Most people say they are not superstitious, but are they telling the truth?
Most superstitions are just that - superstitions. But, is there a superstition that deep down inside you believe, but don't tell anyone about it?
According to Merriam Webster, the definition of superstition is: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation or a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary.
I think I might say it is when you believe in something you do not understand.
I think many early Appalachian people were superstitious. My grandmother was very superstitious.There were many things they did not understand, so they believed in the superstitions. Some of them were passed down to other generations and they stuck with us. We may know in our minds they are illogical, but we believe in them anyway.
How about things coming in threes. This is one I admit I believe in. I have seen it happen too many times. Usually deaths in the family occur in threes. Accidents, such as airplane crashes, occur in threes.
My parents would not give you a knife. They would ask for a penny in return.
Whoever opens up a pocketknife must also close it. My husband goes by this, if he hands me one already opened, he makes sure I do not close it before I give it back to him.
How about opening an umbrella up inside the house. I know this could not possibly cause bad luck, but you will never catch me doing this. I about had a tizzy fit one time when one of my kids started to open up one inside the house.
How about stopping a rocking chair from rocking if no one is in it. This is another superstition that is from the old days. They say evil spirits will come in and sit if one is left rocking. Now I know this is not true, call me crazy, but I will stop the rocking of empty chairs. I guess this is just a habit now, not a superstition to me.
I never watch someone leave until they are out of sight. I will turn my head just before they disappear. My mom started me doing this when I was just a teenager.
I know you are aware of many superstitions, I could make a very long list and did so a few years ago on my blog. You can go here and read the post.
But, are there some you believe in and still practice?
Are there any you admit to believing in?
Posted by Janet Smart on Writing in the Blackberry Patch
©Janet F. Smart
I never pass on stairs, or walk under a ladder. Now I will probably add some of yours to my list! :)
ReplyDeleteI believe if a bird hits your window, there will be a death. (maybe the bird :)
ReplyDeleteI was never very superstitious and I think I have become less so as I've aged. Black cats crossing in front of you or stepping on a sidewalk crack never held any fear for me. But sometimes superstition and common sense converge. I never walk under a ladder, especially if there is someone on it holding a tool or a paint bucket. I am a strong believer in gravity!
ReplyDeleteDon't open an umbrella in the house was one of my moms superstitions. Don't put a hat on a bed was another. And of course spilling salt. The other day I spilled some salt and immediately shook some over my left shoulder, just like my mom used to do. Oh, and according to my grandma, dreams of muddy waters meant someone was fixing to die.
ReplyDeleteI think we are all superstitious to an extent. I'm sure most people won't admit it. This was a very interesting post, Janet!
ReplyDeleteOh yes I could add a few to your list..I believe all of us are supstitous in one way or another..
ReplyDeleteThings happen in 3's and I will not close a pocket knife that someone else has opened.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I will not pick up a found penny if it is tails up.
Thanks for your comments on my posts! You should do a post on those metal yard art pieces! It would be fun to see!
ReplyDeleteJanet-loved loved this post! I grew up with all the ones you did. I would usually roll my eyes when Granny said one of them-but now I find myself saying them : )
ReplyDeleteI used to hold my breath every time we drove by a cemetary. I think someone told me you could breathe in spirits when I was a kid. I don't remember now!
ReplyDelete