Overview of Superstitions Part 1

Introduction

No matter which part of the world you tour, you will find the people nurturing certain beliefs and superstitions and India is no exception in this case. Though the Indian society is fast progressing, there are many people who are still superstitious and have a strong faith in the local beliefs. Most of the beliefs have originated from Indian religious texts and scriptures. Dharmsindhu, a Sanskrit scripture, prescribes the day-to-day behavioral patterns for the followers of Hindu religion without assigning any reason/logic for its directives. The standard viewpoint is that most of the Indian beliefs have sprung with an objective to protect from evil spirits, but some were based on reasoning.

Superstition is a belief that can be negated by common sense or scientific knowledge based on evidence. With the passage of time, the reasoning part behind the origin of these religious beliefs got eroded. That is exactly why most of these beliefs appear unsubstantiated and false. However, in reality, there are many such beliefs in the Indians culture which are absolutely absurd and have no logic behind them.

Superstitions are deemed as pertinent in India and specially in Maharashtra, because these, generally, hint at future occurrences and can be either good or bad. Thus, anything from the call of a bird to the falling of utensils is considered an (ill) omen in India. Many of the traditional superstitions in India are connected with some particular places, certain body parts, trees, animals, birds and reptiles.

Once upon a time life was extremely hazardous and the central feature of day-to-day existence was a preoccupation with the explanation for the relief of human misfortune. Vagaries of climatic and geographical conditions, hostile neighborhood, fear of predators etc were constant concern of the human society during those days. These things might have influenced for the superstitious behavior which are being carried till date. Witchcraft, women wedded to the gods, marked by the evil eye, stars that affect earthly actions – these are just some superstitious phenomena that inspire fear. We can see the superstition, therefore, as a constancy; a kind of reassurance against fluctuation as though we are part of an impenetrable mystery with incomprehensible rules. All superstitions remain as outward expressions of the tensions and anxieties that hold sway over humanity as it struggles down the corridor of life from birth to death irrespective of education, status and richness.