India is a country where traditional myths and superstitions breathe comfortably next to technological advancement. We have sent rockets to space but we also try to alter our destiny using gemstones, have achieved milestones in the field of research but also get anxious if a black cat crosses our path. Jotted down are some of the age-old beliefs and totems that we Indians can’t let go of.
12 Myths and Superstitions that still exists in our society
1. Protection from the evil eye
In India this practice is commonly known as ‘Nazar Utarna’ which is done by applying a black spot using kajal on the forehead of the child, making the child wear a black thread around neck or ankle. It is believed that this would protect the child from the evil eyes or negative vibes of people which might cause harm to the childlike making him/her sick, deteriorating health, etc.
2. Not to sweep after sunset
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi who is considered as the Goddess of wealth pays a visit to our house generally after sunset. So, if we are sweeping our home at that time then she will not come in.
3. Never go near the Banyan tree in the night
Indian people believe that Ghost lives on Peepal or Banyan tree at night and ghosts are also active at night. So, if they sleep under the Peepal tree they will get possessed by ghosts.
4. A girl prohibited from doing certain things while menstruating
There is a religious taboo in our society that restricts women and girls from performing certain activities like entering to temple or kitchen or any prayer as women are considered impure at that time. So, she should remain away from any sacred places.
5. Lemon and Chilly to ward off evil
A very common sight in many households and workplaces that they hang seven chilies and a lemon at the front door. It is done to avoid the malevolent eye of Alakshmi. Alakshmi is the sister of Goddess Lakshmi who is considered auspicious and is believed to bring poverty and misery. It is considered as an offering to her which she takes and doesn’t come inside.
6. Plastering the walls and floor with cow dung
Since Indians worship their cattle, anything related to her, even the cow dung, is considered auspicious. Our ancestors might have been using cow dung as a disinfectant but now it has become a tradition and is still practiced in every rural part of India.
7. Never chew the Holy Tulsi rather swallow it
Tulsi is considered as Goddess Lakshmi avatar hence chewing it is considered not to be sacred and can cause bad luck. So, I should always swallow it directly.
8. Eating ‘Dahi- chini’ before heading out for any important event-
You might have seen before heading out for the exam, interviews, or any important meeting your mother will make you eat a spoonful of sugar mixed curd. Well, this magical concoction is a must in every household which is believed to bring good luck and will bring an auspicious start to your day.
9. Have a bath after attending a funeral
What people believe that once we return from a funeral we should immediately rush to the bathroom with some clothes on and wash both the body and the clothes otherwise there is a chance that the spirit of the deceased might haunt us. Well, the truth is that bathing is convincing enough to avoid getting infected by bacteria from the dead body.
10. Cutting nails after sunset
this myth persists as they say that cutting nails after sunset is a strict no-no otherwise you might welcome certain misfortunes in your life.
11. Black cat crossing path
In India black cats are considered evil creatures and bring bad luck and miseries. And also, black color is associated with Lord Shani. So, if a black cat crosses your path then according to the myth you should wait for somebody else to cross the path so that the person will have bad luck and you won’t.
12. The family of the dead person should not cook food until 13 days
In Hinduism, once a death has occurred in a family, the immediate blood family is considered to be in a state of extreme ritual impurity and is bound by several rules like they cannot go to the temples, cannot tough or read any holy scriptures, cannot visit their friends and family, cannot attend any marriages, parties, etc. The family also must not cook food for at least 10-12 days as it is considered to be inappropriate to light the family’s heart when one of its members is being cremated. At least through this tradition, the mourning family gets to rest and time to mourn and cope up with their loss.
Read also – 8 Crazy Things That Only Happen In India
