People who have been born and brought up in India might have heard about some weird superstitious like not to cross the road after a black cat crosses your path or do not cut your hair on Tuesdays etc. These were some superstitions that we were blindly following. Have you ever wondered that they might also have a logical answer behind these theories of superstitions?
Whenever we questioned our adults about certain beliefs a common answer that they would give us was it is a ‘Bad Omen’ or ‘Inauspicious’. You would be shocked to know that some superstitions that we blindly followed had a very logical and scientific reason behind.
Read below some bizarre things we believed and know the science behind them.
1. Don’t Stand Under A Peepal Tree At Night
We all have heard that night is when the negative activities take place the most. We have been told not to visit a peepal tree during the night saying the many ghosts and spirits reside on them. During the night the ghosts might scare us and therefore we shouldn’t go under the peepal tree.
Scientific Reason: We all have studied that trees exhale carbon dioxide at night instead of oxygen. This is a simple logical reason for this weird belief that had been believing.
2. Bathing After Coming Back From A Funeral
Bathing after coming back from a funeral is a common ritual followed in India. After we visit a departed soul one must go home and bathe thoroughly.
Scientific Reason: Our ancestors did not have many vaccines for the disease and since we are going near a dead body we might catch infections or diseases. To avoid any disease o allergies it was advised to bathe first after coming from a funeral.
3. Twitching Eyes Means Something Bad Is Going To Happen
Twitching eyes are often considered inauspicious as people say that something bad is going to happen to you. But if you look at the scientific reason behind the twitching of your eyes you would be surprised.
Scientific Reason: Eye twitching could be due to stress, alcohol, fatigue, or dry eyes
4. Lemon And Green Chillies To Keep The Evil Away
The lemon chilies ritual has been a common thing we have following to keep evil spirits and energies at bay. People today also hang the lemon and chilies together on the door of their house or even shops.
Scientific Reason: Lemon and chilies and insecticidal properties that help in keeping the insects away from entering our home. Our ancestors did not have mosquito repellants so this was a common technique they used.
5. Not Visiting The Temple During Periods
The menstrual cycle is a common biological thing every woman goes through. Periods have become a taboo and has been associated with superstition. It is said that women cannot enter the temple when they are on their periods as they become ‘impure’.
Scientific Reason: Earlier the temples used to be far from home and many people did not have vehicles to travel. So they used to walk miles to reach temples. Women and girls stayed at home during periods considering the pain they go through. Walking miles would tough during periods and so visiting temples was restricted for them.
6. Do Not Cut Nails After Sunset
This is a very common myth that one cannot cut nails during the night. Our parents even today tell us not to cut nails after it gets dark, wondered why?
Scientific Reason: Earlier people did not have electricity 24*7 and cutting nails during the night could be dangerous as the edges of the nail cutter might cut the finger as well. So it was advised to cut nails during the day and avoid during the night.
7. Do Not Wash Your Hair On Tuesday And Thursday
Our elders tell us to not wash our hair on certain days saying that it brings bad luck to us.
Logical Reason: Our ancestors did not have a water supply at home for the entire day. They had to walk miles to fetch water and therefore utilization of water had less. If everyone washed hair daily the utilization of water would be more.
8. Eat Curd And Sugar Before Doing Something Important
Elders say that before leaving for work you should eat sweet curd as it beings good luck and you will succeed in the tasks you are given.
Logical Reason: Curd and sugar calm your mind so whenever you head out for any work it keeps you calm and relaxed as a result your focus becomes better.
9. Adding One Rupee To The Gift To Make It Auspicious
In India, the envelope with a one rupee coin is very popular. It is an unwritten rule to give people money in odd numbers i.e., 51,101 and so on. It is termed as ‘Shagun’ if you give money that is odd in number.
Logical Reason: The extra one rupee is added so that the total does not become and it signifies growth.
Now you know why certain things are said by our elders and since now you know the actual reason behind it as well so you don’t have to blindly follow what is said and instead support your faith with a logical answer.