Bad Luck Superstitions

Superstitions have been a part of human life since times immemorial. Most of the superstitions have had their origin in ancient times, when man was at the mercy of Nature. Neither had he developed the scientific understanding to reason out mishaps, nor did he have modern technologies that would monitor forces of nature and help him recover from onslaught of diseases or natural calamities. The only option that he had was to regard such events with reverence. He spun stories and beliefs, which he believed would protect him from sufferings. These beliefs and customs became superstitions, that have been followed by man over generations. Although science has helped us refute a number of superstitions, some of them are still followed by people of all over the world.

What are Superstitions?

Superstitions are largely considered as irrational beliefs associated with the existence of certain mysterious forces, specially evil spirits, that were supposed to bring bad luck to one unless certain actions were taken to prevent the bad effects. These actions could include modifying an individual's behavior, avoiding certain actions or places or wearing amulets or lucky charms.

Superstitions can be personal or cultural. Personal superstitions are bred from experiences that an individual has during his lifetime. However, cultural superstitions are those that one is supposed to believe in, because they have been followed over generations, by people.

Some Common Bad Luck Superstitions and their Origin

Friday the 13th
There are many different theories about how the number 13 came to be considered an unlucky number. According to Valhalla, an ancient religion, during a feast the home of gods had 12 guests. The God of Deceit was not invited. However, he turned up at the gathering as the thirteenth guest. According to Christianity, The Last Supper had 13 guests, Judas the betrayer being the thirteenth guest. Also since Jesus Christ died on a Friday, Friday the 13th is considered very unlucky, by the Christians.

Walking under a Ladder
Common sense would justify, not walking under a leaning ladder in order to avoid getting hurt, in case the ladder slipped and fell on you. However, according to Christian belief, a leaning ladder formed a triangle with the wall and the ground, that was supposed to represent the Holy Trinity. Walking under such a ladder, was equivalent to violating the Holy Trinity and was supposed to bring bad luck.

Breaking a Mirror
According to Roman culture, one's reflection in the mirror was believed to represent one's soul. Hence breaking the mirror or looking into a broken mirror was supposed to bring seven years of bad luck. The bad luck would be over after seven years as the soul was believed to renew itself every seven years.

Black Cats
Bast was a highly revered Cat goddess, in ancient Egypt. In their bid to wipe out every religion other than Christianity, Christian priests popularized the black cat as a symbol of bad luck. Women who cared for the animals were termed as witches. This superstition was one of the most prevalent superstitions of the Elizabethan Era.

Spilling Salt
It is believed that spilling salt brings bad luck. To undo the bad effects of spilled salt one is advised to throw some salt over the shoulder to prevent bad spirits from following him. The origin of this superstition lies in the fact that salt used to be a very expensive commodity in olden times and was also used to make medicines. Hence, this superstition arose to check people from wasting salt.

Opening of Umbrellas Indoor
Opening umbrellas indoor, was supposed to bring bad luck as in olden times the umbrella was supposed to be used only as a protection against the sun. Hence, opening it indoors was considered as a mark of disrespect to the sun god.

Though most of the superstitions are believed to have originated from the fear of the unknown, few people even find logic behind some of them. For example, while not walking under a ladder can be interpreted as a measure to avoid accident due to a leaning ladder falling on an individual, the superstition of not hanging hats from the bedpost has been justified as a measure to check the spread of head lice. Whatever the reason behind its origin, superstitions have been a part of all cultures and religions of the world, since ancient times to the modern day.