I heard the song Very Superstitious by Stevie Wonder recently and I had to dance. The beat, the instrument sounds and the overall groove puts a great feeling into your body. After dancing, images of many of superstitions popped into my head, and I knew it was going to be a new #ABC post. And with Friday the 13th upon us, it suits this week perfectly.
After hearing the song, I researched superstitions online and came across an article on the Woman's Day Magazine's website about common superstitions and their history. I truly enjoyed it. I often knock on wood, say "bless you" when someone sneezes, have a ladybug tattoo on my ankle, don't walk under ladders, and more out of habit, but haven't ever taken the time to understand where all the superstitions came from. I thought a bird pooping on you was considered "bad luck", but according to the article, it is actually a sign that good things are coming your way.
If you'd like to learn more about the history of superstitions, check out the article on Woman's Day's website by clicking this link.
Now, I don't actually believe that if I don't knock on wood something bad will happen, ladybugs are actually lucky or black cats are bad luck. I did at one point, and now continue to knock on wood out of habit and still love ladybugs, but now I believe luck is a myth. I believe in brain power instead.
If you believe something is "bad", then it will be bad and if you believe something is "good" then it will be "good". It's like always thinking negatively brings about negativity in your life, but always thinking positively brings about positivity into your life. I fully believe in positive thinking.
Keeping a talisman (an object that is thought to bring good luck) around to remind you to stay positive can be a good thing. It's not that the object itself brings you good luck, but your positive thinking can and eventually will.
I'd like to encourage all humans to think positively. Use positive talismans if they help. However, humans can start to move away from talismans that are thought to be "bad". Did you know that black cats are among the last animals to get adopted at most pet shelters? When I heard that fact, my heart broke. Let me speak for all the black cats of the world--they are NOT bad luck. I've had three black cats in my life at some point and they were all the sweetest, most loving creatures ever. I was loving towards them and they reflected that love back to me. That's how all animals are.
Also, breaking a mirror won't bring you bad luck. I'm a bit clumsy sometimes, have broken numerous mirrors and just shrug it off. The idea of "bad luck" doesn't get stuck in my mind, for I have stuffed it with a great deal of positivity and plan to stay that way for the rest of my life.
Sending light and love to all who need it!