superstitions

A superstition is a belief or practice that ascribes causal influence to events or actions lacking credible evidence, often linked to luck, fate, or the supernatural. Superstitions commonly take the form of rituals, prohibitions, or talismans intended to prevent harm or to attract good fortune. They appear in many cultures and can coexist with religions or secular worldviews.

The term originates from Latin superstitio, originally meaning excessive religious fear or dread; in English it has come to denote beliefs considered irrational or unfounded, even when widely held.

Common forms include omens or portents (seeing a black cat), talismans (horseshoe, rabbit’s foot), rituals (knocking on wood, crossing fingers), and taboos (do not walk under ladders). Numerology and calendar beliefs (lucky or unlucky numbers, Friday the 13th) are also widespread.

Psychological explanations emphasize cognitive biases and the human tendency to find patterns and seek control in uncertainty. Illusory correlations, selective recall, and confirmation bias can make random events appear connected. Socially, shared superstitions reinforce group identity and norms and provide coping strategies in stressful situations.

Cross-cultural variation is extensive, but many superstitions aim to avert harm, secure safety, or improve prospects. In contemporary life, superstitions persist in sports, gambling, and daily routines, even as scientific thinking explains why such beliefs are unreliable.

See also: magical thinking, folklore, ritual, omen.