Superstitions are little pieces of advice. They are adaptable ideas that are easily passed down, and some even say that they can be traced back just as smoothly. However, while most are fun to engage in, some of those interesting behaviorisms may no longer serve a purpose.

  Concepts, like knocking on wood and walking under ladders are derived from religious practices and survival tactics. The wood superstition comes from the belief that spirits reside in trees. Even though most do not believe that idea today, the action remained to hold its significance. In times of trouble, knocking on wood is only a small task to retain a bit of good luck or protection. Walking under ladders is one that holds religious influence. If a ladder is propped against a wall a triangle shape is formed representing the Trinity- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Walking under the ladder is an attempt to break the trinity, and attracting the devil into one’s life. 

  In discovering the history behind most superstitions, one can even find that cultural habits such as these manage to become a part of behaviors today because following superstitions can be easier than resisting. When they are passed down through cultures and practiced generation after generation, psychologists find that superstitions are kept alive because of psychological bias. Psychological bias means that objective thinking is limited when personal experiences and/or preferences interfere. Basically, that means that unfortunately, that one friend who posts 11:11 stories can be justified in doing so.

  To avoid believing in superstitious numbers and phrases, one has to understand the history. Numbers like thirteen and 4/20 gain their meaning from either translations or association. The mind’s job is to create these associations and strengthen survival skills to keep one alert. The word for the number four, in English, sounds almost identical to the word death in Cantonese. This is the same for other Asian languages that have adapted Cantonese numbers. Sometimes with superstitions like this, adding or subtracting numbers in front of or behind creates a phrase that infuses fear. Because of these associations, numbers and important dates like these have a dedicated meaning which tells someone to either enjoy or avoid celebrating a day altogether. For other numbers such as thirteen, they relate back to religious ideas. The number thirteen measures back to the Last Supper. At a table with Jesus and his twelve disciples, Judas Iscariot, the man who betrayed Jesus, was the thirteenth guest to arrive.

  Funny enough, phrases similar to “bless you,”  just go to show how superstitions are based upon habit rather than belief. The reason that following up a sneeze with the phrase “bless you” is so common is because religious groups were afraid sneezing separated the soul from the body. In such a vulnerable state, the devil could grasp onto one’s soul.

  Even though scientists cannot prove mutual inclusivity, the public chooses to engage in what may be retitled as “outdated advice.” Statistics from the ASPCA shelter showed that the superstition surrounding black cats has greatly affected the adoption of black cats. Not only do some think that black cats look bleak compared to others, but black cats to some still symbolize witchcraft and bad luck. At the end of the day, most superstitions are harmless, but educating oneself in the origins could be the activity to partake in the next time an odd one is mentioned.