Science behind Indian Superstition

India is famous for its religious beliefs and superstitions. In the following article, we are going to look at logical reasons behind Indian Superstitions. Let's go deeper.

Black Cat Crossing Your Path

I am sure you have heard, or probably even said something like ”Today isn’t going to be a good day for me; a cat just crossed my path.” Have you ever wondered in what possible way can that little creature harm you or bring you ‘bad luck’?

Well, in the olden days' people used to travel by carts that were pulled by domesticated animals. When passing through forests at night, the carriage animals used to get scared and act chaotically when they sensed wild cats such as leopards, cheetahs, and tigers crossing their path. The travelers warned others not to proceed when a cat passes their path.

Today, this is of no significance and we are afraid of black cats for no reason. Groucho Marx once said “If a black cat crosses your path, it signifies that the animal is going somewhere.

Lemon and Chillies

Ever seen a lemon along with chilies, seven to be precise, hanging from the doors of shops, houses, or the bumpers of cars? As weird as it seems, there is a logical explanation behind this one too. The cotton thread that passes through the lemon and the chilies absorbs the acids, vitamin C, and the other nutrients present in it. Then, by slow vaporization, it is released into the air. This is said to have significant health benefits and our ancestors made it an essential part of ceremonies to increase its use.

These days it has turned into a superstition that it keeps the god of misfortune, away from the shops.

Throwing Coins in Holy River

Throwing coins in fountains and other water bodies for good luck is now done all over the world. Again, there is a scientific reason why this started. In ancient times, the coins were made of copper, which is an essential element for our body’s well being. Rivers used to be the main source of drinking water. When the copper coins remained in the water for long, it became beneficial for those who drank it. Copper also helps to kill bacteria present in the water.

Broken Mirrors

During old times, mirrors were not cheap and they were low quality and easily defected. To avoid negligence it was told that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. That was a simple scare tactic. Romans were the ones who tagged to the broken mirror a sign of seven years of bad luck. The length of the prescribed misfortune came from the ancient Roman belief that it took seven years for life to renew itself. If the person looking into the mirror were not of good health, their image would break the mirror and the run of bad luck would continue for seven years, at the end of which their life would be renewed, their body would be physically rejuvenated, and the curse would be ended.

1 Rupee Extra

It is common in India to give money for weddings and auspicious occasions. It is considered auspicious to add a rupee to the total.

There are various reasons, for some, it is a blessing, a token of love and luck. For some, it is the beginning of a new cycle. For some, it makes the sum an odd number and indivisible which is a good omen for the married couple. If the rupee is not added the total will be separable or it will end in zero which indicates the end, so adding the rupee will make the number odd hence assuring continuity.

Feeding Milk to Snakes

Snakes are cold-blooded and carnivorous animals, whereas milk is often consumed by the mammals. Before the 'Nag-Panchami' for many days the snake charmer does not give any water for drinking to his snake. Because of this, the snake drinks the milk which is offered on the day of 'Nag-Panchami' to satisfy its hunger and thirst. But if the milk is not digested then the snake dies. Thus by forcing the snakes to drink the milk we are indirectly killing them on the day of 'Nag-Panchami'. If we provide Pepsi or Coca-Cola for drinking, instead of milk, the snake will drink it.

The End Notes

So, here we tried to explain and present some scientific logics behind Indian Superstitions. If you want to know logical reason behind any superstition, please comment below. Share this post with your friends. Have a goog one.

Cheers!