Scared? Find Out Why These 13 Superstitions Began
Superstitions are ways to make sense of things that are out of our control
Superstitions have no basis in science and are often viewed as irrational behaviors. They frequently have a religious foundation, lending these beliefs a mystical element to their rituals. Found in folklore and oral traditions around the world, superstitions have been passed down through the generations and have come to be seen as colorful cultural identifiers.
As to why humans believe in superstitions (and still do today to some extent), very little research has been conducted to offer an explanation. Psychology suggests they grew out of intuitive rather than analytical views of the world. As children, we gain information in the areas of psychology, physics, and biology to help us make sense of reality. Later, as we grow older, we develop a strong desire for control, and when events happen that are outside of our control, we look for ways to explain these occurrences. This is where superstitions can arise. After all, it’s easier to accept a bad harvest because of a witch’s curse than due to simple misfortune.
