overtro

Overtro, in Scandinavian usage, denotes belief in supernatural causes, luck, omens, or magic that is not supported by empirical evidence. The term is used in Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian to refer to popular belief and folk practices outside formal religious doctrine, and is often equated with the English word “superstition.” It commonly contrasts with organized, doctrinal religion, highlighting belief that arises from culture, tradition, or personal credulity.

Etymology traces overtro to a combination of a prefix meaning “over” or “beyond” and tro, meaning “faith” or “belief.” The word thus conveys belief beyond what is warranted by reason or science.

Historical and cultural context has seen overtro encompass a broad spectrum of folk beliefs, including witchcraft, spirits, trolls, charms, talismans, and auspices. In medieval and early modern Scandinavia, overtro influenced daily life, medicine, and social behavior, while church authorities often condemned it as superstition and promoted doctrinal conformity. Rural communities frequently maintained overtro alongside Christian practice, blending rituals and beliefs.

Modern understanding treats overtro as a cognitive and social phenomenon studied in anthropology and psychology. It explores how people form and maintain beliefs under uncertainty, and how rituals, symbols, and communal norms provide meaning, cohesion, and coping mechanisms. Common forms include luck-related practices, omens, protective objects, and acts performed to avert misfortune. While sometimes labeled irrational, overtro also reflects cultural values and identities within a community.

See also: superstition, folk belief, magical thinking.