For all eternity, superstitions have long cast a pall over humanity. It can be described as any belief or behaviour that is based on supernatural occurrences and opposes modern science or logic. India is a land of myriad cultures, customs and yes superstitions. From smashing mirrors to hanging lemon and chillies we are surrounded by them every day. We live in a country where superstition and science cohabit. Many may be surprised to learn that the world’s so-called largest democracy is heavily submerged in quirky illogical beliefs, which aren’t just limited to and associated with the illiterate population but are often followed by people from the highest literate strata. Superstitious beliefs are beyond the realm of rationalism and are bizarre, having been passed down through generations and are a fascinating blend of myth, culture and sometimes plain hilarity.
There are a few that are practised because they are so deeply ingrained in our psyche that we can’t help but trust them; on the other hand, there are superstitions that may have scientific logic behind them; attempts have been made repeatedly to prove that the rituals labelled as superstitions were once meticulously planned scientific procedure.
Here are some quirky Indian superstitions; do you believe in any of these?
Starting with the classic – The Lemon And Green Chillies charm can be seen everywhere, from the main door of your home to your car; it is said to ward off the evil eye and provide good luck. It will always have your back as the hot chillies and sour lemon unite to form the most formidable shield that malevolent spirits cannot withstand.
Dread Of Black Cat – in India a black cat crossing your way is considered an awful sign. It’s said to bring bad luck, and many people will actually stop and wait for someone else to cross the path first, thereby transferring the bad luck to them. Cats, however, seem blissfully unaware of their sinister reputation!
The Curse Of 8 – a society intensely influenced by astrological and numerological practices believes that the number eight is ruled by the planet and therefore if you’re ruled by the number you are somewhat doomed as there shall be lots of obstruction, limitations and frustrations in your way.
Shake Your Leg And Lose Your Wealth – this one is quite bizarre as per this shaking legs is not just a sign of nervousness; it also drains your riches. If you shake your legs, apparently prosperity will flow away from you.
The Mysterious Twitch – ever had your eye twitching and wondered what it meant? In India, superstitions alter based on which eye twitches. For men, the right eye twitch indicates good luck, whilst the left indicates bad luck. Women experience the reverse. So, the next time your eye twitches, remember to check the state of your luck.
The Flat Feet – You may have heard from your grandparents that being flat-footed brings bad luck. One of the weirdest since it randomly questions a person’s very existence. Many people believe that flat feet portend widowhood, which could explain why, in ancient India, the mother of the groom would check the bride’s flat feet during match-making.
Closing The Deceased’s Eyes – More than quirky this superstition has a creepy vibe. For the rest of the world, the significance of the action carried out is to make the dead look peaceful, while in India the legends state that if the yes is left open, then the deceased will take the people around with him through his eyes.
Plight Of itchy palm- Considered a sign of oncoming prosperity, but with a twist: if the right palm is itching, you’re likely to receive money, while the left palm indicates you’re about to lose some money. Perhaps you don’t need finance specialists; all you need is your palm itch and a chance to think about your financial destiny.
Ward Off The Bad Gaze- People frequently apply black kohl to children in the notion that it will fight off evil energy or “buri nazar”. If someone has harmful intentions toward the child, this will protect them. It is primarily applied to the child’s forehead and behind the ear to make them appear undesirable and deflect negative energy away.
While these are some quirky ones, there are other superstitions backed by scientific logic-
The Peepal Tree is one poor fellow, often advised not to stand under it at night; if you do the ghost will kill you. But the real reason is the exhalation of Co2 by plants at night due to lack of sunlight, which is harmful to us.
Not To Sleep Facing North was narrowed down to avoid death, but our elders were aware of the relationship between the earth’s magnetic field and the human body’s field. They made it a rule to sleep in the south to avoid the negative effects of blood pressure and other ailments caused by the earth’s magnetic field asymmetry.
The sole reason why we are not asked to step out during the Solar Eclipse is that it can cause retinal burns, nothing else.
Bathing After Attending A Funeral Ceremony has nothing to do with the departed soul, the reason arose much later. The logic here is that since our ancestors didn’t have a vaccination for many deadly diseases earlier, it was best to come home and have a thorough bath after visiting a place where a deceased body is left exposed.
The famous Dahi Cheeni (curd and sugar) has nothing to do with luck folks, rather this combination tends to make you feel calm so a cool and calm head can always help better and helps to focus right.
One can go on and on with a long list of superstitions, while these might seem amusing or downright strange they do offer into rich tapestry of Indian culture. Whether you believe in them or not, they certainly add a quirky charm to everyday life. Next time you find yourself avoiding a black cat or experiencing a twitch in the eye do smile and embrace the quirky world of Indian superstitions, after all, it’s these little oddities of life that make it unpredictable.
