FC PRESENTATION

An Overview

In respect to this

presentation, Science is the great

antidote to the poison

of enthusiasm

for superstition.

Science

A superstition is a false belief

based on ignorance. Its origin cannot be

traced back to any particular race, religion

or geographical

area.

Superstition

Superstition is the belief in supernatural casuality that one event causes another without any natural

processlinking the two events such as astrology, religion,

omens,witchcraft, etc., that contradicts natural science.

Why do you follow Superstitions ?

There are various traditions and beliefs that have been followed by Hindu Indians since ancient times.

Most of these beliefs, it is argued nowadays, are superstitions which people follow blindly for the fear of being cursed or harmed by supernatural powers or God.

Here are a few attempts to decode the logicsbehind some of the age-old practices

of our ancestors

Why do we throw coins into wells and rivers ?

Usually, the belief is that it brings luck. Nowadays, coins are made of stainless steel. In ancient times, most of the coins were made of copper and intake of copper was helpful for the human body.

Copper and silver have anti-bacterial properties. Our forefathers threw copper coins in the water, so that when they take bath using that water, they can have sufficient intake of copper. It was made a custom so that we follow it.

Using ‘Nimbu’ and ‘Mirchi’ to avert Buri Nazar

The  nimbu totka which is one of the most visible 'superstitions' probably stems from a culture that encouraged their use because of the qualities of lemon and chili.

Both are rich in different vitamins and thus our ancestors probably tried to propagate their usage through symbols during ceremonies which slowly turned into a   totka.

Bad Eye or Buri NazarIf a person becomes sick, a superstitious explanation could be that an evil witch has cast a spell on that person. The scientific explanation may be that the disease is caused by a bacterial infection.

The superstitious explanation is not based on fact. The scientific explanation would be based on actual medical knowledge, and observation of the sick person.

Eat curd and sugar before

heading out The tropical climate of India highly recommends the consumption of curd which has a cooling effect on the stomach. The sugar which is added in generous quantities, before someone is setting out for an important work, provides instant glucose. This combination is hence indispensable for Indians and so its consumption slowly linked itself to good luck.

Plastering floor with Cow Dung is auspicious

Cow dung  plaster is considered auspicious just like any other product of a cow. Hence, mostly all rituals dictate the usage of cow dung to plaster the floor. Our ancestors probably started this practice to guard against insects and reptiles which are repelled by the pungent smell of cow dung. They did not have the luxury to buy bottled commercial disinfectants like we do. But over time this practice became a ritual and we find ourselves following it in spite of it being redundant in the contemporary world.

Hanging a horseshoe on the door for good

luck

The horseshoe is considered to be a good luck charm in a wide range of cultures. Belief in its magical powers traces back to the Greeks, who thought the element iron had the ability ward off evil. Not only were horseshoes wrought of iron, they also took the shape of the crescent moon. Its also considered as a symbol of fertility and good fortune.

A few other general Superstitions

Adding one rupee to a gift sum is auspicious, i.e., sums like 21 or 101 rupees are considered more auspicious than say 20 or 100.

In some parts of India, it is considered inauspicious to sweep the floor at night.

Saturdays are considered very inauspicious, as it is associated with the god Shani

People don't have a shave, haircut or cut their nails on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday believing that it is inauspicious.

If a black cat crosses your way, it is treated to be very bad day. It may harm your work, health and wealth.

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