While the dictionary definition of superstition highlights the
irrational fear of the unknown or mysterious, it fails to emphasize the
destructive results of superstitious beliefs and practices on the lives of
countless people around the world. Superstition can only bring harm and wreak
havoc on those who fall under its influence.
Superstition originates from primitive animism, which is essentially false
religion. Although all major world religions contain some element of
superstition, especially in their early stages, their teachings generally
encourage individuals to free themselves from fear and prejudice. In contrast,
animism, which is still accepted in remote areas of tropical Africa and Asia,
assumes that every aspect of nature has its own familiar spirit. As a result,
individuals must appease these imaginary deities to live in harmony with nature.
This creates a culture of "restrictive practices," leading to a lack of
development and constant fear.
The effects of superstition are numerous. For example, many primitive tribes
fear the dark, leading to countless deaths throughout history. The Jews in
Biblical times and Native Americans in the 19th century were constantly attacked
by invaders, as they refused to offend the "night spirits" by fighting back
after dark. Even today, in remote African villages, women and adolescent boys
and girls undergo cruel fertility cults and puberty rites to ensure their
productivity and manhood, as required by the spirits. The more intelligent
members of the village exploit the fear of their fellow tribesmen, requiring
them to make offerings and perform ceremonies, resulting in financial gain.
Villages can remain superstitious because people are afraid to take sensible
action to improve their lives for fear of offending the spirits, as seen in
Ghana when the local people spent thousands of pounds on sacrifices to appease
the "gods of the sea" after a new fish-quay was built near Accra.
Even in sophisticated countries in Europe and Asia, superstitions are present,
often passed down as folklore or exploited for financial gain. Some are
relatively harmless, such as not walking under a ladder, touching wood, or
throwing salt over the left shoulder. However, others can seriously affect a
person's outlook on life or harm their finances. For example, astrology, which
suggests that our lives are governed by the stars and planets, has led many
people to pay large sums of money to those who exploit this belief. Similarly,
gambling, relying on "lucky" numbers or charms, has led to the loss of vast sums
of money.
At best, superstition is a harmless eccentricity, but at worst, it is a
dangerous threat to peaceful living. As the human race continues to evolve,
superstition will gradually decrease and eventually disappear. |