Superstitions
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Superstitions
DEDICATION
This is an extremely ordinary effort to pay a tribute to
enormous efforts and hard work done by our parents, teachers,
old fellows, seniors of IT department of our university. Our
teacher taught us with whole devotion and according to the best
of their knowledge; they tried to impart every piece of
knowledge, which was concern to our syllabus. Moreover, our
parents provided ever essential thing to us so we dedicate this
assignment to our dearest Mothers, fathers, best teacher
especially M’am Namra Khalid and to our friends.
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Superstitions
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We are indebted to many individuals who have contributed in the
development of our Assignment. First, we owe our profound thanks to
Almighty of ALLAH the lord of the world, for blessing us with the ability,
spirit, courage and strength to complete this assignment. Second, we wish
to thank those many individuals who reviewed our assignment. We have tried
to retain all the features in the assignment. We would like to thank our
lecturer’s that there patience and suggestions were essential. Especially
thanks to our teacher M’am Namra Khalid for helping in our project.
We would like to mention certain people for their invaluable
cooperation and help to us. These lines are not sufficient enough to express.
Debit of gratitude we owe for the encouragement received from these
sources.
And thanks to all individual who took part directly or indirectly in
accomplishment of this assignment.
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Superstitions
UNIVERSITY OF WAH
QUAID AVENUE, WAHCANTT.
SUPERSITITIONS
(Assignment)
Presented to:
M’am Namra Khalid.
Presented by:
Tahzeeb Khan.
Iqra Ameer.
Sania Tariq.
Jarar Ahmad.
BS (Hons.) Computer Sciences
BS-CS-2nd
‘B’
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Superstitions
Superstitions have been a part of human life since times immemorial. Most of the
superstitions have had their origin in ancient times, when man was at the mercy of
Nature. Neither had he developed the scientific understanding to reason out mishaps, nor
did he have modern technologies that would monitor forces of nature and help him
recover from onslaught of diseases or natural calamities. The only option that he had was
to regard such events with reverence. He spun stories and beliefs, which he believed
would protect him from sufferings. These beliefs and customs became superstitions that
have been followed by man over generations. Although science has helped us refute a
number of them, some are still followed by people all over the world.
Superstitions began centuries ago when our ancestors tried to explain mysterious
circumstances or events as best as they could with the knowledge they had.
Superstitions:
Superstitions can be defined as, “Irrational beliefs, especially with regard to the
unknown”
Superstitions are largely considered as irrational beliefs associated with the existence of
certain mysterious forces, specially evil spirits, which were supposed to bring bad luck
to one unless certain actions were taken to prevent the bad effects. These actions could
include modifying an individual's behavior, avoiding certain actions or places or wearing
amulets or lucky charms.
Superstitions can be personal or cultural. Personal ones are bred from experiences that
an individual has, during his lifetime. However, cultural ones are those that one is
supposed to believe in, because they have been followed over generations, by people.
Origin of Superstitions:
The origin of superstitions can be traced to beliefs people held, in the olden times. Fear
about the unseen, less knowledge about the forces of nature and lack of general
awareness laid the foundation of certain beliefs in society. These beliefs might have
lacked logic, but there was nothing that could convince people otherwise. There was
nothing to prove how baseless the beliefs were. They were passed from one generation
to another until there were some who put their foot down to disapprove them. Some
superstitious beliefs even became social norms. With passing time, some superstitions
were rendered false, while others 'succeeded' in establishing themselves as truths!
The easiest and most obvious classification of superstitions puts them under two
categories, namely good luck superstitions and bad luck superstitions. Superstitions are
based on just these two things, good luck or bad luck. There is a lot of symbolism
involved; for instance a black cat, a dead bird, an open umbrella, the number 13 and
spilled salt symbolize bad luck, while a falling star, a horseshoe, a rabbit's foot and the
number 7 are popularly associated with good luck. Just the presence or absence of these
things is believed to prove lucky or unlucky. Is getting lucky or unlucky so easy?! Here
we take a look at some of the most popular good and bad luck superstitions and their
origins.
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Superstitions
Good Luck Superstitions and their Origin:
 Lucky Horseshoes: A horseshoe is one of the widely known good luck charms. The
shape of a horseshoe, a typical U, similar to that of a crescent moon. Superstition has
that witches fear horses and hence horseshoes are believed to keep the witches away.
Horseshoes have been used as protection from the evil in many European and Middle
Eastern households.
 Knocking on Wood mean: According to Romans, good spirits lived in trees. They
believed that touching anything made out of wood could be used as the means to call
these spirits and seek protection from bad luck.
 Lucky Rabbit’s Foot: A rabbit’s foot is another widely known good luck symbols and
one of the oldest ones in use. Carrying a rabbit’s foot (the left hind) is believed to bring
good luck.
 Finding a Penny: Finding a penny and picking it up is believed to bring a day of good
luck. Any metal was considered God’s gift to mankind.
 Lucky Little Ladybugs: Ladybugs are considered to be symbols of good luck.
According to an old tale, there was a time when the insects were destroying all the crops.
The little ladybugs ate the insects away and the crops were saved. Probably this is how
the ladybug superstition originated.
 God Bless You: During the sixth century, it was believed that a sneeze expelled evil
spirits from the body. It was then later believed that your soul could escape your body
though a sneeze and that by saying “God Bless You,” you could immediately stuff it
back inside where it belonged.
 White rabbits: On the first day of the month it is lucky to say “white rabbits, white
rabbits” before uttering your first word of the day.
 Catch falling leaves in autumn: Catch falling leaves in autumn and you will have good
luck. Every leaf means a lucky month next year.
Bad luck Superstitions and Their Origins:
 Breaking a Mirror: According to Roman culture It was once believed that one’s
reflection in a mirror represented their soul. If you were to break that reflection, it would
then be harmful to your soul. The bad luck would be over after seven years as the soul
was believed to renew itself every seven years. Now why 7 years? There’s a story again.
In the olden times, if you were guilty of breaking someone’s mirror, you had to be a
servant in that house for seven years. It was in the times when mirrors were very
expensive and rare, and breaking one meant spending a bomb to replace it.
 Walking Under a Ladder: According to Christian belief, when leaning against a wall,
a ladder forms a triangle that represents the holy trinity. When you walk underneath it,
you insult god.
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Superstitions
 The number 13th
: Ancient Egyptians associated the number 13 with death, in the bible;
Judas was the 13th
guest to the Last Supper. Additionally, in Roman lore witches were
believed to gather in groups of 12. The 13th
member of their group. Probably the oldest
association of ill luck with Friday is that Adam and Eve were forced to leave the Garden
of Eden on a Friday.
 If You Sleep With Your Feet Towards A Door Someone Will Steal Your Soul: Before
being buried, dead folks are often put in this exact position.
 Opening Umbrellas Indoors: Putting up an umbrella indoors, especially one which has
not been opened outdoors is believed to bring bad luck. In the olden times, opening an
umbrella in the shade was considered as an insult of Sun God. Superstition has that
dropping an umbrella on the floor might indicate a murder in the house.
 Black Cats bring Bad Luck: The origin of this superstition can be traced to ancient
Egypt. Back then, their goddess Bast was a female black cat. Christians, at that time,
wanting to eradicate all other religions from society, convinced people that black cats
were demons. Thus a black cat crossing someone’s path began being considered as evil.
In England, black cats are believed to bring good luck. Some believe cats can see spirits
and can hence guard you against evil spirits. In Yorkshire, black cats are believed to
guide fishermen safely home.
 Birds and Bad Luck: Killing a sparrow brings bad luck, as these birds are believed to
carry the souls of the dead. It is believed that hearing an owl’s cry is an indication that
death or ill-luck will follow. Peacock feathers are considered as symbols of the ‘evil
eye’. A robin flying in through a window is believed to presage death. Old superstitions
considered crows as being messengers of bad news.
 Spilling Salt: Salt was a very precious, expensive commodity in the middle ages and
was widely used for medicinal purposes. If you were to spill any salt, you were then to
immediately throw it over your left shoulder to strike the nasty spirits in the eye, thus
preventing sickness.
GENERAL SUPERSTITIONS
Food superstitions
 Boiled egg: When finished eating a boiled egg, push the spoon through the bottom of
the empty shell to let the devil out.
 Bread: In Yorkshire, housewives used to believe the bread would not rise if there was a
dead body in the vicinity, and to cut off both ends of the loaf would make the devil fly
over the house!
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Superstitions
Table superstitions
 Table knife: If you drop a table knife expect a male visitor, if you drop a fork a female
visitor.
 Plate: Crossed cutlery on your plate and expect a quarrel.
 White tablecloth: Leave a white tablecloth on a table overnight and expect a death.
Animal superstitions
 Bears: One ancient British superstition holds that if a child rides on a bear’s back it will
be protected from whooping-cough.
 Ravens: In some parts of the UK meeting two, three ravens together is considered really
bad. One very English superstition concerns the tame ravens at the tower of London. It is
believed if they leave then the crown of England will be lost.
 Bats: It is said to be bad luck if you see bats flying and hear their cries. In the middle
ages it was believed that witches are closely associated with bats.
 Sparrow: if a sparrow enters a house it is an omen of death to one of the people living
there. In some areas it is believed that to avoid bad luck, any sparrow caught must be
immediately killed otherwise the person who caught it will be die.
 White rabbits: in some countries black rabbits are thought to host the souls of human
beings. White rabbits are considered to be really witches and some believed that saying
“white rabbits” on the first day of each month will brings luck. A common lucky charm
is a rabbit’s foot, but not for the rabbit.
 Peacock’s feather: it is thought very unlucky to have the feathers of a peacock within
the home or handle anything made with them. This is possibly because of the eye shape
present upon these feathers i.e. the Evil-Eye associated with wickedness.
Wedding superstitions
 Bride and groom must not meet on the day of the wedding except at the altar.
 The bride should never wear her complete wedding clothes before the day.
 For good luck bride should wear “something borrowed, something blue, something old
and something new.”
 The husband should carry his new wife over the threshold of their home.
Some superstitions in Pakistan:
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Superstitions
Some superstitions still existing in the minds of our people.
 When the left eye is blinking indicates something bad is going to happen.
 If we are walking and see a black cat cross in front of you, It’s bad luck.
 When the owl sings it's a sign of bad luck.
 If you dream about buffaloes and horses it’s bad luck.
 If you broke the glass it's a sign of bad luck...
 Kids shouldn't let anyone walk over them otherwise they'll stop growing.
 Opening the scissors and closing it without a reason causes family problems at home.
Similar is the case with umbrella (like opening it inside the house.)
 When a crow crows at some ones window, it announces the arrival of guests.
 If a cat is heard crying, its a bad omen.
 Never call one back when the person is leaving the house.
 Never wash the front courtyard immediately after someone leaves the house.
 If you hiccup, it means you stole something.
 When a dog howls, someone is going to die in the neighborhood.
 When a bell rings when you wish for something, your wish will be fulfilled.
Bad Luck Superstitions Around The World:
 Friday the 13th
.
 Walk under a ladder.
 Black cat crosses your path.
 To break a mirror.
 Open an umbrella inside.
 Sing at the table or sleep on the table.
 A bird comes in window.
 When a dog howls, death is near.
 You must get out of bed on the same side you got in.
 Goldfish in the house bring bad luck.
Good Luck Symbols Around the World:
 Nautical star
 Rabbit’s foot
 Wishbones
 Chinese symbols for luck
 Number "7"
 Horseshoe
 Washing a car will bring rain
 Dolphins
 Bamboo
 Falling Star
 Red Chinese Lanterns
 Red bats
 Stand in a circle evil spirits cannot harm you.
 The wedding veil protects the bride from the evil eye.
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Superstitions
 Goldfish in the pond bring good luck.
 A cricket in the house brings good luck.
27 Popular Good Luck Charms:
 Insects:
 Crickets
 Ladybugs
 Dragonflies
 Scarabs
 Natural Objects:
 Acorns
 Rainbow
 Gems and Minerals
 Animals:
 Dolphins
 Pigs
 Tortoises
 Elephants
 Red Bats
 Tigers
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Superstitions
 Icons and Figures:
 Buddha
 Saint Christopher
 Man-Made Objects:
 Dream Catchers
 Red Chinese Lanterns
 Horseshoe
 Coins
 A Pot of Gold
 Symbols and Numbers:
 Nautical Star
 The Number Seven
 Plants:
 Four Leaf Clover
 Bamboo
 Wish Makers:
 A Wishing Well
 Wishbone
 Stray Eyelash
 Falling Star
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Superstitions
Superstitions in different countries:
 In Greece, people use to carry in their wallet a little bone of a bat, since it's believed
to protect from the evil eye. Every typical Greek house has a cactus growing near its
door - it saves from troubles. Any Greek knows that if he sneezes, somebody thinks
about him.
 In UK it is believed that you would be lucky if you meet a black cat. Unlucky are
those who break a mirror, see a crow. Not one Englishman will open his umbrella
near the door or will put his new shoes on the table.
 Any Irish knows that a werewolf is afraid of water. The Irish place metals on high
levels. Blacksmithers are respected, since they are considered to dispose of bad
spirits and diseases.
 Italians think you're lucky to hear a cat sneezing. It's not good if a bird enters
through your window. If an Italian sees a nun, he will seek to touch a metal, so that
the luck doesn't leave him.
 In China broom is given a special attention. They believe each broom has inside a
spirit, that's why you have to use it carefully. Hitting someone with a broom means a
curse. Number 8 is the lucky number for the Chinese. Number 1 means loneliness.
 Japanese are afraid to be potted in three. The one from the middle is expected to die.
For avoiding misfortune, Japanese will not talk to man who talks while sleeping.
 In Moldova if you accidentally hit with your head your friends head you have to hit
it the second time or someone will die in the family.
 In Russia, if you are sitting against the corner of the dinner table you won't marry for
7 years (only for girls).
 In Spain, it is said that putting on a jumper inside out, you'll have bad luck.
 In Venezuela, women will be lucky all year around if they wear yellow dress on
New Year.
 In Eastern Europe, it is said that If you drop a fork during the meal, somebody is
expected to come.
 In Italy, if a person sees a nun, he will seek to touch a metal, so that the luck doesn't
leave him.
 In Thailand, those people who offering flowers to the monk cannot smell the
flowers! If you did, then something very bad will happen to your nose soon...
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Superstitions
 In India, never ask the question "where are you going?” while they are leaving
house, its purpose will not be fulfilled.
And taking a teaspoon of curd with little sugar before exam will bring good luck.
 In Rome, if you whistle inside one's home, you are likely to lose all your money.
 Romanian’s also believe that every Tuesday has three hours of bad luck and people
should be aware of it.
Sun signs:
Sun Sign Positive Negative
Aries Self-confident, Leaders, Enthusiastic Irritable, Opinionated, Impatient
Taurus artistic, loving, trustworthy Possessive, Jealous, Controlling
Gemini charming, outgoing, brave vain, boastful, self-centered
Cancer Loyal, Generous, warm Moody, Insecure, Devious
Leo Passionate, Enthusiastic, Warm-hearted Possessive, Bossy, Volatile
Virgo Practical, Intelligent, Cultured Cold, Picky, Perfectionist
Libra Fair-minded, Romantic, Sociable Manipulative, Indecisive, Gullible
Scorpio Passionate, Loyal, Ambitious Secretive, Broody, Withdrawn
Sagittarius Witty, Positive, Adventurous Bad temper, Impatient, Impetuous
Capricorn Dependable, Loyal, Perseveres Conservative, Reserved, Resentful
Aquarius Visionary, Friendly, Tolerant Stubborn, Cold, Temperamental
Pisces Easy-going, Fun, Romantic Lazy, Sarcastic, Fantasist
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Superstitions
Final Thoughts:
I would like to conclude this article with a couple final thoughts about
Superstitions.
“The world moves and civilization progresses, but the old superstitions remain the
same. The rusty horse-shoe found on the road is still prized as a lucky token, and
will doubtless continue to be so prized; for human nature does not change, and
superstition is a part of human nature."
Questions to think about students
 Which British superstition is similar to those in your
country?
 Which are different?
 Do you know any thing about the origins of some of the
superstitions in your country?
 Can you give the definition of “superstition”?
 Do you believe that they can influence our lives and still live
on in the age of science?
Further Reading & Research:
If you're interested in learning more about superstitions, you might check out the
Following books, available at your local bookstore, library, or online through
Amazon.com:
Dictionary of Superstitions, The, by David Pickering (Cassell, 2003).
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0304365610/sanguinarius
Encyclopedia of Superstitions, the, by E. Radford (Metro Books, 2003).
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1586636170/sanguinarius
Knock On Wood: An Encyclopedia of Superstition, by Carole Potter
(Longmeadow Press, 1991).
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0681410884/sanguinarius
Origin of Superstition (old radio presentation, 1935; mp3 format),
http://www.otrcat.com/originsuperstition.htm
Treasury of Superstitions, A, by Claudia Delys (Gramercy, 1997).
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Superstitions
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0517181304/sanguinarius
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