Superstition is the belief in the supernatural. Objects are attributed guiding magical powers that are supposed to bring either good or bad luck or protect the person. Superstitions are found in people of all cultures, walks of life, and times. Superstitious people put their trust in an object they wear around their neck or as an armlet, or hang in their car as a mascot. This amulet should protect them from accident and illness. A similar item is the talisman, which is said to give the wearer supernatural powers.
The area of defensive spells also includes, for example, the hanging of (consecrated) herbs or the laying of eggs in the fireplace. This is to ward off thunderstorms and disease. Accidents, illness and misfortune are supposed to be averted by knocking on the wood and saying “toi, toi, toi” (English: “touch wood”). Superstition attaches great importance to certain phenomena or events that are supposed to have serious consequences and are not subject to natural laws. If you come across a knife with the cutting edge upwards, there is said to be a quarrel in the family. If a mirror breaks, a disaster could happen, as well as if you sew or play on Good Friday or hang laundry between Christmas and New Year.
Thousands of variants can be found in the superstitious jungle:
“unlucky number” 13
Some people don’t leave their house on any Friday that falls on the 13th, or only with a queasy feeling. For 82% of Germans, 13 is clearly an unlucky number, according to a survey conducted by Gothaer Versicherung on the subject of superstition. Many hotels do not have room #13.
“Bad luck charm”
Black cat, spider in the morning, going under a ladder, breaking a mirror, owl or raven cry, knife edge upwards
“Lucky Charm”
Four-leaf clover, ladybug, toadstool, horseshoe, lucky pig, fingers crossed. 43% of Germans think a four-leaf clover brings good luck and 40% make a wish when they see a shooting star. [statista .com]
A lucky charm can be compared to an amulet or talisman and is supposed to help to luck, prosperity, health and a long life as well as to keep away evil.
Superstitious actions and days choose
Salt, bread, money hidden in the house behind the stove or beams or above the door, is supposed to wish good luck and health. Likewise, on the wedding day, break a glass, attach a horseshoe to the door and carry salt to a new apartment as the first thing.
Between Christmas and New Year’s you should not wash laundry or leave it hanging in the attic.
On Advent days, do not go out in the evening because of the evil spirits.
Eat apples for health on New Year or Pentecost.
A Sunday or May child is a lucky child, a Friday child is unlucky, and an October child is an overcomer.
Belief in horoscope
The belief in the horoscope puts the person in a mental dependence and suggestive power. Superstitious people are influenced in their actions and decisions (to their own misfortune).
Superstition is not only a sign of gullibility, lack of enlightenment and lack of knowledge, but basically means a falling into bondage to anti-divine powers. Therefore, superstition and Christian faith are in sharp contrast. Superstition is a belief detached from God that often results in the most nonsensical decisions and actions.
Lothar Gassmann: “All superstition comes from a false greed for life and fear. Superstition is any kind of faith that does not have God as the content of faith. More than that, superstition means wanting to be lord over God.”
