By Sakshi Kanodia
Since time immemorial superstitions have prevailed on Earth, Universe and Milky Way.
It is essential to recognise the reasons which gave birth to these superstitions. The good thing about superstitions is that you don’t have to be illiterate to believe in them. A rikshawala believes in the same old superstition that a doctor believes in (Unity in diversity, indeed).
Can we say that it is the fear of ill luck or insecurity which makes us believe in it? Or is it that if we don’t understand the logic behind it then we will interpret anything? Or do you think Indians are too imaginative?
Let’s relate some common myths with some logical explanations:
DON’T CUT NAILS/HAIR OR SWEEP AFTER SUNSET
So this is the most common one. We are usually advised not to cut nails or hair after sunset. This was made a rule at a time when there was no electricity and light available was from a lantern at most.
DO NOT SIT OR SLEEP UNDER A TREE AT NIGHT
This must have been some silly way of keeping people from inhaling carbon dioxide released by plants at night. Like seriously people, can you imagine that our ancestors had realised this fact and made this rule much before “Photosynthesis” was even discovered. *Mind Blown*
THROW AWAY ALL YOUR FOOD AFTER AN ECLIPSE AND DO NOT TAKE A BATH DURING OR RIGHT AFTER IT
During an eclipse, only the sun’s harmful UV rays reach the Earth’s surface and at this time, bacteria and other micro-organisms which are usually killed by the sun’s rays experience an abnormal growth rate
WOMEN SHOULD NOT DO ANY WORK OR ENTER ANY RELIGIOUS PLACE DURING MENSTRUATION
From not doing any heavy household work to not wetting one’s hair until the fourth day, women are subjected to a number of rules during those five days of the month.
Studies have shown that pouring water on someone’s head can affect one’s capability to give birth to a child.
Stopping women from doing household work only allows them to get more rest and to ease the devil that is the mood swings or the menstrual cramps.
DO NOT WASH YOUR HAIR ON CERTAIN DAYS
The whole motive behind it was to save water, as water resources were being exploited to a great extent by the public. So, by inculcating within them the fear of supernatural powers, water could be saved.
EATING CURD AND SUGAR BEFORE LEAVING HOME FOR SOME GOOD WORK
It’s simply to keep you boosted as curd reduces the ill-effects of sizzling heat and sugar keeps the energy levels high.
FASTING ON PARTICULAR DAYS TO FETCH THE BEST HUSBAND EVAAA
How will one get a flawless husband, by fasting? Then everyone should have had the best or up to their expectations. Isn’t it? This was just to make a woman stronger and tolerant to survive in the harsh social set-up of ancient days.
EATING NON-VEG FOOD ON CERTAIN DAYS IS PROHIBITED
A non-vegetarian, cannot assert to be a vegetarian on certain days. The purpose was to teach people how to practice self-control.
So that was all. Hope you enjoyed our episode of myth busters.
Image Credits: Google Images.
You may also like to read:
http://edtimes.in/2017/02/women-must-get-married-before-they-turn-25-because-hey-why-not/
