WHAT IS A SUPERSTITION?

Transcrisption
WHAT IS SUPERSTITION?
A superstition is based on myth, magic, or irrational thoughts. They are based in lore or tradition, and it is difficult to determine their exact origin. Superstitions are also known as old wives' tales, legends, and traditions, and may involve animals, graveyards, ghosts, inanimate objects, or even other people.
Some superstitions are formed from religious beliefs or distorted after years of use. The superstition that it is bad luck to walk under a ladder came from the Christian religion. The ladder, the wall and the ground form a triangle representing the Holy Trinity. Walking through the triangle meant that you were in league with the devil.
There are different superstitions from all over the world. In Japan, for example, it is considered bad luck to stick chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice. To avoid a baby being born with a facial birthmark, pregnant women in India don't go outside during an eclipse. In Taiwan, being a bridesmaid more than twice is considered bad luck.
There are many superstitions about numbers. For us, the number thirteen is unlucky, but seven is lucky. In Japan and China, numbers four and nine are considered unlucky because they are similar to the words for death and suffering, respectively.
In theater culture it is bad luck to wish someone "good luck" before a show. The correct thing to say is "break a leg". In other traditions, it is bad luck to spill salt, break a mirror, or see three butterflies together. Four leaf clovers and horseshoes, on the other hand, are considered lucky. Many people have good luck charms, such as a rabbit's foot or a lucky piece of jewelry.
With or without having any actual power, superstitions are present in almost all cultures.

Adapted from: /www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-superstition.htm/ (Accessed on September 08, 2019.)