Unraveling Superstitions

In a land of myriad traditional beliefs and culture , we Indians havest our extremely prized possession of superstitions . Most people might blow it away as an extremely impractical concept , but in reality these so called " bizarre" superstitions have a scientific reason and cause which authenticate their existence within the norm bound structural society we belong to .

Everyone as a child or an adult has been given at least a teaspoon full of curd and sugar before they head out for an important examination , an interview , a new job ,etcetera etcetera . This is not just for the sake of bringing in good luck like the Cadbury Dairy milk tagline of "kucch Mitha ho jaaye" but has and evident explaination to it . Consuming curd ,which is a form of protein , and has a cooling effect on the stomach, along with sugar , which happens to be a form of complex carbohydrate , providing glucose ,for the better functioning of the brain is a befitting delicacy , keeping in mind the tropical climate of the country . This eventually was given the fancy name of a "good luck charm" potion.

We happen to fear death to such an extent that sleeping with our head towards the North is considered a sin , inviting death , this was obviously the impractical explanation . The actual reason however happens to be the concept of biomagnetism as we are aware of the basic concept of physics where the similar poles of a magnet repels . Hence as we face the North and sleep , it causes health hazards, and in the process invites death ,as stated earlier.

"Mirror mirror on the wall" once broken brings seven years of ominous call. Previously mirrors were not cheap objects , but fragile , luxury items .It was infact the Romans who harnessed this superstition of seven years of bad luck with regard to the mirror.You must be wondering , why seven years ? Why not six ? Why not three? Well the time period was exactly seven years because, the Romans believed that it took seven long years for life to renew itself.

Worth of one rupee . An extra coin of one rupee is considered auspicious as a gift for weddings or any auspicious occasion, because it brings in blessings, good luck ,and happiness , for some it initiates a new cycle . The appropriate reason for such a superstition to last over generations is simply because one, when added to any even sum makes it indivisible between two people and thus seems to bind them together as the division ensures continuity and not an abrupt end . This became more of a mathematical reasoning ,but a remarkable one indeed .

"Ek chutki sindoor ki keemat "
Every married woman is expected to wear vermilion on her forehead as a symbol of their status , that is being married.It doesn't always have to do with patriarchy ,but a tradition that is considered of great significance as the vermilion contains turmeric , lime and a minute portion of Mercury . The metal Mercury cools down the body as it heals the chakra situated near the forehead. Hence increasing the net worth of Sindoor , which is more than just enhancing the beauty and elegance of a bride or a married woman .

No superstition occurred overnight , all of them came into practice with prevailing concepts . There is always a reason behind every action one conducts and it is foolish to rule them out , just because they fall in the category of superstitious beliefs .