in a modern age and science is one of the greatest blessings of this age. Science has undoubtedly been a great service for mankind. It is considered that science is the forerunner of all comforts, progress and prosperity. In this era of science and technology, people still believe in many superstitions. Superstitions have prevailed in society since the beginning of civilizations. Our ancestors had some beliefs to have control over people and to form a disciplined society. When our belief gets attached to some unscientific level of garbage in the society ideology that’s superstition. In India, this myth and superstitions have prevailed so much in India that people follow the superstitions blindly without knowing the reason or fact behind it. Further it arise a question that what is the importance of Superstition? For several people engaging with superstitions behavior offers a sense of control and eases anxiety. This is why levels of superstitions rise at times of stress and anxiety. This is mostly the case during times of economic crisis and conflicts. Well, believing on superstition reflects backward thinking and lack of scientific outlook in life. It’s not just dominant in India rather its prevalent in worldwide as well. The very famous number “13”, it is considered to be a cursed number. It explains why many buildings do not have 13th floor. So does it have any proof? No, it totally depends on person’s positive or negative attitude towards it. In fact in India the 13th day of the lunar fortnight is known to be highly auspicious and is called Triyodashi. A belief is valid until and unless it has a scientifically or logical reason behind it. But there are some superstitions which don’t have any explanation. For instance cutting nails on Thursday, saying touchwood, breaking glass etc. While there are many which we one or the other day believed. For instance: Cat crossing path, curd and sugar, etc. Whereas there are some logical explanations also. They are- One should not sleep head facing north. The physics behind this is the magnetic field of the earth. If head is in the north then the magnetic field of earth and body will get aligned which results in blood pressure problems, heart disease etc. That’s why it is advised not to sleep head facing North. Another is sleeping under tree at night. It is advised so because at night trees release carbon dioxide and if we sleep under a tree we will inhale carbon dioxide which will lead to serious health issues. Another taboo superstition is women not allowed in temples during menstruation. Earlier women did not have access to sanitary napkins and temples were at a distance and it is used to be very tiring for them to go there and spend long hours. So women were not allowed to enter the temple rather they were advised to sit at home and take rest. We misinterpreted the concern of our ancestors and what we did, made it a superstition to sit at one corner of the room and not touch anything during those days. It’s not the end here there are many such beliefs which were introduced for our better living but rather we made it a superstition. There are only two energies one is positive and another one is negative energy. If you are positive and believe in yourself you can do wonders. Hence every action has a cause and every cause leads to some consequences. Superstitions are deeply rooted in our society. It could not be driven out of society easily. But we can try to eradicate by teaching our new generation the scientific reason behind it. So that they have a clarity, clear vision of our beliefs. But if this continues the same way, it will badly affect the growth of society. At the end of the day, one should have belief but not SUPERSTITION.
By: Anshu Priya
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