History & Superstition

Asst. Prof. Sandeep KulkarniDept. of Environmental

Studies

History & Superstition

SuperstitionDifferent meanings in different cultures and epochs. Opposite of something praiseworthy—usually true religion or true science.

The word originates with the ancient Romans, as opposite of religion (Like Judaism & Christianity)

The conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity in 4th century and the growing Christianization of Roman institutions led by the fifth century to Roman laws referring to all non-Christian religions as "superstition."

Origin & now

Hume claimed that superstition originated in the fear of the unknowns to protect them.

Superstition sprang from excessive fear, enthusiasm from excessive confidence.

"Superstition lives longer than books; it is engrafted on the human mind till it becomes a part of its existence; and is carried from generation to generation.

The human sciences that emerged in the 9th century considered superstition as part of their subject matter.

Anthropologists & folklorists collected, analyzed them while psychologists sought the root of superstition in the human mind.

Superstition in the modern era is less likely to be contrasted with true religion and more likely to be viewed as the opposite of science, reason, or modernity.

Campaigns to abolish superstition have continued but have not usually been motivated by interest in purifying religion.

SHABBAT ELEVATORS – REST ON SATURDAY

SATURDAY OIL PRESSERS SABBATH

PARAKEVIDEKATRIAPHOBIA

SPILLING SALT

KNOCK THE WOOD

BLACK CAT CROSSING

CROSSED FINGERS

HORSE SHOE

BROKEN MIRROR

SNEEZE

OPEN UMBRELLA

WALKING UNDER THE LADDER

Some thoughts:

•Why ?

•When ?

•How ?

•Where ?

•What can be done to be rational ?

•Research, Learning, Education, Training.