Hi Friends,
We all know of superstitions which we hear and follow in our daily lives. If we look deeply, there is either logic, a myth, or history behind it...
I've started this thread so that we could discuss 'what lies behind the superstition'. As we Indians have inherited a large list of superstitions, we sure have many stories to tell....
To start with, here are some stories....
1. If you break a mirror - you have seven years of bad luck
Let’s find out the truth behind this one.
Long before mirrors were invented, people used to see their reflections in pools of water. Since they had no scientific knowledge at the time, they believed this reflection to be their soul or their other self; hence, they believed that any interference with the other self would injure it.
Hence when mirrors were invented, and they were broken, it was thought that the other self was harmed.
And where did this seven year thing come in? Well, the Roman belief was that life renewed itself every seven years. And, since a mirror meant "broken" health, it was believed that the person who broke it would need seven years to recover.
2. One must not walk under a ladder
This one probably has a logic. Since obviously if a person walks under a ladder, the person on it (carpenter, painter) may accidentally drop his stuff on you. Also, the ladder itself could fall on you; hence, it's best to avoid walking under ladders....
From India, Mumbai
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5We all know of superstitions which we hear and follow in our daily lives. If we look deeply, there is either logic, a myth, or history behind it...
I've started this thread so that we could discuss 'what lies behind the superstition'. As we Indians have inherited a large list of superstitions, we sure have many stories to tell....
To start with, here are some stories....
1. If you break a mirror - you have seven years of bad luck
Let’s find out the truth behind this one.
Long before mirrors were invented, people used to see their reflections in pools of water. Since they had no scientific knowledge at the time, they believed this reflection to be their soul or their other self; hence, they believed that any interference with the other self would injure it.
Hence when mirrors were invented, and they were broken, it was thought that the other self was harmed.
And where did this seven year thing come in? Well, the Roman belief was that life renewed itself every seven years. And, since a mirror meant "broken" health, it was believed that the person who broke it would need seven years to recover.
2. One must not walk under a ladder
This one probably has a logic. Since obviously if a person walks under a ladder, the person on it (carpenter, painter) may accidentally drop his stuff on you. Also, the ladder itself could fall on you; hence, it's best to avoid walking under ladders....
From India, Mumbai
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In our school time, I hope you remember, girls used to keep peacock feathers in the books, saying that the feather would give birth to another feather. How stupid a thought it was, right? If we hit a person's head with our head, we must hit again; otherwise, a horn will grow on our head - another belief. I will post more sikha when it comes to my mind.
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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The thought of finding a bears hair in the first place will automatically wipe away bad dreams. A person will think...."chup chap so hi jaata hoon..."
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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They even say to keep knife below below or broom stick near you so that ghost will not come to u. Ha ha ha how silly it sounds na....
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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bachpan mein main sota nahi tha, to meri maa bolti thi, ki sojaa bache nahi to gabaar aajayega, and i used to wake up and wait for gabbar to come
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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One cute belief that always amuses me is kids keeping their fallen milk tooth under the pillow, on the belief that the Tooth Fairy visits them and changes the tooth into a coin!
This practice originated long ago in Europe. There was a belief that fallen milk teeth should be buried because they believed a witch would get hold of the tooth and place a curse on the child. This later changed with the developments of the fast-paced world!
From India, Madras
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This practice originated long ago in Europe. There was a belief that fallen milk teeth should be buried because they believed a witch would get hold of the tooth and place a curse on the child. This later changed with the developments of the fast-paced world!
From India, Madras
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hA HA HA Raviiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii U Thought a leson to all the Mothers in the world not to play with intelligent babies...........
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Not only that slippers as well. And when we carry non veg we should place a charcoal or red chillies.
From India, Madras
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They even say that if you have seen marriage in your dream, then someone is going to die.
If you see death in your dream, something good is going to happen.
If you see blood in your dream, then it's the devil.
If a snake bites and blood comes out, then it's a very good sign.
If you see money and gold in your dream, then you need to be safe.
From India, Madras
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If you see death in your dream, something good is going to happen.
If you see blood in your dream, then it's the devil.
If a snake bites and blood comes out, then it's a very good sign.
If you see money and gold in your dream, then you need to be safe.
From India, Madras
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Another famous belief is that in order to predict the sex of a baby: Suspend a wedding band held by a piece of thread over the palm of the pregnant girl. If the ring swings in an oval or circular motion, the baby will be a girl. If the ring swings in a straight line, the baby will be a boy.
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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I hope this is most popular belief between friends...........No friend gifts a kerchief to another friend bcoz of the fear of losing them
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Hey Malini, if you know the logic behind these, please share. I'll share one:
I hope this is the most popular belief among friends. No friend gifts a kerchief to another friend because of the fear of losing them.
We sneeze, cough, wipe our faces and hands with our kerchiefs. Hence, to prevent the passing of germs and diseases, we must never share our handkerchiefs. In old times, since people were unaware of the causes of diseases, this myth must have come into existence. :)
From India, Mumbai
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I hope this is the most popular belief among friends. No friend gifts a kerchief to another friend because of the fear of losing them.
We sneeze, cough, wipe our faces and hands with our kerchiefs. Hence, to prevent the passing of germs and diseases, we must never share our handkerchiefs. In old times, since people were unaware of the causes of diseases, this myth must have come into existence. :)
From India, Mumbai
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Hey Shikha,
If that were true, I should have been dead as this has happened to me. I was drawing the curtains of the living room and yo, a lizard jumped on my head and then off my head ran under the sofa. I had a bath after that, but you see, I am still alive after 13 years!!
From India, Pune
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If that were true, I should have been dead as this has happened to me. I was drawing the curtains of the living room and yo, a lizard jumped on my head and then off my head ran under the sofa. I had a bath after that, but you see, I am still alive after 13 years!!
From India, Pune
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Some other popular superstitions are if a person hiccups, it is believed that someone is talking about him or remembering him. One theory holds that this is a way of keeping alive the memory of family members who are travelling or live far away.
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Breaking a mirror is extremely inauspicious. This belief is meant to urge caution while handling something as fragile and potentially injurious as glass, as most people were barefoot inside the house
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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When the right hand itches, it means good luck, and the reverse applies to the left hand. This relates simply to the clean (right) and unclean (left) sides of the body. Paradoxically, twitching of the right eye is considered inauspicious, and of the left eye, auspicious.
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Many people look at the palms of their hands as soon as they awaken and recite this invocation: "In the tips of the fingers resides Lakshmi; in the middle, Sarasvati; in the palm of the hand resides Parvati; looking at my hands, I begin my day."
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Food is not cooked in a house where death has occurred. This belief probably results from the fact that when a death occurs in a family, the relatives of the deceased are, and have neither the desire nor the time to cook. This practice also reinforces the sense of community at times of trouble.
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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That's true, Malii. I have experienced it.
Once, I was walking on the road, and a guy teased me. He had been doing it for a very long time, but that day I could not control my anger and cursed him that he will fall and have blood. When I got back home, my grandma said, "Never curse anyone; 'thathasthu' devatha will be listening from the sky in the evening times." The next day, I saw that guy with a band-aid on his hands and leg. He said he fell because I stared at him, and then he never came in front of me again.
Two or three incidents happened like this. So, I trust it.
From India, Madras
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Once, I was walking on the road, and a guy teased me. He had been doing it for a very long time, but that day I could not control my anger and cursed him that he will fall and have blood. When I got back home, my grandma said, "Never curse anyone; 'thathasthu' devatha will be listening from the sky in the evening times." The next day, I saw that guy with a band-aid on his hands and leg. He said he fell because I stared at him, and then he never came in front of me again.
Two or three incidents happened like this. So, I trust it.
From India, Madras
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If left hand itches we will get money and if right hand itches we will spend... It is true.. If our toe itches it means we are going to travel this is also true dear
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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The latest demonstration of superstitions in India: An Indian man married a female dog to redeem himself for stoning two dogs to death. About 15 years ago, when he killed those two dogs, he suffered from some form of paralysis and lost hearing in one ear. An astrologer informed him that he was cursed for his bad deed and marrying a dog was the only remedy.
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Funny but serious!
When will the people learn? The most important fact to worry about here is that knowledgeable people, even the astrologers, take advantage of these poor 'cursed' individuals in search of their personal benefit. Nowadays, we hear numerous news stories about women 'suffering' under swamijis. They call it attaining the destination of life - how stupid.
Another addition: Do you know the South Indian Actress Kushbu? She is being worshipped as a Goddess in a village, and a separate temple is built for her.
Thanks to all for sharing in this useful topic.
From India, Madras
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When will the people learn? The most important fact to worry about here is that knowledgeable people, even the astrologers, take advantage of these poor 'cursed' individuals in search of their personal benefit. Nowadays, we hear numerous news stories about women 'suffering' under swamijis. They call it attaining the destination of life - how stupid.
Another addition: Do you know the South Indian Actress Kushbu? She is being worshipped as a Goddess in a village, and a separate temple is built for her.
Thanks to all for sharing in this useful topic.
From India, Madras
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in evenings especially on fridays you should not speak worse / bad. coz of tathahastu gods, also three people should not go out / start a job... Dreams in the early morning are expected to come true.
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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No, friend, I said 'I' would die 'cause I'm so scared of lizards... :-D
And anyway, I don't think we must believe in such things; that is why I've started this thread to bust superstitions and find out how they were formed.......
From India, Mumbai
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And anyway, I don't think we must believe in such things; that is why I've started this thread to bust superstitions and find out how they were formed.......
From India, Mumbai
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With thousnads on crows in Mumbai, atleast one or two are always crowing on the window.... :)
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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I will surely share the story!
In our country, the mothers will scare us if we do not sleep at night, saying, "Tiger will come, lion will come, sleep, sleep." That is a very bad thing to do with a child. A kid must be brought up as a brave person. Please find my post on how animals are treated as friends at https://www.citehr.com/180461-lujan-zoo.html. It's amazing.
From India, Madras
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In our country, the mothers will scare us if we do not sleep at night, saying, "Tiger will come, lion will come, sleep, sleep." That is a very bad thing to do with a child. A kid must be brought up as a brave person. Please find my post on how animals are treated as friends at https://www.citehr.com/180461-lujan-zoo.html. It's amazing.
From India, Madras
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Why Namaste?
In India, people were reluctant to shake hands. This is not an idle fancy or superstition because every person has a magnetic exhalation. A person may be in perfect physical health, but his exhalation may be harmful to others who are sensitive to such subtle influences. These magnetic exhalations are more intense from the eyes, palms, fingers, soles of the feet, etc. Hence, the reluctance to shake hands. Careful physicians wash their hands before leaving each patient. Just like physical disease, impure magnetism can be communicated by touch.
Again, we see that superstition/tradition among the Hindus of not shaking hands with others is the foundation for spiritual life, of not allowing one's magnetism to become impure by external influences!
From India, Mumbai
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In India, people were reluctant to shake hands. This is not an idle fancy or superstition because every person has a magnetic exhalation. A person may be in perfect physical health, but his exhalation may be harmful to others who are sensitive to such subtle influences. These magnetic exhalations are more intense from the eyes, palms, fingers, soles of the feet, etc. Hence, the reluctance to shake hands. Careful physicians wash their hands before leaving each patient. Just like physical disease, impure magnetism can be communicated by touch.
Again, we see that superstition/tradition among the Hindus of not shaking hands with others is the foundation for spiritual life, of not allowing one's magnetism to become impure by external influences!
From India, Mumbai
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Here is the corrected version with proper spelling, grammar, and paragraph formatting:
It is considered inauspicious to look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. The story goes that the moon laughed at Ganesh's gait. The humiliated Ganesha cursed it, saying that anyone who watched the moon on that day would face a false accusation.
From India, Madras
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It is considered inauspicious to look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. The story goes that the moon laughed at Ganesh's gait. The humiliated Ganesha cursed it, saying that anyone who watched the moon on that day would face a false accusation.
From India, Madras
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[Brief story:]
On one of his birthdays, Lord Ganesha was traveling around house to house on his mouse, his vehicle. He was accepting sweets from people from the houses. Suddenly his mouse saw a snake and was shaken. Ganesha stumbled and fell to the ground. Ganesha's stomach split apart. Ganesha quickly took the snake and tied it around his stomach. The Moon, which was watching from above in the sky, could not control itself and burst out laughing. Slighted, Ganesha pulled out one of his tusks and threw it at the Moon. Even to this day, the moon is cursed. If you look at the moon on Ganesha Chaturthi, that is Ganesh's birthday, it is believed that it will bring bad luck.
From India, Madras
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On one of his birthdays, Lord Ganesha was traveling around house to house on his mouse, his vehicle. He was accepting sweets from people from the houses. Suddenly his mouse saw a snake and was shaken. Ganesha stumbled and fell to the ground. Ganesha's stomach split apart. Ganesha quickly took the snake and tied it around his stomach. The Moon, which was watching from above in the sky, could not control itself and burst out laughing. Slighted, Ganesha pulled out one of his tusks and threw it at the Moon. Even to this day, the moon is cursed. If you look at the moon on Ganesha Chaturthi, that is Ganesh's birthday, it is believed that it will bring bad luck.
From India, Madras
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If we see the moon on the third day of Ganesh Chaturthi, it is good. When the Moon pleaded and cried, Ganesh gave a wish to the moon that if anyone sees him on the third day of Ganesh Chaturthi, it is good. The curse was not to see that moon that day. If they see it, they will receive blame for an undone mistake.
Remedy:
In case any of you see it by mistake, you can take a bowl of milk to the terrace, see the reflection of the moon in that milk, pray to the moon, and drink it.
From India, Madras
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Remedy:
In case any of you see it by mistake, you can take a bowl of milk to the terrace, see the reflection of the moon in that milk, pray to the moon, and drink it.
From India, Madras
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Hmm, tomorrow I am on leave from the office. My grandma requested me to stay home as my husband's horoscope predicts the solar eclipse could have an effect. Despite that, I need to attend to household chores like washing the house, cleaning the Pooja room, visiting the temple, and then returning home.
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Wedding Superstitions in the West
The poem goes: Married in White, you have chosen right, Married in Grey, you will go far away, Married in Black, you will wish yourself back, Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead, Married in Green, ashamed to be seen, Married in Blue, you will always be true, Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl, Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow, Married in Brown, you will live in the town, Married in Pink, your spirit will sink. Also, it is bad luck to use red roses in the bridal bouquet.
Doesn't apply to us Indians at all! For us, red, pink, yellow are the most auspicious colors, especially for weddings...and white, on the other hand, is completely out of weddings.
From India, Mumbai
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The poem goes: Married in White, you have chosen right, Married in Grey, you will go far away, Married in Black, you will wish yourself back, Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead, Married in Green, ashamed to be seen, Married in Blue, you will always be true, Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl, Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow, Married in Brown, you will live in the town, Married in Pink, your spirit will sink. Also, it is bad luck to use red roses in the bridal bouquet.
Doesn't apply to us Indians at all! For us, red, pink, yellow are the most auspicious colors, especially for weddings...and white, on the other hand, is completely out of weddings.
From India, Mumbai
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Yes Sika , my wedding happenned in yellowwwwwww My God.. My Mother in law family consider yellow and green as important colourssssss
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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I will do anything my grandma (Mom's Mom) says. She is my life.
Sometimes we tend to believe superstitions because they believe it.
Last night, I suffered from back pain and never had a good sleep. My hubby was holding my hand throughout the night. Today morning, I received a call from my grandma that she dreamed that I cried in back pain. I was saying, "Ammama, it is paining." This is love that is endless. I am lucky to have a grandma like this. Hope all of us are lucky.
"So sweet Nithya, you are a perfect example of the Indian woman... working woman in touch with her home and culture." - Shikha_Singh
From India, Madras
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Sometimes we tend to believe superstitions because they believe it.
Last night, I suffered from back pain and never had a good sleep. My hubby was holding my hand throughout the night. Today morning, I received a call from my grandma that she dreamed that I cried in back pain. I was saying, "Ammama, it is paining." This is love that is endless. I am lucky to have a grandma like this. Hope all of us are lucky.
"So sweet Nithya, you are a perfect example of the Indian woman... working woman in touch with her home and culture." - Shikha_Singh
From India, Madras
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Co-incidentally, my right palm is itching continuously today .... I know my good luck.... Im going shopping today :icon10:
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Malii if ur right hand itches u will spend more dear... If left hand itches u will receive money so today stay at home calmly
From India, Madras
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Yes.. But some expense can occur to Mallii and sikha very soon... u may or may not share here but u guyss will remember me while spending it.........
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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No, dear. I told you before, if your right hand itches, you will spend money. That's been my experience... It's not a black spot on the tongue, dear. It's your right hand!! Do you believe it now? Hmm... even if it costs 10 rupees, it is still considered...
From India, Madras
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People say that when they are going out, one should not ask, "Where are you going?" If someone asks, work will not happen. The reason behind this is if you are going for a very personal reason, then you can't tell them. That's why elders advise in this way. Does this seem logical?
Regards, Nagendra Krishna MSW HR-Student
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Regards, Nagendra Krishna MSW HR-Student
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Yes Nagendra I agree. Also, it is sometimes irritating if some one unwanted asks you where you are going, so the superstition must have been formulated....
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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I would like to point out an interesting thing. Some "superstitions" are not really superstitions. One has to be broadminded and consider this subject matter thoughtfully.
Understanding Superstitions: A Broader Perspective
For example, in India, there is a superstition that if a cat (especially a black one) happens to cross your path when you are on your way for some important task, then that task is not going to be accomplished, and you have to turn back. Of course, many "scientific" and "rational" minded people will immediately reject it as superstition and would say it makes no sense. But if you consider the hand of God in our lives, according to Indian Vedic philosophy, events such as these (in this case a black cat crossing your path) are just an indication (a "signal") by the agents of God. It is God's way of telling you that your task is not going to be accomplished, just as a bright red traffic signal tells you that a vehicle must stop. Now, what is the scientific reason behind the red light causing a vehicle to stop? It is just a "message" to say that "stop! there is danger ahead." Similarly, God has His way of arranging "signals" for us through His agents (nature, demigods, etc.).
Now, one may say, if I plan and make a cat cross a person's path while he is about to get some important work done, and still his work does get accomplished, then this idea is proved false. But here the signal or event has occurred artificially and not by its own accord (by God's plan). If one actually investigates such events and analyzes their consequences, one shall find them to be so.
From India, Pune
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Understanding Superstitions: A Broader Perspective
For example, in India, there is a superstition that if a cat (especially a black one) happens to cross your path when you are on your way for some important task, then that task is not going to be accomplished, and you have to turn back. Of course, many "scientific" and "rational" minded people will immediately reject it as superstition and would say it makes no sense. But if you consider the hand of God in our lives, according to Indian Vedic philosophy, events such as these (in this case a black cat crossing your path) are just an indication (a "signal") by the agents of God. It is God's way of telling you that your task is not going to be accomplished, just as a bright red traffic signal tells you that a vehicle must stop. Now, what is the scientific reason behind the red light causing a vehicle to stop? It is just a "message" to say that "stop! there is danger ahead." Similarly, God has His way of arranging "signals" for us through His agents (nature, demigods, etc.).
Now, one may say, if I plan and make a cat cross a person's path while he is about to get some important work done, and still his work does get accomplished, then this idea is proved false. But here the signal or event has occurred artificially and not by its own accord (by God's plan). If one actually investigates such events and analyzes their consequences, one shall find them to be so.
From India, Pune
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Sorry to interrupt, but the thread is interesting. As mentioned, cutting our nails at night likely originated from a time when the only available light source after evening was the moon. Therefore, the cut pieces would scatter in the house, creating an unhygienic environment.
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Although I am not superstitious, I do listen to what my intuition says, and this has helped me many times. I am sure many people are intuitive and feel something is going to go wrong. Somehow, I always get a feeling when my life is going to change; maybe a premonition, you can say. I trust it and have seen changes happening. A couple of times, I did not want to go out, and it so happened that I lost things when I did go forcefully, or something terrible happened which I did not want. So, maybe I am crazy, but I still follow these things.
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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