Why Do We Believe in Superstitions? The Curious History Behind Them

Friday the 13th is seen as a day of bad luck worldwide. Many people avoid regular activities out of fear. This belief comes from superstitions deeply rooted in psychology. 

Superstitions are built on the human tendency to seek patterns and meaning, even where none exist. When something negative happens, it reinforces the belief in bad luck. 

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The mind connects random events to superstition, creating a cycle of belief that affects behavior, especially on days like Friday the 13th. Superstitions like this are passed down through generations, affecting people globally without logical reasoning.

Superstition Definition

Superstition refers to beliefs or practices lacking rational explanation. These beliefs often persist in cultural, religious, or personal contexts worldwide. 

For example, some believe that opening a Bible at random can provide guidance, while others may see this as a superstition. It’s common for what one group considers religious to be labeled as superstition by another.

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Cultural Superstitions

Cultural superstitions vary significantly across regions. Some, like the belief in the evil eye or using amulets for protection, are widespread throughout history and geography. 

Other superstitions may be specific to a country, region, or even a family. These traditions have remained influential across many cultures.

Personal Superstitions

On a personal level, superstitions also emerge. A student may use the same pen for exams, believing it brings good luck. 

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Similarly, a person might consider a specific item or ritual as bringing fortune. Despite advancements in logic and reason, these personal beliefs continue to influence behavior.

Myth Vs. Superstition

A myth is a symbolic story connected to religion, often about gods or supernatural beings and unusual events. Myths come from unknown sources and are tied to specific religious traditions. 

In contrast, superstitions are beliefs or practices rooted in fear or the belief in supernatural forces, often without a logical basis. Superstitions are part of everyday life, influencing actions based on the belief that certain behaviors or events can bring good or bad luck. 

While myths often explain the origins of the world or human conditions, superstitions guide personal behavior based on irrational fear.

10 Most Common Superstitions Around the World

Superstitions are beliefs or practices passed down through generations, often linked to luck, fate, or the supernatural. 

These superstitions are found worldwide, and while their origins vary, many share common themes. Let’s look at ten of the most common superstitions that people around the world still follow today.

Knocking on Wood

Origin: Indo-European, Celtic, or British

One of the most recognized superstitions worldwide is knocking on wood. It stems from various beliefs that good or evil spirits reside in trees, and knocking either calls for protection or drives away bad luck. Some connect this practice to a 19th-century British children’s game. 

This superstition varies in different countries: Italians touch steel, Poles and Russians touch unpainted wood, and Latin Americans knock on wooden objects without legs, like chairs. Across cultures, the essence remains the same—seeking protection from bad fortune.

Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder

Origin: European, Christian, Ancient Roman

This widespread superstition involves tossing salt over the left shoulder to ward off evil. 

It connects to the belief that spilling salt is bad luck and that throwing it over the shoulder blinds the devil lurking behind. The origin might be tied to Judas spilling salt in da Vinci’s The Last Supper, or simply to the high value of salt in ancient times.

Walking Under a Ladder

Origin: European, Christian, Egyptian

Avoiding walking under ladders is another common superstition. In Christian symbolism, the ladder forms a triangle, which represents the Holy Trinity. Walking under it was seen as breaking this sacred symbol. 

The superstition may also relate to the danger of objects falling or the ladder’s resemblance to a gallows. Some Egyptians believed passing under a ladder could cause encounters with gods ascending or descending.

Broken Mirror

Origin: Ancient Greek, Roman, European

Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck. The superstition likely comes from ancient beliefs that reflections hold part of a person’s soul. 

Romans believed it took seven years for life to renew, and a broken mirror represented bad health or misfortune during this period. However, they also had a remedy — burying broken mirror pieces in moonlight to avoid the curse.

Step on a Crack, Break Your Mother’s Back

Origin: African and European Folklore

Stepping on cracks is believed to bring bad luck or harm to family members, especially one's mother.

This superstition refers to cracks as gateways to supernatural realms, which could allow harmful spirits to enter the world. Avoiding cracks is a way to prevent this bad luck.

Lucky Pennies

Origin: Ancient Roman, English, American

Finding a penny is thought to bring good fortune. This belief stems from the idea that the gods sent metal, often considered valuable and protective

But not all pennies bring luck — if it’s tails-up, some say you should turn it over for the next person to avoid bad fortune.

Lucky Horseshoe

Origin: Ancient Roman, Celtic, European

The horseshoe is a widely known symbol of good luck. Its association with protection dates back to its iron composition, which was believed to ward off evil spirits. 

The shape, often linked to ancient moon goddesses, also played a role in its symbolism. Many cultures believe hanging a horseshoe, especially if it has seven nail holes, brings good fortune.

Why Do We Believe Superstition?

Superstitions persist because people often believe them despite knowing they’re illogical. 

Jane Risen’s dual process model explains this using "fast" (intuitive) and "slow" (rational) thinking. 

Even when people detect an error in their belief, they might still follow it—a behavior called "acquiescence." Globally, superstitions also provide comfort or perceived benefits, which keeps them alive.

Can Superstition Relieve Anxiety?

Superstitions help ease anxiety by giving people a sense of control in uncertain situations. They’ve persisted across generations because they offer comfort, especially during times of fear or insecurity.

Research shows superstitions began when early humans couldn’t understand nature’s forces, creating a false sense of control to reduce anxiety. 

Common practices like avoiding broken mirrors or walking under ladders are passed down as coping tools, helping people feel more secure worldwide.

Superstitions May Improve Performance

Superstitions can improve performance by reducing anxiety. Stuart Vyse, author of Believing in Magic, states that luck-based superstitions offer psychological benefits that enhance skilled performance.

Research shows that actions like crossing fingers or saying “good luck” improve performance in tasks such as golf, motor skills, and memory games. 

This effect is driven by increased self-confidence, making people feel more capable and improving their results.

‘Cheap’ Superstitions are Better Than Costly Ones

Cheap superstitions are often preferred because they carry little risk and potential for big benefits. Stuart Vyse explains that people don’t want to "tempt fate" even if they know the superstition is irrational, as shown by journalists forwarding a chain letter to avoid bad luck.

The low cost of actions like knocking on wood or carrying a lucky charm makes them appealing. 

Studies show that superstitions persist because the small effort required is outweighed by the perceived benefits, like avoiding bad luck or illness. Simple actions, like avoiding the number 13, continue because they involve little cost but promise significant protection.

When Superstitions Impact Mental Health

For many worldwide, superstitions are harmless. However, in some cases, superstitions can interfere with daily life. 

People with OCD may struggle to dismiss superstitious behaviors, leading to obsessive thoughts or anxiety—often referred to as "magical thinking" OCD. Others, such as those with generalized anxiety disorder, can also be negatively affected by superstitions.

When superstitions become a motivator for avoiding or participating in activities, it could signal a deeper mental health issue.

When to Seek Help for Superstitions

If superstitions control your actions or cause fear, it's time to seek help. Symptoms like anxiety, depression, or avoidance behavior are warning signs. Mental health professionals worldwide are available to help.

Available Treatment Options for Superstitions

When superstitions become problematic, a mental health specialist may suggest treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, or habit reversal training. 

Medications like SSRIs or beta-blockers may also be prescribed to reduce anxiety, although sedatives are rarely used as they pose risks of misuse.

Reaching out for help is essential when superstitions begin to affect your life.

The takeaway

Superstitions are mostly harmless. You may hold beliefs that have become second nature and don’t significantly affect daily life. 

However, when magical thinking distorts reality, it can create a disconnect. In such cases, seeking help from a mental health professional might be necessary.