Where do superstitions come from? - Stuart Vyse

Summary

This script explores the origins of various superstitions, such as the fear of black cats, umbrellas indoors, and the number thirteen. It delves into religious roots, like triskaidekaphobia stemming from the Last Supper, and cultural habits like knocking on wood for protection. The narrative also touches on coincidental origins, like the Italian fear of the number 17, and how some superstitions, like not whistling backstage, persist despite their practical reasons fading. It concludes by discussing the psychological benefits of superstitions, suggesting they can provide a sense of control and boost confidence.

Takeaways

• 🐱 Many superstitions, such as black cats and avoiding the number 13, are widespread and well-known despite lacking scientific basis.
• 🙏 Superstitions often have religious origins, such as the fear of 13, which stems from the Last Supper and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• 🌳 Knocking on wood may come from ancient Indo-European beliefs in tree spirits, seeking protection or blessings from the spirits within trees.
• 🌍 Some modern superstitions, like those in Russia and Ireland, may be remnants of older pagan religions that were replaced by Christianity.
• 🔢 Certain numbers are considered unlucky in various cultures due to linguistic or symbolic associations, like 17 in Italy and 4 in Chinese-speaking countries.
• 🎭 Theaters have superstitions like avoiding whistling backstage, which originated from the practical dangers of confusing stagehands who used whistles for communication.
• 🚬 Lighting three cigarettes with one match was once considered bad luck because it could reveal soldiers’ positions to enemy snipers.
• 🎲 Superstitions, despite being irrational, persist as cultural habits rather than deeply held beliefs. They are often ingrained during childhood.
• 🌿 Many superstitions are easy to follow, and people adhere to them out of habit, even if they don't believe in them consciously.
• 🏅 Superstitions may give people a psychological boost, increasing confidence in situations like sports, even if they are logically unfounded.

Q & A

Why do many people fear the number thirteen?

The fear of the number thirteen, called triskaidekaphobia, is linked to the biblical Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his twelve disciples before being arrested and crucified. This led to the belief that having thirteen people at a table is bad luck, which eventually expanded into the general superstition that thirteen is an unlucky number.

What is the origin of the superstition of knocking on wood?

Knocking on wood is believed to have originated from the ancient Indo-Europeans or even earlier cultures, who thought trees were home to spirits. Touching or knocking on wood was thought to invoke the protection or blessing of the spirits within the trees.

Why do some buildings skip the thirteenth floor?

Because triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number thirteen, is so common, many buildings skip the thirteenth floor. The numbers go directly from twelve to fourteen in an attempt to avoid bad luck.

What is the reason behind the superstition surrounding the number 17 in Italy?

In Italy, the number 17 is considered unlucky because the Roman numeral for 17, XVII, can be rearranged to spell 'vixi,' which means 'my life had ended' in Latin.

How is the number four viewed in certain East Asian cultures?

In Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean, the word for the number four sounds similar to the word for death. Additionally, since the word for one can mean 'must,' the number fourteen sounds like 'must die,' leading to its avoidance in many elevators and hotels.

What is the origin of the superstition about not whistling backstage in theaters?

The superstition comes from a time when stagehands communicated by whistling to raise and lower backdrops. Whistling accidentally could cause dangerous mishaps. Although modern stagehands use headsets now, the superstition against whistling backstage persists.

Why is lighting three cigarettes with the same match considered bad luck?

This superstition originated during wartime, when lighting three cigarettes with one match could give an enemy sniper enough time to locate and fire at the soldiers. Although this risk no longer applies, the superstition lives on.

Why do people still follow superstitions, even if they know they are irrational?

Superstitions are often followed due to cultural habit rather than belief. People grow up learning these customs, and even if they know nothing bad will happen, they feel uncomfortable not following them. Additionally, superstitions are easy to follow and often seem to work, reinforcing the behavior.

How can superstitions improve performance, like in sports?

Believing in a superstition, such as wearing 'lucky socks,' can create the illusion of greater control, boosting a person's confidence. This psychological boost can improve performance, making the superstition seem effective.

Are superstitions always tied to religion?

Not all superstitions are based in religion. Some arise from cultural habits, coincidences, or outdated practical advice. For example, the superstition against whistling backstage and lighting three cigarettes with the same match have practical origins unrelated to religion.