Superstitions of the WorldSuperstition or tradition?
How to think about a belief that comes from a religious or family tradition: the difference between a superstition, a custom and a faith practice, and how to treat other people's beliefs with respect.
One person's superstition is another person's tradition or faith. A belief that is part of a religion, such as not eating certain foods on certain days, is not usually called a superstition by those who hold it. Here are three useful questions.
- Does it claim to change events by magic? A custom that marks an occasion is not the same as the claim that a sign predicts or causes luck.
- Is anyone harmed? A belief that puts someone at risk, for example by denying treatment to a sick person, is a problem whatever its name.
- Is it respected by those who practise it? Treat other people's customs with courtesy, without having to share them.
See also our guide to where omens come from.
This page reports popular beliefs for interest. Superstitions do not predict or cause anything, and nothing here is advice.