Superstitious Mythbusters

Superstition is a belief in something, which cannot be explained by the laws of nature and also not by religion. For instance , in Brazil, many people believe that a person can be harmed or even killed by sticking needles in a puppet which represents the person to be harmed . This is called "Voodoo-magic". People who do not believe in such things consider them SUPERSTITION.


India is the only country where science and superstition go hand in hand. While we have sent some powerful rockets into the space, we also fuss about a black cat crossing our path. 

Here are few Superstitious myths which we Indians strongly believe in, but actually have a logical reasons behind them.

1.Do not cut nails after sunset



Myth: 

Indians believe that ,If you cut your nails after sunset, it brings bad luck.In some parts of India, cutting your nails and hair on Saturdays, is also considered bad luck and is said to bring misfortune.

Fact:

In earlier days , there was no electricity or limited supply of electricity, so there was a possibility of getting hurt, which may lead to severe damage. Thats why people from olden days usually avoided cutting nails after sunset. And people still follow it thinking it brings misfortune.

2.Sweeping in the evening.



Myth:

In India, According to the Hindus, Goddess Laxmi is a Goddess of wealth . We believe that Goddess Laxmi generally visits homes in the evenings, and sweeping will drive her away. That's why , no matter how dirty your room is ,your mom will never let you sweep the floor in the evening.

Fact:

In olden days, people owned a lot of gold, treasures and jewels. They hid them in the least expected corners of the house. Since there was no facility of electricity those days, they had to make sure nothing is swept away. Therefore, they usually avoided sweeping after the sun sets. 


3.Black cat crossing your path



Myth:

All around the world, many cultures believe that a black cat crossing your path maybe bad luck. In some history, black cats were associated with the dark witches and were said to be the devil in disguise and were thought as a bad luck.

Fact:

Black cats actually bring good luck. Egyptians worshipped cats. Many cultures even believe that a black cat coming into your house brings good luck and prosperity.


4.Hanging lemon and chillies



Myth:

We have been following this ritual to avoid evil vibes.It is believed to be a great way to avoid the evil eye, especially for houses. Apparently it captures all the evil eyes before they set bad luck on you. Some people even hang them in their vehicles. If you find some lying on the road then you are not supposed to cross it.

Fact:

Lemon and chilly, along with vitamin C , both have some properties which keep insects and other pests away. In a way, it was a way to protect the house from insects' entering. It also draws away the negative energy.


5.Taking bath after attending last rites



Myth:

Indians believe that not taking bath after attending a funeral will lead the evil spirits to enter our house along with us. This belief has come a long way

Fact:

Dead bodies tend to have a lot of germs and bacterias after they decompose. Since we will be around various dead bodies in the cemetry, there might be a possibility those germs might attack you, if you keep them for a longer time. And also in ancient days vaccination and the medical facilities were rare, so people would easily get infected.


6.Women not allowed to enter the kitchen and temples during menstruation



Myth:

We believe that , when women are menstruating they supposedly become unclean and impure. So they can’t enter temples and can’t enter the kitchen and cook food. 

Fact:

The blood loss during menstruation causes weakness and this is a way to ensure proper rest for women. And also, earlier, women did not have the convenience of sanitary napkins and few other pain reliever pills. Hence women were not allowed in the temples so that they could be at home and rest.


7.Curd with sugar before going out 



Myth:

One of the most common indian superstitions, is to have a spoonful of curd with sugar before going out or starting a new journey to guarantee good luck. It is believed that the sweet starting note makes any task a good omen.

Fact:

This superstition of having curd with sugar might be related to the tropical climate where eating curd has a cooling effect on your digestive system, while the sugar adds energy.

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