Superstitions

Some common Kurdish superstitions shared with the world

Some views and definitions on superstitions in general

What is superstition: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation. Or an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition. Or a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary.

Broadly defined, superstition is a belief in the supernatural, which is to say, a belief in the existence of forces or entities that do not conform to the laws of nature or a scientific understanding of the universe.

After all this modernization and enlightenment that has taken place, superstitious beliefs still persist in our societies. Every one of us to some extent do believe in such absurd superstitious beliefs.

Superstitions are long-held beliefs that appear to be rooted in coincidence or cultural tradition rather than logic or facts. Superstitions are often connected to pagan beliefs or religious practices that were widespread in the past.

Our ancestors didn’t come up with superstitions because they were more ignorant or naive than we are, but because they lacked many concrete ways to influence the survival outcomes of their lives. Superstitions offered a way to feel more in control, the same way they do now. That’s why highly educated, sophisticated people still believe in certain superstitions.

Most superstitions are fun and harmless, whether you sincerely believe in them or not. But some superstitions can play into mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Kurdish nation has so many superstitions inherited from the past and are still believed among the community to such extent. Part of them are special associated with them only as a part of their culture but some others are similar and shared with other nations of the world with the same aspects and views and sometimes with little bit variations in regard to their origin and formation. Below are some one which have related to those in common with the world superstitions.

Birds pooping: you're strolling around outside on your lunch break when, all of a sudden, a bird lets loose above you such as seagulls and pigeons, depositing a messy smear of droppings on your head. It is said it brings good luck.

Black cat crossing:It is a common superstition that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck.

breaking the mirror means bad luck and will release evil spirits in the house.Broken mirror:

Cats passing: seeing cats crossing our path is a sign of bad fortune.

it is a sign for guests arriving to the family soon.Eye-brow movement:

Gum chewing: to chew gum at night is like you eat your dead relatives' flesh

Hand palm: as the beliefs go, an itchy left palm means you'll be paying money out or losing money while an itchy right hand means money is soon going to be coming in.

. Itchy nose: a number of cultures held that an itchy nose is a sign of bad luck or bad news being on the way

cutting your nails after dark is considered bad luck. Nail cut: shortening your nails might shorten your life and a bringer of death.

when a shoe is turned over upside-down the other one is a sign of a journey very soon. Shoe turning over:

Wetting the path: good luck comes from someone spreading water out in front of you before you head out.

the act of whistling indoors is believed to be a call to "little devils" and it's considered rude to do so. Whistling indoors:

5-5-2020 – Ahmed Ali