popular superstitions essay

81 Superstition Essay Topics & Examples

Are you nervous when seeing a broken mirror? Maybe it’s time to write an essay about superstitions!

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📌 best superstitions essay topics, 👍 controversial topics about superstition, ❓ questions about superstitions.

A superstition is any practice or belief that is considered to be irrational or attributed to magic. Most of the superstitions are deeply rooted in regional and national cultures. Though opposed by religion and science throughout history, superstitions have survived to this day. In your superstition essay, you might want to focus on its meaning or the negative effects. Another idea is to talk about various superstitions from around the world. Finally, you can tell the reader about opposition to superstition. Whether you need to write a 250-words essay or a research paper, our article will be helpful. It contains superstition essay examples together with best title ideas and topics about superstitions.

• Religion and Superstition in Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” Two belief systems influence the character of Tom Sawyer in The Adventure of Tom Sawyer religious dogma and superstition. Tom’s religious beliefs create the root of his superstitious beliefs.
• Chinese New Year Superstition as a Reflection of Our Hopes and Fears They vary from one part of the world to another, and bring an almost unique flavor to the region that they belong to, shaping the lives of its people and their sense of culture.
• Symbolism and Superstition in Architecture and Design It is this use of symbolism as a part of architectural aesthetics and design that will be focused on in this paper within the context of superstitions from different cultures and how they influence the […]
• Superstitions: The Behavioral Approach In this context, the appearance of the superstition phenomena as a result of such conditioning can be accurately explained by the behavioral approach.
• “Superstitions: The Irrational Beliefs That Influence Our Behavior” by William Kelly Kelly explains that superstition entails objects that are deemed to result in good luck, deeds that tend to inspire good luck or bad luck and actions that can lead to unpleasant fortune.
• Death Lore: Texas Rituals, Superstitions, and Legends of the Hereafter Further, it links the same to the beliefs and values of the people of the state of Texas. It has not been able to address some of the aspects that encompass the Texas Death lore.
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• The Symbolism of Superstition Used by Mark Twain in the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
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• Superstition and Witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts in The Crucible
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• What Is the Role of the Narrator in Blood Brothers and How Does He Link to Superstition
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• Understanding the Psychology of Superstition
• Superstition Is The Belief Of Supernatural Causality
• Magic and Superstition in the Middle Ages
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• Superstition In Shakespeares The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
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• The Power of Superstition in Distorting the Truth in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible
• The Epitome of Superstition in the Crucible by Arthur Miller
• Superstition Of Science, Religion, Harmful Superstition
• The Effect of Superstition on Health: Evidence from the Taiwanese Ghost Month
• Environment Plant Life and Superstition in Medicinal Folk Practice of the Scottish Highlands
• Science Versus Superstition in “Dracula”
• What Are the Superstitions and Beliefs in India?
• What Superstitions Bring Good Luck?
• Where Do Superstitions Come From?
• What’s the Meaning of Superstitions?
• What Is the Most Superstitious Country?
• What Is the Relationship Between Superstitions and Religion?
• How Do Superstitions Affect Our Lives?
• What Is the Difference Between Scientific Knowledge and Superstitions?
• Can Education Bring Change in Superstitions?
• How Do Superstitions Affect Society?
• What Is the Connection Between the Use of Dialect and the Portrayal of Superstitions?
• What Is the Difference Between Faith and Superstitions?
• What Is the Meaning of Superstition Belief?
• Why Do People Believe In Superstitions?
• What Are Superstitions in Sociology?
• How Does Education Help Eliminate Superstitions?
• Are Superstitions Still Relevant in Contemporary Society?
• How Do Superstitions Impact Our Lifestyles?
• What Is the Difference Between Superstitions and Indigenous Knowledge?
• What Are the Superstitious Beliefs?
• What Are Superstition Behaviors?
• What Is the Main Idea of Superstitions?
• How Do Superstitions Differ From Religion?
• What Are Indian Superstitions?
• What Are Marriage Traditions and Superstitions of Different Cultures?
• Is It Reasonable to Believe In Superstitions?
• What Are Superstitions in Psychology?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Superstitions’ Beliefs?
• What Is the Most Superstitions Country?
• What Is an Example of the Word Superstitions?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Essay on Superstitions for Students in English | 500 Words Essay

December 20, 2020 by Sandeep

Essay on Superstitions: Human beings generally believe in unseen powers that may not be present at sight but possess working tendencies. These unreasonable and irrational elements that defeat the natural arguments of scientific development are called superstitions. From the east till the west, the sun, moon, stars and planets are believed to influence human lives and therefore worshipped like deities. The absence of logic and prevalence of age-old beliefs have strengthened superstitions in different parts of the world.

Essay on Superstitions 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Superstitions Essay in English, written in easy and simple words for class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

“A belief which leaves no place for doubt is not a belief; it is a superstition.” ~ Jose Bergamin

Don’t cut your nails at night, wait for some time before stepping outside if you or someone around you has just sneezed, your left palm is itching? Wow, you’re going to come in possession of a lot of money! How many times in our daily lives have we heard things like these? I’m sure it isn’t very uncommon. But all of this is no more than mere superstition. Put simply; superstitions are sheer myths. They are irrational beliefs that people have since decades and centuries. They are based on people’s faith in luck, fate, supernatural powers, magic, fear, etc.

Superstitions do not arise from any concrete evidence or proofs, but instead are a cause of our ignorance and misunderstanding. How many of us are dreadful of Friday, the 13th? Or should I ask how many of us aren’t? The reason why Friday, the 13th is considered to be the unluckiest day is because of two reasons. First, it is believed that if 13 people dine together, then one of them is bound to die within the next year. And second, people believe that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. All this has led to a great build-up of not so great superstition.

Because of the evil associated with the number 13, there are many buildings that do not label the 13th floor and also there aren’t many sports players who like to take up a jersey with the number 13 written on it. Besides other things that can bring us bad luck, breaking a mirror is considered to be the most significant. It was first believed by Egyptians and has now spread throughout the world. It is said that breaking a mirror brings you 7 years of bad luck. Why 7 years? The reason behind it is that it takes the body 7 years- time to renew itself, i.e. all of its cells.

A common superstition that is believed across India is to never go near a Peepal tree at night. It is believed that ghosts hover around it in the dark, and if you sleep under it or rest under its branches during the night-time, you will end up dead. We say we are a progressing country but with these kinds of beliefs? I guess not. Numerous causes lead to superstitions securing a place in the minds of individuals, but the most substantial reason for it is illiteracy. This is why they are more widespread in rural areas. Superstitions are just passed like ancestral property from one generation to the other. They are not questioned; they are simply accepted and believed in.

Some people also start believing in superstitions because of convenience. For example, a student walking to his school sees a black cat cross his path in the morning. He then later finds out that he failed his mathematics exam. The reason for him failing is that he did not study properly or seriously. But instead, he might end up thinking and telling others that his failure is attributable to the fact that a black cat crossed his way earlier in the day. This gives him a chance to put the blame on something else rather than to own up to the fact that he just didn’t study well enough.

One shouldn’t become a slave to superstition. Instead, take your luck in your own hands. These are baseless beliefs that have been inculcated in us from ages. It is time we shatter them and believe more in things that have a scientific standing. There are plenty of ways to overcome superstitions. The first way includes a change in one’s mindset. You should think that you and only you are responsible for carving out your own future.

Essay on Superstitions

Students are often asked to write an essay on Superstitions in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Superstitions

What are superstitions.

Superstitions are beliefs that are not based on facts or reason. They are often passed down from one generation to the next, and they can vary from culture to culture. Some common superstitions include the belief that breaking a mirror will bring bad luck, that walking under a ladder will cause bad luck, and that finding a four-leaf clover will bring good luck.

Why Do People Believe in Superstitions?

There are a few reasons why people believe in superstitions. Some people believe that superstitions are true because they have seen them happen in their own lives. Others believe that superstitions are a way to control their environment. By following superstitions, people feel like they can protect themselves from bad luck or bring about good luck.

Are Superstitions Harmful?

Superstitions are not always harmful. In some cases, they can be a source of comfort and reassurance. However, some superstitions can be harmful. For example, the belief that it is bad luck to walk under a ladder can lead to people avoiding ladders altogether, which can make it difficult to get work done.

Superstitions are a part of human culture. They can be a source of comfort and reassurance, but they can also be harmful. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers of superstitions and to make choices that are based on facts and reason, not on superstition.

250 Words Essay on Superstitions

Superstitions are beliefs that certain events or actions can cause good or bad things to happen, even though there is no logical reason to believe this is true. Many people around the world follow these beliefs without really knowing why.

Examples of Superstitions

There are many different superstitions. For instance, some people think that breaking a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck. Others believe that finding a four-leaf clover will bring good luck. These ideas have been passed down through generations.

People often believe in superstitions because they offer a sense of control over the unknown. When something unexplainable happens, it’s comforting for some to think there’s a reason behind it, even if it’s based on superstition. Also, tradition plays a big role. If families or communities have believed in certain superstitions for a long time, it can be hard for individuals to stop believing in them.

Superstitions Today

Even today, with all our knowledge and technology, superstitions still exist. They might not be as strong or widespread as before, but you can still find people who avoid walking under ladders or who get nervous if a black cat crosses their path. It shows that superstitions, no matter how old, still have a place in our modern lives.

In conclusion, superstitions are fascinating because they show how humans try to understand and control the world around them, even when it doesn’t make much sense. It’s a reminder of the power of belief and tradition in our lives.

500 Words Essay on Superstitions

Superstitions: beliefs and practices.

Some people believe in superstitions because they think it will bring good luck or protect them from bad luck. Others may believe in them out of habit or because they were taught to believe in them as children. Superstitions can vary from culture to culture and may change over time.

Superstitions: Origins and Prevalence

The origins of superstitions are often difficult to trace. Some may have originated from ancient beliefs, while others may have developed as a way to make sense of the world around us. Superstitions can be found in all cultures and societies, though their prevalence may vary.

Superstitions: Lucky Charms and Bad Luck

Certain items or actions are often associated with good luck or bad luck in various cultures. For example, some people believe that a four-leaf clover brings good luck, while others believe that spilling salt brings bad luck. Some cultures may believe in lucky charms like amulets or talismans.

Superstitions: Fortune-Telling and Signs

Some superstitions involve fortune-telling or the belief that signs can predict the future. For instance, some people may believe in the power of horoscopes or tarot card readings to provide insights into their lives. Others may look for signs in everyday occurrences, such as seeing a black cat or hearing a bird call, as indicators of good or bad fortune.

Superstitions: Effects on Behavior

Superstitions can influence people’s behavior in different ways. Some people may avoid certain actions or situations they believe will bring bad luck. Others may perform specific rituals or carry lucky charms in the hope of attracting good fortune. In some cases, superstitions can lead to irrational or obsessive behaviors.

Superstitions: Cultural and Regional Differences

Superstitions can vary significantly among different cultures and regions. For example, in some cultures, it is considered unlucky to walk under a ladder, while in others, it is seen as a sign of good luck.

Superstitions are beliefs and practices that may vary across cultures and time. They can be rooted in ancient traditions, fears, or a desire to make sense of the world. While some superstitions may be harmless, others may lead to irrational or obsessive behaviors. Understanding the cultural and historical context of superstitions can provide valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of different communities.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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124 Superstition Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Superstitions have been a part of human culture for centuries, with many people believing in certain beliefs or practices that are said to bring good luck or ward off bad luck. Whether it's avoiding walking under a ladder or carrying a lucky charm, superstitions have a way of influencing our behavior and thoughts.

If you're looking for some inspiration for your next essay, here are 124 superstition essay topic ideas and examples to get you started:

• The origins of common superstitions
• The psychology behind superstitions
• How superstitions affect our decision-making
• Superstitions in different cultures
• Superstitions related to animals
• Superstitions related to numbers
• Superstitions related to colors
• Superstitions related to weddings
• Superstitions related to funerals
• Superstitions related to pregnancy
• Superstitions related to health
• Superstitions related to food
• The role of superstitions in sports
• Superstitions in literature and mythology
• Superstitions in popular culture
• Superstitions in religion
• The history of superstitions
• Superstitions and the supernatural
• Superstitions and luck
• Superstitions and rituals
• Superstitions and phobias
• The impact of superstitions on society
• Superstitions and mental health
• Superstitions and science
• Superstitions and technology
• Superstitions and gambling
• Superstitions and education
• Superstitions and relationships
• Superstitions and the weather
• Superstitions and astrology
• Superstitions and dreams
• Superstitions and folklore
• Superstitions and urban legends
• Superstitions and the media
• Superstitions and the law
• Superstitions and the economy
• Superstitions and fashion
• Superstitions and beauty
• Superstitions and health
• Superstitions and travel
• Superstitions and social media
• Superstitions and politics
• Superstitions and war
• Superstitions and history
• Superstitions and art
• Superstitions and music
• Superstitions and film
• Superstitions and television
• Superstitions and literature
• Superstitions and poetry
• Superstitions and theater
• Superstitions and dance
• Superstitions and photography
• Superstitions and painting
• Superstitions and sculpture
• Superstitions and architecture
• Superstitions and design
• Superstitions and fitness
• Superstitions and nutrition
• Superstitions and wellness
• Superstitions and mindfulness
• Superstitions and meditation
• Superstitions and yoga
• Superstitions and exercise
• Superstitions and sleep
• Superstitions and relaxation
• Superstitions and stress
• Superstitions and anxiety
• Superstitions and depression
• Superstitions and therapy
• Superstitions and counseling
• Superstitions and psychology
• Superstitions and psychiatry
• Superstitions and sociology
• Superstitions and anthropology
• Superstitions and philosophy
• Superstitions and ethics
• Superstitions and religion
• Superstitions and spirituality
• Superstitions and faith
• Superstitions and belief
• Superstitions and doubt
• Superstitions and skepticism
• Superstitions and innovation
• Superstitions and progress
• Superstitions and change
• Superstitions and tradition
• Superstitions and culture
• Superstitions and heritage
• Superstitions and identity
• Superstitions and diversity
• Superstitions and inclusion
• Superstitions and equality
• Superstitions and justice
• Superstitions and human rights
• Superstitions and democracy
• Superstitions and freedom
• Superstitions and liberty
• Superstitions and social justice
• Superstitions and civil rights
• Superstitions and activism
• Superstitions and protest
• Superstitions and revolution
• Superstitions and resistance
• Superstitions and transformation
• Superstitions and evolution
• Superstitions and adaptation
• Superstitions and creativity
• Superstitions and imagination
• Superstitions and inspiration
• Superstitions and motivation

With so many superstition essay topic ideas and examples to choose from, you're sure to find a topic that piques your interest and sparks your creativity. Whether you're exploring the history of superstitions or examining their impact on society, there's no shortage of fascinating angles to explore. So go ahead and dive into the world of superstitions with your next essay!

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Short stories, literary essays, india today english lit 1, joseph addison’s essay popular superstitions—summary and critical analysis, introduction of the essay:.

The immortal popularity of The Spectator Papers depends primarily on the fact that they are not confined to some particular aspect of social life but that they have covered the whole society in its varied fields. They perform two functions simultaneously. On the one hand, they present the faithful picture of the social life of the middle class with all their weaknesses and evils and on the other hand, the essayists have successfully imparted a number of moral lessons which can help people in making their life happier and easier. Throughout, sane advice has been scattered from place to place which confirms that their chief aim is social reform. They sometimes directly point out those evils and inspire a feeling that such follies must be abolished and sometimes, these ideals have been portrayed through the ideal characters like that of Sir Roger! In the present essay, Popular Superstitions , Addison has pointed out the folly of superstitious beliefs which poison our everyday life. They are such incidents which often take place and we foolishly consider them as bad omens, take unnecessary notice of them and sometimes spoil and whole pleasure of the company.

Summary of the Essay:

One day, an old friend of Addison invited him to dinner with his family. They were old friends. When Addison reached his home, he was surprised to find that the whole family was very much disappointed. The reason was that the lady of the house had seen a very bad dream last night and all of them were afraid of something wrong. They were afraid that such a dream was the foretelling to some great disaster to the family in near future. All these circumstances made Addison believe that the hostess in particular was a deeply superstitious lady. Whatever happened in the family was enough to confirm his belief that the superstitions had a powerful influence on the whole family. Addison stayed with the family for some time and all this time, he was utterly confused and restless. He agrees that this friend was a nice gentleman but he had a very poor understanding. He was not a wise man. He always agreed with whatever his wife said, no matter they were foolish beliefs. She had full faith that the dreams bring good or bad luck. There were many other superstitions also which they strongly believed. They never began any new work on Childermas day. The spilling of salt meant to them a bad omen and if it happened at dinner, the mood of the whole family was spoiled. The family became gloomy and sad if the knife and fork were left across each other upon the plate. Addison thought that taking dinner with such a family was most painful in itself. They thought that Addison was becoming the cause of their difficulties because he had spilt the salt and had laid the knife and fork across upon his plate. They also thought that he was the man who was seen in the dream last night. Addison considered them to be foolish beliefs so he hurriedly finished his dinner and left them and thus saved his host and himself from any embarrassment.

Addison tells a truth that as soon as a person becomes unnecessary and unwanted in a company, he immediately knows and realises it. In the same way, he had also noticed at once that he was unwanted in the family of his friend. The hostess thought him unwelcome and unfortunate for her family. Naturally, he did not stay there any more after the dinner was finished and departed without waiting. When he reached home, he was very thoughtful and thought over the incidents seriously, that had happened with him. He concluded that nothing but the foolish superstitious belief was the root cause of everything that had happened that evening. He concluded that the superstitions were responsible for the imaginary and unreal afflictions in the life of man. These foolish and absurd things bring misery. Those who believe in such incidents like the omens and superstitions are the greatest fools. Even if there is no misery or suffering in our life, the superstitions bring misfortunes. So, we suffer as much from unreal and imaginary miseries as from real accidents and tragedies. He recounts the shooting of a star or screaming of an owl at night as the greatest superstitions. They create unnecessary anxiety in our life. Such people make their life an ordeal of apprehension and misery because they perceive disaster in every occurrence.

In the opinion of Addison those old ladies who are physically ill and are unable to do any useful work in life find it difficult to pass their time. In order to keep themselves busy they employ their time in making prophecies about the impending disaster which is nothing but simply their foolish imagination. They spread such evil things and absurd beliefs among the simple hearted people and thus all the time they suffer from an unknown fear of some disaster. In this way, they are the chief source of spreading the menace of superstition in the society. The simple and innocent people particularly suffer from such fear. In such a condition, it is the duty of the wise people to save them from such follies and remove their absurd fears. They should create sound reasoning in them and convince them about their evil. They should make them feel the folly of these superstitious beliefs.

In the last part of the essay, Addison talks about himself and says that in his personal life, he has no faith in any such superstitions nor does he believe in knowing his future. He reasons that this habit does not give any pleasure rather it causes more and more trouble and mental disturbance. In a humorous manner, he says that even if he had the power to know his future, he would not have done so. Instead of it, he would prefer only to remain concerned with what is actually happening with him. He further tells that it will be better to put himself under the care and protection of God instead of being afraid of the supernatural forebodings. God only will save him from all the evils and misfortunes of life in all the circumstances. In this way, Addison expresses his strong faith in God and rejects all the other foolish beliefs. This faith gives him a great relief from the miseries and misfortunes of life and at the same time saves him from imaginary, unreasonable and absurd fears which are the source of miseries.

Critical Analysis of the Essay:

Introduction: .

With an intention of social reform, Addison has touched almost all the aspects of contemporary social life, whenever he realised the presence of any evil or social corruption. The present essay Popular Superstitions deals with the evil of popularly spread and observed superstitions in most of the families. He has not simply counted them but has highlighted their baneful influence on the social atmosphere and shows how they poison the life of man. It is quite full of great enthusiasm against such follies and expresses his earnestness to abolish them. He not only draws our attention to these absurdities that we take dreams to be the prophecies of impending evil or some common incident as a bad omen. The aim behind all this description is not to touch these evils but the intention is clearly reformative. This zeal of reform sometimes makes the essay like a moral teaching. But one thing is certain that the whole piece is a solid and wholesome lesson which will not only smoothen the life of man but make it sweet and congenial. This in itself is an evidence of its significance and that the essayists are honestly performing all their promise they had made in the beginning of this periodical. 

Story-Like Depiction:

The essay begins just as the essayist is going to tell us some interesting story. He tells that once a friend invited him to dinner where he had some embarrassing situations to face. The total behaviour of the incumbents of the members of the family has been perfectly and graphically revealed. He tells us like a story how he felt himself in a critical position in the midst of the people where everybody was superstitious and each trivial incident was taken to be a forecast for some impending misfortune. The mistress had dreamt last night about some mishappening and this had made them all very gloomy and disappointed. He also tells that in such an atmosphere there is a feeling of frustration instead of any cheerfulness or pleasure of the company.

 Autobiographical: 

Although Addison and Steele both are basically periodical essayists, but in order to avoid any controversy over any of their ideas, they have narrated everything in the manner of their own experience. Even while discussing the conduct and character of Sir Roger, they never become objective narrators but as if it is their personal experience. Here again Addison narrates the story of those unpleasant experiences which he had in the family of his old friend. The evil of superstitions though common in the society, had a peculiar effect on that family. The hostess felt that Addison resembled the man she had seen last night in her dream and so considers him unwelcome in the family. Addison also quickly realises this fact but he is helpless since he cannot leave the family without dinner. It is again purely autobiographical that he unknowingly spilt the salt during the dinner and everybody was shocked because, in their opinion, this act, chiefly during dinner, is the most damaging. It was again an unconscious act that he put the knife and fork across upon his plate which made the hostess so restless that they had to ask him to put them in the parallel position. All this shows that the essay is not narrative but the essayist reveals his difficulties in that home which certainly brings him close to the readers and enhances the interest of the place. 

The Moral Tone: 

The Spectator was designed to inculcate moral among the people. But this moral is not confined only to the religious sense. It includes all that is needed to make the life of man easy and happy. Here Addison expressly indicates that the superstitions are the greatest bane for man and they must be completely abolished from the society. He thinks that such evils and follies are invented by those spinsters who have nothing useful to do in their life and so their mind is always turned to inventing such peculiar ideas. The simple minded ignorant people believe them quite easily and so unknowingly they invite difficulties. Sometimes such beliefs are so harmful that the whole of their life is destroyed. At the end of the essay, the tone of Addison becomes totally moralistic. He asks the wiser section of the society to make efforts to save the people from such things. They should come forward and convince the people that actually they are nothing but simply everyday incidents which have nothing to do with our future. Moreover, the last part of the essay is just a moral sermon when Addison advises that the best way to make life happy is to leave ourselves at the mercy of God and have full faith in Him. He says, “I know but one way of fortifying my soul against these gloomy passages and terrors of mind and that is by securing to myself the friendship and protection of that Being who disposes of events and govern futurity.” He thus advocates strong faith in God and that death is the inevitable end of life and that “neither the time nor the manner of the death I am to die” is known to anybody. He, therefore, advises that “He will not fail to comfort and support me under them.” Thus, Addison expresses his absolute faith and confidence in God. He also advises that it is not good for man to try to know his future because it will never help him in any way. 

Humour and Satire: 

The essay undoubtedly discusses a very important aspect of social life and the subject under discussion is very serious, Addison makes it enlivening with his sparkling sense of humour. Even in the midst of serious discussion, he never grows tiresome and maintains the interest of the readers throughout. His humour is realised in the very beginning when the hostess finds him resembling the man she had seen in her dream last night. He ridicules her superstitious beliefs particularly that her husband also agrees with her whims. We enjoy the remark when Addison says, “I observed a settled melancholy in her countenance.” Seeing Addison, the lady said, “you may now see the stranger that in the candle last night.” We enjoy the discomfiture of the essayist and how he quickly finished his dinner and actually ran from there without waiting a moment. He was considered unwelcome for putting fork and knife across and the lady had to ask him to change their position. We laugh when Addison confesses. “What the absurdity was which I had committed, I did not know.” He felt himself “a person that had brought a disaster upon the family.” Equally humorous is the remark that the old idle ladies are responsible for all this folly. He humorously but satirically concludes, “An old maid that is troubled with the vapours produces infinite disturbances of this kind.” There is certainly bitterness in his opinion that such people spread the evil of superstitions among the simple and innocent people and make their life troublesome. He thus chooses the weapon of wit, wisdom, humour, satire and ridicule deliberately. 

Language and Style: 

Like other essays, here also the style of Addison is marked for directness and simplicity. He presents his views quite clearly and the language is so easy that even a layman easily grasps his point of view. However, the complication has been avoided and the ideas have been put quite convincingly. The whole description is marked by straight forwardness and common sense. He has employed logic to persuade the readers to drive his point home. It has a force of a sermon, sincerity of a crusader and interest of a story. 

Saurabh Gupta

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Superstition Essay | Essay on Superstition for Students and Children in English

Superstition Essay: Superstition is nothing but irrational belief in something. Weakness, fear, melancholy, together with ignorance are the true sources of superstition. If a Hindu believes that a dip in holy Ganges will wash away all his sins, it is just an irrational belief without any basis. It is often a tradition passed down to us from our forefathers.

Superstition is the religion of feeble minds. – Edmund Burke

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Long and Short Essays on Superstition for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Superstition’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on the Superstition of 400-500 words. This long essay about Superstition is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Superstition of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Long Essay on Superstition 400 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Superstition of 500 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

Superstition flourished in the past when mystery surrounded everything, and man had no knowledge and could not understand the phenomenon of nature. He believed in supernatural and worshipped various gods and goddesses. Every ordinary fact which he could not understand was considered a miracle. Later the people who were more intelligent became his teacher, also befooled him into believing their clever performances to be miracles. The objects of nature, changes of seasons and everything he could not understand became a miracle and thus a superstition.

Every country has its own superstitions, but it can be agreed without contraction, that the east is more contemplative and thus more superstitious than west.

There are some superstitions which are universally recognized. For instance, a shooting star is considered a very bad omen universally. Shakespeare writes in his play Julius Caesar:

When beggars die there are no comets seen in the skies. Heavens themselves set forth the death of princes. Both in England and India the howling of a dog at night is supposed to show the presence of an evil spirit nearby.

Some more popular superstitions prevalent in India. If a person is to start a journey and another person happens to sneeze only once, it is considered ill for the person who is to begin his journey, although two or three sneezes are considered harmless. Among the Hindus it is considered an ill omen to begin a new task on Saturday.

Again, studies can be started on Saturday it is considered lucky. If a cat crosses your path, it is not a good omen. The screech of an owl is considered ill omen and harbinger of some calamity. If a man’s right eye throbs, it is indicative of some good but if a woman’s right eye throbs, it is considered ill-omen. The itching of right palm is indicative of the arrival of money. If a crow sits on the head of a person, his death is supposed to be imminent. Considering buying or bringing iron in the house on a Saturday is dangerous is another superstition.

In England, even today, the number thirteen is feared and avoided. They avoid walking under a ladder to avoid disaster.

Short Essay on Superstition 200 Words in English

Below we have given a short essay on Superstition is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

There are many superstitions based on ghosts, witches and spirits. Often, houses are supposed to be haunted. Lincoln’s ghost is still seen in White House. When a woman suffers from hysteria, she is supposed to be overpowered by some ghost or witch. Many people, even the educated ones go to some so-called fraudulent people to get rid of evil spirits. Such people are another version of witch-doctor of South Africa.

The source of superstition lies in the thinking of man. When some problem is not removed by earthly efforts or is not understood, we tend to be superstitious and try to find its solution by other means. Burke has rightly said that superstition is the religion of feeble minds. In reality weakness, fear of the unknown, ignorance and illiteracy are the true sources of superstition.

Modern era with all its progress of education, science and technology is not devoid of superstition. New superstitions in idolizing child, laborer and other factors are present. Therefore superstitions, it seems, are going to persist. To some extent, everyone is superstitious, only when it goes to its extremes, it is dangerous. According to Goethe superstition is the poetry of life.

Superstitions stand in the way of progress and civilization and make our perspective limited and enhance our weakness. We hesitate and falter in taking decisions and therefore we cannot contribute to progress thoughts. Superstitions are a hindrance to clear thinking, reasoning and logic. Superstition, at best, should be avoided and not encouraged otherwise we will also be doing the same what our forefathers did.

Essay on Superstitious in English (1000 Words)

In the mysterious corridors of human history, superstitions have stood as silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of civilizations. From ancient rituals woven into the fabric of daily life to the modern-day adaptations in our technology-driven world, superstitions continue to shape our perceptions, decisions, and interactions.

This essay embarks on a journey to unravel the layers of superstition, tracing their origins, examining their impact on daily life, and exploring their evolution in the face of technological advancements and cultural shifts.

The Origins of Superstition

Tracing the roots in ancient cultures.

Superstitions, like colorful threads woven into the tapestry of human history, find their origins in the ancient fabric of our cultures.

From the dawn of civilization, humanity has sought explanations for the mysteries of the world, often turning to superstitions as a way to make sense of the inexplicable.

These early beliefs were intricately tied to the rhythms of nature, celestial events, and the unseen forces believed to govern our lives.

Historical perspectives on superstitions

Beginning on a journey through time, we discover that superstitions have evolved alongside the human story. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, held deep-rooted beliefs in the influence of supernatural forces.

Whether it was the auspicious placement of stars or the symbolism of animals, these early societies crafted a rich tapestry of superstitions that shaped their daily lives and rituals.

In medieval times, superstitions took on a new layer, often intertwining with religious practices. Rituals and symbols were infused with both spiritual and superstitious significance, creating a complex web of beliefs that endured for centuries.

Impact on Daily Life

Superstitions in the workplace and decision-making.

In the bustling world of grown-ups, superstitions often find their way into unexpected corners, even the workplace.

From the seemingly mundane rituals before an important meeting to the careful avoidance of certain numbers or dates, adults, too, harbor superstitions that influence their daily professional lives.

Exploring these workplace customs unveils a fascinating interplay between tradition and modernity in the adult world.

Relationships and the Influence of Superstitions

As we navigate the complex landscape of relationships, it’s intriguing to note how superstitions shape the dynamics between individuals.

From the unspoken rules of dating to the rituals surrounding friendship, superstitions weave into the fabric of human connections. Discovering the influence of these beliefs on relationships provides insight into the quirky ways adults navigate the social aspects of life.

Superstitions vs. Science (The Clash of Beliefs )

Scientific explanations for superstitions.

In a world where science strives to unravel the mysteries of the universe, superstitions often find themselves under the scrutiny of rational inquiry.

Delving into the scientific explanations behind these age-old beliefs, we uncover the fascinating interplay between the supernatural and the natural.

From cognitive biases to psychological tendencies, science sheds light on the origins of superstitions and the human mind’s inclination towards the mysterious.

Debunking Myths with Rational Thinking

Armed with the tools of reason and critical thinking, we embark on a quest to debunk myths that have persisted through generations.

Separating fact from fiction, we explore how rationality can serve as a guiding light in dispelling superstitions. Through this journey, we empower young minds to question, analyze, and embrace a world where knowledge triumphs over unfounded fears.

Evolving Superstitions

Superstitions in the age of technology.

In today’s digitally connected world, superstitions take on new forms and adapt to the age of technology. From the significance of certain emojis to the rituals performed before an important online event, we unravel the ways in which ancient beliefs seamlessly integrate into contemporary society.

The digital realm becomes a fascinating playground where superstitions evolve to meet the demands of the modern age.

Adapting Ancient Beliefs to Contemporary Society

As we witness the fast-paced evolution of society, it’s intriguing to observe how ancient superstitions find relevance in the present.

Whether it’s adapting old customs to fit into a busy urban lifestyle or incorporating traditional symbols into modern practices, the fusion of old and new creates a unique tapestry of beliefs that reflects the ever-changing nature of human culture.

Superstition and Religion

The role of superstition in religious practices.

Exploring the delicate dance between superstition and religion, we delve into the ways in which belief systems intertwine. From rituals performed for good fortune to symbols carrying sacred meanings, the boundary between superstition and religious practice blurs.

This exploration provides a nuanced understanding of how faith and folklore coexist within the realm of spirituality.

Instances Where Superstition and Religion Collide or Coexist

In the diverse landscape of religious beliefs, we uncover instances where superstition and organized religion either collide in disagreement or coexist harmoniously.

This examination sheds light on the complex relationship between personal beliefs and institutionalized faith, offering young minds a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human spirituality.

In the tapestry of human experience, superstitions emerge as intricate threads that connect the past to the present, weaving a narrative of belief and tradition. Our exploration into the realms of ancient cultures, the influence on daily life, and the dynamic interplay with science and religion reveals a complex, ever-evolving tapestry.

As we stand at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, it becomes apparent that superstitions, far from fading away, adapt and transform to find relevance in our changing world. Yet, armed with the tools of critical thinking and rationality, we can navigate this labyrinth of belief systems with a discerning eye.

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Popular Superstitions Essay

Look how the world’s poor people are amazed at apparitions, signs, and prodigies! William Shakespeare

A Superstition is an irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious. It is founded on ignorance and illiteracy. People all over the world seem to have superstitions. certain hours are believed to be auspicious and certain hours inauspicious.

Charms and amulets are worn as protection against evil spirits. A comet in the sky is believed to herald the death of a great person. The hooting of an owl is supposed ominous and so is the whining of a dog in the dead of the night.

It is considered inauspicious to travel towards the north on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and towards the South on Thursdays. Some persons do not pay or lend money on Tuesdays and Fridays; they fear that day will be reduced to poverty if they do so.

Sneezing is regarded as a bad omen. If anybody sneezes before a journey is to be begun or some important work is to be started, it is postponed. If a cat crosses the way when a person is proceeding on important business, he fears that he will not succeed.

in many European countries, number 13 is considered unlucky so that many hotels do not contain room number 13. They believe that if 13 persons sit at a dining table one of them will die in a few days.

It is unfortunate that superstitions still persist in spite of the advancement of science and technology. all superstitions are obviously baseless and observed and prevent us from making progress in life. Man is a rational being.he should not allow the clear stream of reason to lose its way into the dreary desert of superstition.

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Essay on Superstition 1000+ Words

Superstitions have been a part of human culture for centuries. From avoiding black cats to knocking on wood, these beliefs are intriguing and often shape our behavior. In this essay, we will explore the world of superstition, its origins, significance, and how it continues to influence our lives.

Defining Superstition

Superstition refers to irrational beliefs or practices that are often based on fear or ignorance. People believe in superstitions to bring good luck, avoid bad luck, or control the unpredictable. Superstitions can vary greatly from one culture to another and even from one person to another.

Historical Roots

Superstitions have deep historical roots and have evolved over time. Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians and Greeks, had their own superstitions related to gods, nature, and the supernatural. Some of these beliefs continue to influence modern superstitions today.

Cultural Significance

Superstitions are an integral part of culture. They shape traditions, rituals, and even everyday habits. For example, in many cultures, it’s considered unlucky to walk under a ladder or to break a mirror. Understanding these cultural superstitions can help us appreciate the diversity of human beliefs.

Psychological Comfort

Superstitions often provide psychological comfort. They can give people a sense of control in uncertain situations. Studies have shown that engaging in superstitious behavior can reduce anxiety and boost confidence. In this way, superstitions can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

Rituals and Habits

Superstitions often manifest as rituals and habits. For instance, athletes may have pre-game rituals to ensure good performance. Many people have lucky charms or wear specific clothing on important occasions. These rituals help individuals feel more prepared and confident.

Impact on Decision-Making

Superstitions can influence decision-making, especially in high-stakes situations. For example, a student might believe that wearing a certain shirt will bring them good luck during an exam. This belief may affect their performance and confidence.

Common Superstitions

Some superstitions are so widespread that they are known around the world. Common examples include avoiding walking under a ladder, carrying a rabbit’s foot for luck, and not opening an umbrella indoors. These superstitions are often passed down through generations.

Cultural Variations

Superstitions can vary greatly across cultures. In some cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky, while in others, it’s the number 4. Understanding these cultural differences can help us respect and appreciate diverse beliefs.

Skepticism and Rational Thinking

While many people believe in superstitions, others are skeptical and rely on rational thinking. They may see superstitions as illogical and not based on evidence. Promoting critical thinking and education can lead to a better understanding of the world and a reduction in superstitions.

Conclusion of Essay on Superstition

In conclusion, superstitions are a fascinating aspect of human culture and psychology. They have deep historical roots, influence our behavior and decisions, and provide comfort in uncertain times. Superstitions can vary widely from one culture to another, highlighting the rich tapestry of human beliefs.

While superstitions can be fun and comforting, it’s important to strike a balance between tradition and rational thinking. By understanding the origins and significance of superstitions, we can appreciate their cultural value while also fostering critical thinking and skepticism when necessary. Superstitions remind us of the complexity of human beliefs and the enduring power of tradition in our lives.

Also Check: Simple Guide on How To Write An Essay

Essay on Superstition

Have you ever discontinued walking through that road if a black cat crosses your path? What happened when you feel your left palm itchy? Have you ever crossed your fingers when feeling nervous? Does your mother give you curd and sugar before going to work? If yes, then surely you have heard about these superstitions.

Many people still follow these superstitions for good luck. To learn more about them, today we will discuss Superstition in detail.

Short and Long Superstition Essay in English

Here, we are presenting long and short essays on Superstition in English for students under word limits of 100 – 150 Words, 200 – 250 words, and 500 – 600 words. This topic is useful for students of classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in English. These provided essays will help you to write effective essays, paragraphs, and speeches on Superstition.

Superstition Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) Superstition is an illogical belief that something will bring good luck or bad luck.

2) Sometimes, people believe that certain numbers, colors, or objects can bring them luck.

3) It can lead to a false sense of security and create unrealistic expectations.

4) Superstitions can be found in many cultures.

5) Superstitions can motivate people to work harder and achieve goals.

6) However, it can provide comfort and reassurance when situations are uncertain.

7) Superstitions can help people to cope with anxiety.

8) Sometimes, it can lead to a distorted view of reality by neglecting scientific evidence.

9) It can also lead to a rejection of evidence-based knowledge.

10) For example, it is believed that entering a house through the back door is bad.

Short Essay on Superstition (250 – 300 Words)

Introduction

Superstition is a belief or practice that is based on useless fear of the unknown rather than on logical reasoning or scientific facts. It is an ancient form of belief that has been around for thousands of years and is still prevalent in many cultures today. Superstition can be a positive or negative influence on people, depending on how it is used and interpreted.

One of the advantages of superstition is that it can give people a sense of comfort and security in an uncertain world. Believing in superstitions can also help people cope with difficult situations, as they may feel that they have some control over their fate or that luck is on their side.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of superstition is that it can lead to harmful decisions and behavior. Superstitions can also lead to fear and anxiety, as people may worry that their actions will lead to bad luck or misfortune. It can also lead to a lack of critical thinking and discourage creativity. Sometimes, it can create a state of superstitious paralysis, where people are unwilling to take action. Superstitions can also lead to a reliance on luck instead of taking responsibility.

A superstition is an ancient form of belief that is still prevalent in many cultures today. While superstitions can provide a sense of comfort and security, they can also lead to irrational decisions. Therefore, it is important to remember that superstition is a form of belief and not a scientific fact and should not be used as a substitute for logical reasoning or scientific inquiry.

Long Essay on Superstition (500 Words)

Superstition and science have been at odds with one another since the dawn of time. Superstition is defined as a belief in supernatural forces or luck that can influence events, while science is based on the observation of facts and the formulation of theories through experimentation. Throughout history, superstition has been used to explain and predict events, while science has been used to create and explain the world around us.

What is Superstition?

Superstition is defined as a senseless belief or practice that is based on luck or fate. In other words, it is a belief in supernatural powers that influence our lives and the events that happen around us. This belief is often rooted in a deep-seated fear of the unknown or a lack of scientific understanding. Superstitions can vary widely, with some being harmless, while others have the potential to hurt our lives.

Origins of Superstition

The origins of superstition are unclear and have been the subject of debate for centuries. Some scholars believe that superstition is a result of primitive man’s attempt to explain natural phenomena, while others suggest that it is a product of the early religious beliefs of primitive cultures. However, the superstition persists today in many parts of the world.

Superstition: A Belief Beyond Logic

Superstition has been around for centuries and still exists in many cultures today. Superstition is an illogical belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome. It is a belief in supernatural causality, which is a belief that one event causes another without any physical process linking the two events. It is derived from fear and ignorance and can be passed on from one generation to the next.

The Role of Superstition in Everyday Life

Superstition plays an important role in everyday life. Many people believe that certain actions can bring good luck or bad luck, and superstitions often provide a sense of security and comfort. For example, some people believe that carrying a lucky charm or engaging in certain rituals can bring good luck. Superstitions are often used to ward off bad luck and to bring good fortune.

The Effects of Superstition

While superstitions can be comforting, they can also have a negative effect on people’s lives. Superstitious beliefs can lead to irrational behavior and can result in people feeling helpless and powerless. Additionally, superstitions can lead to fear and anxiety and can interfere with decision-making. Sometimes, people may find superstitions fun and interesting, but it is important to remember that superstitions are not based on fact. It can have both positive and negative effects, depending on how it is used and interpreted.

Science has helped to counter superstitious beliefs by providing evidence-based explanations for natural phenomena. By providing logical explanations for natural events, science has helped to displace superstition and has provided a more logical way to explain the world. Therefore, superstition and science can be used together to create a better understanding of the world.

I hope the above-provided essay on Superstition will be helpful to you in understanding the effects, advantages, and disadvantages of superstition.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions on Superstition

Ans. Religion is based on faith, while superstitions are based on fear and a belief in supernatural forces.

Ans. Yes, superstitions can be harmful if they lead to foolish behavior.

Ans. No, superstition does not have any scientific basis.

Ans. People believe in superstitions because they provide a sense of comfort and control in the face of uncertainty.

Ans. Superstitions can come from different cultures and religions as well as personal experiences.

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Superstition: A Very Short Introduction

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Do you touch wood for luck, or avoid hotel rooms on floor thirteen? Would you cross the path of a black cat, or step under a ladder? Despite the dominance of science in today’s world, superstitious beliefs—both traditional and new—remain surprisingly popular. Where did these superstitions come from, and why do they persist today? Superstition: A Very Short Introduction explores the nature and surprising history of superstition from antiquity to the present. It takes an exciting look at the varieties of popular superstitious beliefs today and the psychological reasons behind their continued existence, as well as the likely future course of superstition in our increasingly connected world.

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Essay on “Superstitions” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Superstitions

Essay No. 01

Superstitions are as old as man. The earliest men who had no scientific knowledge fell on easy prey to superstition.  Thus, illiteracy and lack of knowledge and capacity to reason out are the hotbeds which generate and perpetuate superstition.

Mahatma Buddha was probably the first great man to expound and explain the value and significance of reason which eliminated superstition altogether. He emphasized that everything should be thoroughly studied, judged and tested before being believed. Later, many other great men like Guru Nanak and Kabir exhorted the people to shun superstitions.

Many people may believe that faith is also a form of superstition. But, as we can see if we think deeply, there is a difference. Faith is a positive factor whereas superstition is a negative factor.

Earlier, superstition was rampant in villages. The belief in ghosts was common. It was believed that these ghosts operated at night and that they were visible to some people and invisible to others. Taking advantage of this many clever men burned into tan tricks and controllers of ghosts. They cheated the gullible villagers. Unfortunately, even at present, such clever men are at work.

There are many kinds of superstitions which are observed by common people. The throbbing of eyes, a cat crossing our way, coming across a Brahmin-all these are believed to be inauspicious. The cawing of a crow indicated the possibility of a guest visiting our house that day. Similarly, if we come across a sweeper early in the morning, it is considered to be auspicious.

We should try to develop a scientific spirit of mind and judge everything on the basis of reason.

Essay No. 02

Superstitions are widespread. They are found throughout the world among people in some form or the other. They more prevalent among illiterate and uneducated people. With the advancement of knowledge, learning and science, they are gradually losing ground, yet they hold their sway even among educated people of the society.

A belief based on ignorance or fear is a superstition. A superstition is never rational. It is always against the known laws of science and reasoning. Superstitions have many forms and practices. Beliefs in charms, omens, super-natural powers and beings, etc., have their roots in superstitions. What is mysterious, unknown, and inexplicable generally because fear, and fear in its turn generates superstitions and blind-beliefs.

Thus, they originate and thrive on human ignorance’s and blind-faith in things mysterious and unknown. Psychologically, the sense of insecurity, fear of ill luck and the dread of inexplicable forces in nature give birth to superstitions. Superstitions may differ from place to place, community to community and country to country, yet they have common origins. They originate from fear and lack of knowledge of things. When some phenomena cannot be explained and understood, people start fearing them and assign them divine and mysterious origins. In ancient times all races and people were governed by superstitions.

Superstitions found rich and fertile soil in human ignorance and lack of scientific knowledge. The less a race is enlightened, the more it tends to be superstitious. Some vested interests like priestly class, etc., also exercise a great influence in spreading and maintaining superstitions. Many of our religious rituals and rites are blind beliefs and tricks played by the priests, etc., on the gullible people.

The superstitions have caused mankind a lot of positive harm. The hold of superstitions on mankind is still strong. In spite of advancement of science and technology people suffer from superstitions and complexes born out of them. Take, for example, the dread of the number “13” in the West. They regard it the most unlucky number. They avoid it at any cost because they think it ominous and fatalistic. It is a taboo for them. This superstition has its origin in the last Supper of Christ. When Christ supped last, there were 13 persons, and soon after that Christ was crucified.

Because of these superstitions many godmen priests, so-called astrologers, palmists and occultists are having roaring business. The gullible and superstitious people throng their shops and willingly get duped. Superstitions have various forms and manifestations. At some places it can be seen in the worship of snakes, animals, trees and the practice of witch crafts. At others it is observed in the form of animal and human sacrifices. Sometimes a superstitious person does not hesitate even in sacrificing his own son or daughter to propitiate a god or goddess. There is no limit a. superstitious person can stoop to. Much of bigotry and fanaticism have their roots in our superstitions. Many times a woman is burnt alive as a witch or sorceress. It reminds us of Jaon of Arc of France who was burnt to death because she was considered a witch by the invading English army.

In many villages and towns there are houses, places, trees and caverns believed to be haunted by ghosts. The graveyards are supposed to be frequented by these spirits, and should therefore be avoided, at night and at odd hours. If anybody dares to go there at odd hours, he or she is bound to be possessed by the evil spirits. The only remedy available is rationality and scientific temper. The more the knowledge based on facts, the lesser the evils of superstitions. We must eradicate ignorance, fear of the unknown, the ideas of existence of evil spirits through dissemination of scientific knowledge and enlightenment in order to root out superstitions from our minds.

In India there are many superstitions. Beliefs in ghosts, witches, omens, spirits, age old rotten customs and traditions are to be found almost everywhere in India. For thousands and thousands of people in India superstitions are synominous with religion because they are weak-minded and rationally not developed. They are victims of the superstitions and irrational rotten faiths in the guise of religion, traditions and rituals. Not long ago small-pox was considered as the result of the wrath of a goddess. Still in many villages and towns the goddess Shitala is worshipped as the authoress of small-pox. Similarly, sneezing at the start of a work or a travel is considered as an evil portent. The crossing of a cat while you are going for some work is also regarded as equally ominous. In such an event it is presumed that the work is sure to end in failure. The barking of a dog, the crying of a cat, the howling of a jackal and broying of an ass are also taken as ominous. But a man or woman, with a pitcher full of water, crossing your way, a sweeper sweeping the road before you, are looked upon as auspicious.

There are certain days and hours which are auspicious. The people of India have set beliefs and want to perform work accordingly. They consult an astrologer or a priest for an auspicious movement to start an important work or a journey. The time and date of a marriage, inauguration, foundation laying of a house, start of a business, etc., are fixed according to the positions of the planets and stars. There are certain inauspicious days and months when no good and important work can be undertaken.

For the Indians the sun-eclipse, the sight of a comet and a shooting star are very ominous. They signify some disaster or national tragedy to them.

“When beggars die there are no comets seen, The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”

Essay No. 03

Superstitions  had  their  origin  in  the  element  of  fear  in  man. Whatever  could  not  be  explained  by  reason  was  looked  upon  as an  object  of  terror  and  was  worshipped.  However  even  now, when  civilization  has  progressed  and  education  has  spread, superstitions  are  current  all  over  the  world.  Superstitions  reduce a  man’s  efficiency  and,  therefore,  should  be  done  away  with.

Superstitions  cut  across  caste,  communal,  and  even  national  boundaries People  an  over  the  world  have  superstitions,  though  they  may  differ from  country  to  country  and  region  to  region.  Not even the  educated  arc free  from  superstitions.  In some  cases,  superstitious  beliefs  are  very  deep- rooted.  In  spite  Of  all  evidence  to  the  contrary,  people  continue  to  hold  fast  to  them  and  allow  their  lives  to  be  regulated by  them.

The  origin  of  superstitions  can  be  traced  to  the  element  of  fear  (which  is anti-rationalistic),  the  urge  for  security  and  material  welfare.  Human beings  Cherish  a  deep-seated  wish  for  their physical  Well-being.  They, would  go  to  any  length  to  ward    Off,  real  or  imaginary, danger  to  ,their bodies  and  falling  prey  to  diseases  and  death.  Also  the  desire  for  success; in  projects  involving  material  welfare  is  so  great  in  human  beings  that  even  the  thought  of  failure  unnerves  them.  They,  therefore  believe in certain  superstitions.  Some of  the superstitions  involve either  positively doing  certain  things    or  avoiding  certain situations  or  happenings; Superstitions  are  a  legacy  from  the  Stone  and  Wood  ages.  The  primitive men then  did  not  understand  a  large  part  of  the  natural  phenomena. Their  reason  was  not  highly developed.  They  attributed  their  success  or failure,  or  physical  condemn  to  irrational  beliefs.  Also  superstitions  came into  vogue  through  repeated  coincidences.  For  example,  if  a  person  often met  a, particular  type  of  animal,  while.  going  out  on  a  mission,  and  each time  he  was-unsuccessful,  he  began  to  regard that  animal  as  a  bad  omen. Or  conversely,  success  associated  with  a  series  of  coincidental  happenings; also  created  a  superstition.

In  the  Western  civilization,  one  of  the  most  well-known  superstitions the  ill-luck  number  thirteen  is  supposed  to  bring.  A  person  getting  number thirteen  for  his  car  will  shudder  to  drive  his  vehicle  for  tear  of  accidents. TA  house  with  this  number  will  fill  the  inmates  with  fear  of disease  and death. But  such  is  not  the  case  in  India.  Also, in the  West,   passing under  a  ladder  is considered  unlucky. This superstition  also  is  not  current in  India.

There  is,  however,  a  long  list  of  superstitions  which  are  prevalent  in India.  A  black  cat  is  one  of  the  worst  omens. (In  the  West,  too,  it  is thought  so).  If  a  black  cat  runs  across  someone’s  path,  it  is  believed,  he either  fails  in  his  job   or  meets  with  an  accident.  Owl is  another  illomened  bird.  Hooting  of  an  owl  is  supposed  to  bring  disaster  in  the neighborhood  or  to  the  particular  house  he  is  sitting  on  at  the  time of hooting. Cawing  of  crow  announces  arrival  of  SOW  guests.  Wailing  of  a dog  foreshadows  death.  If  one  meets  a  Brahmin  immediately  on  setting out  for  a  job,  one  is  Most  likely  to  fail.  On  the  Other  hand,  if   one  meets sweeper/sweepers,  it  is  supposed  to  bring success  in  job.  (It  is  a  rather contradictory  superstition.  Shudras  are  regarded  as  low  and  Brahmins  as twice-born  high  caste    beings  in  Indian  society).  Looking  at  alt  empty Vessel  at  the  time  of  corning  out  of  the  house  is  also  supposed  to  bring failure.  If  someone  sneezes,  when  one  is  getting  ready  to  go  out  to accomplish  a  task,  he  is  likely  to fail,  People  don’t  like  to  be  called back  and  asked  a  question  when  they  are  setting  out  for  some  work. Women’s   braids  are  hung  at  the  back  of  vehicles,  sometimes  even  cars belonging  to  the  posh  people.  A newly-built  house  has  to  ward  off  the evil  eye.  This  is  done   by  hanging, on  the  facade  of,  the  house  an  ugly, fearsome  face,  usually  painted  at  the  back  of  an  earthen  vessel.

At  times, superstitions  are  stretched  too  far. Particular people  are  regarded as ill omened  just.  because  a  death  or  a  serious  crippling accident  took place to  a  family  member  after  they  appeared  on  the  scene.  In  the  Indian setup,  the  newly-married  brides  often  have  to  pay  a  heavy  price.  If immediately  after  the  brides  entry  into  her  in-laws  house  the  death  of her  husband  or  father-in-law  or  even  some  other  member  of  the  family occurs, she  is  blamed  for  it.  For  the  rest  of  her  life,  the  daughter-in-law  is subjected  to  taunts  and  torture  for  no  fault  of  hers.

Some  of  the  superstitions,  however,  are  meant  to  bring  about  social  good or lesson  the  pain  or  feeling  of  loss.  For example,  finding  of  a and  carrying  it  along  is  considered  a  sign  of  good  luck.  The  action, thus  performed,  actually  Proves  beneficial  to  satiety:  The  horse-shoe,  an otherwise  dangerous  thing,  which  could  hurt  a  human  or  damage  a  wheel removed  from  the  road  by  the  picker.  Similarly the  breaking  of  crockery  on  the  occasion  of  a  marriage  ceremony  is  considered  auspicious. The  superstition  is  again  calculated  to  lessen  the  feeling  of  loss  that would  otherwise  be  caused  on  account  of  a  financial  loss.

Superstitions,  to  say  the  least,  affect  human  conduct.  They  ,fill,  men  with unnecessary  anxiety  and  fear,  which  lead  to  nervous  strain.  They  reduce the  capability  of  men  to  perform  certain  tasks  or  delay  the  accomplishment of  jobs.  Many  a  man  go  back  home  because  they  have  encountered  some ill  omen.  Superstitions  sour  human  relationships.  Sneezing  is  a  biological need  likewise.  Asking  a question  when  somebody-  is  about  to  leave  for some  job  is  a  natural  curiosity  of  human  beings.

The  purpose  of  education  is  to  reduce  the  area  of  darkness  and  instill among  people  courage,  self-confidence,  and  thereby  free  the  society  from the  tyranny  of  superstitions.  Although  superstitious  beliefs  are  still  current, with  the  spread  of  education,  many  of  the  superstitions  have  died.  Since most  of  the  superstitions  hinder  positive  action;  the  elders  can  play  a crucial  role  in  freeing  the  youngsters  from  the  yoke  of  superstitions. They  can  explain,,  to  them  the  futility  of  believing  in  them.  Also  they can  set  an  example  by  themselves  not  falling  victim  to  superstitious  beliefs.

Essay No. 04

Superstition

“Superstition”, said Burke, “is the religion of feeble minds”. It is belief that has no basis in reason. It is the daughter of Ignorance and Fear. The word means, literally, standing over—standing still at a thing in fear and awe. Superstition, said Pascal, “is founded on fear or ignorance, and leads men to form false ideas of duty, to dread chimeras, and to lean on a broken reed.” Belief in omens and oracles; servile attachment to ritual, usage, form of words; and seeing the supernatural in every incident of life—all these come under Superstition.

In religion, superstition means irrational fear of the mysterious, and reverence for objects that are no proper objects of worship. Ignorant savages have no scientific knowledge of what we call the forces of nature. They think the sun and the moon, fire and wind and wailer, are governed by super-natural beings, who sometimes seem kind, but more often terrible and cruel. These they fear and worship, and try to propitiate them with offerings, sacrifices and senseless rites. And their imagination peoples the universe with imaginary beings—demons, ghosts and fairies.

A tree is judged by its fruits; and the fruits of superstition are all evil. It has been responsible for a vast amount of cruelty, misery and madness. In old times men offered up human sacrifices to appease imaginary gods. In the Middle Ages, the belief in witchcraft led to the persecution of poor old women, who were believed to be in league with the Devil. The Spanish Inquisition tortured and burnt thousands of innocent people, at the bidding of superstition. And even in civilized countries today, superstition produces narrow mindedness, bigotry and needless mental suffering.

Superstition is a thing of darkness; it cannot stand the light. It is a child of ignorance; it hates and flees from the face of knowledge. As knowledge increases, superstition decreases. Science, which has discovered the real forces of nature, has banished the old bogies of superstition—demons, ghosts, and goblins, and all the creations of fear and ignorance which once made men afraid. But superstition dies slowly; and even to-day silly bits of superstition still linger. There are still people who consult fortune-tellers, think the number thirteen unlucky, will not walk under a ladder, nor start a voyage on a Friday. As knowledge spreads, however, superstition will dwindle till it disappears altogether.

Essay No. 05

Superstitions betray human weakness, ignorance and fear of the unknown and mysterious. They are the irrational belief in things which remain inexplicable, mysterious of sufficient knowledge and unravelled because of lack scientific temper. Superstitions are on the decline because of spread of education, reasoning and scientific advancement. However, even educated and advanced people have their superstitions. It has also been seen that while many old superstitions are dying, new ones are being born. Primitive instincts, fears and beliefs present a fertile land for superstitions. Emotional instability, religious orthodoxy, blind belief in irrational rituals, customs and practices make people an easy prey of the superstitions.

Superstitions are not confined to a particular a particular part of the globe, people, race or community. They are ubiquitous and found throughout the world, in one form or another. There is only a difference of degrees. They are more prevalent among illiterate, uneducated and scientifically less advanced people and societies. Superstitions are being passed on from one generation to another, through religious practies. No doubt they are gradually losing ground with the advancement of rationality, scientific approach to things and globalization of the world, yet, superstitions may not be eradicated for a long time.

Belief in charms supernatural powers, ghosts, evil spirits, and spiritual healing etc., have their deep roots in superstitions. They are common among the people of all classes. For example, the eclipse of the sun and moon, sighting of shooting stars and comets, cries of certain birds like owls, revanes, and wiling of dogs mewing of cats, howling of jackals and braying of the ass at certain hours are still regarded as  ominous in many communities all over the world. The fear of number 13 is another example of our blind belief. All superstitions have their origin in the  human psychology of fear of ill- luck, insecurity and the dread of inexplicable forces in nature. When some phenomena cannot be explained and understood, people start fearing them and assign them divine, supernatural and mysterious origins.

In ancient days, all races and people were governed by superstitions. They found rich and fertile ground in human ignorance and lack of scientific knowledge. The less a community is educated and enlightened, the more it tends to be superstitious and backward. Some vested interests, like the Priestly class etc., also exercise a great influence in spreading, maintaining and generating new superstitions. Many of our religious, sectarian and family rituals and rites are based on blind beliefs, and tricks are being played on gullible people by the so-called godmen, priests, quacks, charlatans, astrologers, palmists, star and crystal gazers. There are many religious cults thriving today throughout the world only because of human ignorance, blind faith and irrationality. Even the developed countries are no exception. In spite of advancement of science and technology, the hold of superstitions on mankind is strong and man continues to suffer from these evils and complexes born out of them. In India, sneezing when someone is about to start work, is considered inauspicious. Similarly, the crossing of the path by a cat, especially a black one, is regarded as boding ill-luck. Like these ominous signs, there are lucky ones as well, which are regarded as harbingers of good luck, fortune and success. Man’s ingrained fear of the unknown and the inexplicable has invented ominous signs, portents and premonitions.

Sacrifice of birds and animals to please the gods and goddesses, and to atone for one’s sins, is a common practice among many communities all over the world. ‘Many women are still lynched because they are mistaken for witches. People still resort to magicians and godmen to exorcise the so-called evil spirits and their harmful influences, and are being willingly fleeced and duped in the process.

Superstitions are thriving in an organised way under various cults, religious sects, godmen, priests, and so-called prophets and representatives of gods. They are successfully leading the masses by the nose. We have actually failed to draw a line between religion and blind faith, bigotry and spiritualism and between prayer and useless incantations. We regard certain hours and days as inauspicious and so consult astrologers, priests and godmen to know the auspicious days and hours to start- our work, projects and journey. Likewise, the time and date of marriage, inauguration, foundation-laying ceremonies are fixed according to the advice of astrologers and the positions of the planets and stars.

The need of the hour is to cultivate more and more objectivity, rationality and scientific spirit in our approach to things, including those which are inexplicable and in some way or other mysterious. We need not give up our ideals, imagination, emotions and impulses and become living robots, but we must be alert and watchful so as not to allow these to dominate and dictate our faculties of reasoning, logic and analysis. Religion is certainly blind if not blended with science and reasoning; and, science is lame, unless guided by conscience and emotions. Our only hope is in sanity, balance and cultivation of scientific outlook and temper. 

Essay No. 06

Majority of people are superstitious blindly. Superstition is a sign of ignorance and backwardness. Thus superstitions do not have any place in science. But people not only in India but in other countries also are superstitious. The number thirteen is regarded as an ominous figure by people in some countries. Even the French architect Le Corbusier, who designed the Indian city Chandigarh, was superstitious for he did not create Sector-13, in Chandigarh. Similarly Europeans consider it lucky if they find a horse shoe on the road. Other popular superstitions are that the howling of a jackal, sight of an owl bodes evil. Some people believe that a journey undertaken in a particular direction, on a given time is inauspicious. Sneezing when a person is ready to leave is considered a bad omen. Similarly howling of a dog is thought to indicate death of someone. But due to the impact of science, people have started questioning popular superstitions. Science sees everything rationally and it will serve people well if they examine these things rationally. People should turn a deaf ear to these superstitions and only then they will progress in their life.

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Addison’s Prose Style in Sir Roger at Home

Joseph  Addison  was a great  essayist , a philosopher social reformer and a  critic  of his age. He followed prose style which was a class by itself and also which made his essays smooth and graceful. J.H. Fowler rightly opined the Addison and his friend Steele could rightly be regarded as the founder of modern English essay and modern English prose, and  “the larger share of achievement was Addison’s.”

Addison had invented an independent style which Dr. Johnson called the “Middle Style.” Clarity in subject matter, simplicity in construction lucidity in structure, absence of obscurity, free from rigidity are the hallmarks of Addison’s prose style . He never wrote too much decorated sentence. With great care and scrupulosity he avoided the lapse of composition, low words, slang words and the words of common use the colloquial words.

It was his excellent style as an essayist that Addison never depended on any particular theme for his essays. Popular superstitions, ignorance, vices, caprices, pursuits, fashion were all infused into his essays and Addison had represented them very nicely. He was aiming at castigating those vices and follies which were below and beyond the very cognizance of law and the pulpit.

Perfect character portrayal was the remarkable virtue of  Addison . In his present essay,  Sir Roger at Home .  Addison  has drawn a life-like character Sir Roger de Coverley with immense care. While we go through the essay we can easily imagine and even can see the old eccentric country gentleman in his homely nature — how he received his particular friend,  Addiso n : how he kept his guests at ease by allowing them to do thing according to their whim and caprice: how much he loved his servants who were also aged like their master : how he kept old house dog and horse with great care and tenderness though they were useless – and many other pictures along with  Sir Roger ‘s dispositions, his likes and dislikes were represented minutely and shrewdly.

Addison ‘s principal literary gifts – a delicate taste, a keen sense of humour an insight into character – are all united in the portrayal of Sir Roger de Coverley. Though Sir Roger was first sketched and was afterwards occasionally touched by Steele, he is in the main Addison’s creation.

Addison has been considered the perfect model for those who wish to learn how to write English. Johnson has rightly observed, “whoever wishes to attain an English style, familiar but not coarse, and elegant but not ostentatious, must give his days and nights to the volumes of Addison .”

The greatest style is the expression of the highest energy, intellectual and moral. Addison also taught the lesson of neatness, lucidity and precision “He and the Queen Anne essayists” as Hugh Walker says, “have been a permanent force on the side of sanity and restraint of thought and clearness of expression”.

To find  Addison as an essayist , we should borrow the remark of J.H. Fowler – “It is good to read Addison first because he is full of charm because we soon come to feel an affection for this silent, keen and kindly spectator of men, because he brings back to us vividly the vanished life of the early eighteenth century: because he creates in  Sir Roger de Coverley  one of the most delightful characters in the whole range of  English literature .”

It is one of the features of his essays that Addison used allegories, allusions, even anecdotes frequently in his essays. He used them successfully to issue his humour. It is for this reason K. Deighton commented, “As regards Addison’s style, of no one could it more truly be said that the style is the man. He has a manner, but not mannerism.”

Addison aimed at satirizing all vices, follies and foibles of the then English society. He threw the shafts of satire even to the unnatural fondness for trivialities and frivolities of dress and behaviour.

• Character Analysis of Sir Roger de Coverley in Addison’s Essay

There is perhaps a little controversy that  Addison  is one of greatest essayists and critics of his age. The  prose style of Addison  is unsurpassable. If better to conclude with what E. Albert says, “His style has often deservedly praised. It is the pattern of the middle style never slipshod or obscure, or unmelodious. He has an infallible instinct for the proper, and an infallible ear for a subdued and grace rhythm.”

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