It helps to think rationally

Charmaine Fernando

Rational thought and the advance of science together cast doubt on the real dangers involved yet many of us still feel we ought to be careful. Are you one of those people who believe in grand mother’s tales and grandpa’s yarns?

You are an intelligent woman living in the 21st century with education brightening up your outlook and shedding insights on many intriguing tales and myths. Are you a believer of superstitions? Do you still live in a make believe world of your childhood?

There are hundreds of common daily activities which are linked to superstition, each culture having its variations. Even those of you who say “I’m not superstitious!” have probably at some point tried to avoid walking under a ladder, stepping on cracks, knocked on wood, blessed a person sneezing, or crossed your fingers. Just in case. Here are some of the more common superstitions and their meanings.

It’s bad luck to walk under a ladder

A leaning ladder forms a triangle with the wall and ground. Triangles represent the Holy Trinity, and violating the Trinity by breaking it (walking through it) would put you in league with the devil himself. Considering what Christians did to those who were considered to be in league with the devil, it’s hardly surprising that leaning ladders were avoided at all cost.

Friday the thirteenth

The idea that a this particular date would bring bad luck has its roots in both Norse and Christian beliefs. The Scandinavians believed that the number 13 was unlucky due to the mythological 12 demigods being joined by a 13th, an evil one, who brought misfortune upon man.

Christ was said to have been crucified on Friday and the number of guests at the Last Supper was 13, with the 13th guest being Judas, the traitor.

Black cats

In ancient Egypt, the Goddess Bast was a black, female cat. Christians, wanting to rid society of all traces of other religions, convinced the ignorant that black cats were demons in disguise and should thus be destroyed. The kindly ladies who cared for the cats were often destroyed in the process, being condemned as witches.

A demon black cat crossing your path would create a barrier of evil, cutting you off from God and blocking the entrance to heaven.

Spilling salt

During the middle ages salt has been a very expensive commodity used mainly for medicinal purposes. Spillage was to be avoided at all costs. The idea that it is unlucky to do so probably stems from the belief that Judas spilt salt during the last supper.

Throwing spilt salt over the left shoulder is linked to its medicinal use. If it could not be administered, the next best thing was to throw it into the eye of the evil spirits that brought sickness upon us. These spirits were believed to lurk behind a person’s shoulder, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Fingers crossed

Probably the most widely used superstition these days and used by making the sign of the Christian faith with our fingers thus preventing evil spirits destroying our chances of good fortune.

Knock on wood

This goes back to the days before Christianity made its entrance. It was believed that good spirits lived in trees and that by knocking on anything made from wood we could call upon these spirits for protection against misfortune.

Do you believe in superstitions?

There are many, many more such superstitions. Every culture has them. Perhaps they have survived in our world of scientific explanations due to our desire to keep the child within us, alive. Through superstition, we are able to take part in the world of make believe. Would you rather pass on the myths to another generation?

If you are aware of more superstitions and their meanings do write in with your contact number and we could continue a dialogue on this very relevant subject that affect most of us in our daily lives. After all ladies, this is your own page!

I couldn’t possibly say that I still believe in Father Christmas, but I can say “God Bless You” when anybody sneezes. And just for the record, I don’t like walking under ladders either. Who knows, a tin of paint may just hit me and colour me outright, including my thoughts!