What is superstition? And why do people believe in superstition?
Superstition means a belief in supernatural forces resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic, or a false conception of causation.
According to the psychologist, it derives from the belief that a connection exists between co-occurring, non-related events.
Some people, engaging with superstitious behaviors to gives a sense of control and reduces anxiety—which is why levels of superstition increase at times of stress and angst. Indeed, researchers have observed how in Germany between 1918 and 1940 measures of economic threat correlated directly with measures of superstition.
Would you consider yourself a superstitious person if you probably say "bless you" when someone sneezes?
Well, according to our ancestors thought when someone sneezes it is the time that our soul separates from our body. To prevent the devil from stealing the soul the incantation is "bless you".
In the 21st century, those superstitious beliefs still exist. It varies from culture to culture all over the world. Here in the Philippines, superstition is still practiced by some Filipinos especially the old people. They believe that these superstitious beliefs can help them cope with life, sometimes they believe in it because they feel that they are safe from the bad elements and to lessen their fear of the unknown.
Here is some example of Pinoy Superstitions:
Do not fit your wedding dress before your wedding day. They believe that doing said fitting will cost the brides life.
Sweeping the floor at night. They said it will bring you back luck because it means you are sweeping wealth away in the house.
When someone sees you and you appear headless, that means you are about to die. The same belief applies to photograph in which your head appears to be missing.
When three people pose a picture, the one who in the middle will be the first to die.
Crossing paths with a black cat is a bad omen.
Bringing home food served at a wake will bring bad luck. If you do, the dead will follow you home.
Siblings should not marry within the same year or what we so-called "sukob".
Turn your plate when someone leaves in the middle of a meal, to ensure safe travels for the persons leaving.
Serve noodles at celebrations for a long-life.
When your things are missing and reappear, we are accusing elves.
Causes of superstition
Blaming outer situations- people tend to attribute good outcomes to themselves and bad ones to others.
False cause discrimination- when two events happen in progression, we think the preceding event causes the succeeding event.
Filling the gaps- people have a strong intention to explain things and fill in the gaps. And when we can’t understand things with reason, we apply it to superstitious beliefs.
Lack of control- What we can explain, we can usually control. When we have control, we feel powerful. Without control, we’re powerless.
Do I believe in superstition? How about you?
Well, my answer is no but I believe in coincidence, but answering "no" doesn't mean I didn't respect and practice this kind of Philippine culture. There's a saying that better safe than sorry. When I got pregnant, I"m surrounded by old people which is believing in superstition. They have a lot of superstitious beliefs about my pregnancy but it's up to me if I want to follow ad believe in it. But then, I follow half of their advice.
However, we need to respects other beliefs and accept whatever they want, even if you don't agree with them.
I don't believe in superstition but there's a superstition that has a scientific basis.