By Laura Vettleson-Trutza
Have you ever been afraid of something just because you thought it was “bad luck”? Maybe seeing number 13, or seeing a black cat cross the road ahead of you. As you probably already know, these are examples of superstitions. Almost everyone has some kind of superstition whether it’s good or bad. However, where exactly did these ideas and beliefs come from? How do they impact our society and culture?
Superstitions are ideas or beliefs that are based off an individual’s own ideas and have no reasonable or scientific evidence of being true. These can usually range from one’s own personal experiences or influences by others. One of the most common superstitions is the unlucky number 13. From my own observations, I don’t see many people who are completely terrified of it and try to avoid it at all costs. I notice people will mention it from time to time, but don’t seem too bothered by it. Personally, depending on my own mood and day, I might be a bit weary of the number. The only bad luck I have actually experienced with the number was on Friday the 13th of last year. I was going to stay up until 2 a.m. to wait for the release of a new season of a show I was watching on Netflix. I remember counting down the seconds, and as soon as the clock turned to 2 a.m. my internet went out, and I wasn’t able to watch until the next night.
Different superstitions often have different origins and often come from religion. The number 13 has a few different origin stories, but one of them was because Judas was the 13th guest at The Last Supper, and he ended up betraying Jesus. Another example of a superstition would be walking under a ladder. This superstition comes from the Egyptian idea that triangles represent gods, and walking through them could be seen as disgraceful towards the gods.
It’s interesting looking at how different superstitions have influenced our society and culture in different ways. One of these is hotels. I remember when I was young, my family and I were staying at a hotel with 15 floors. Looking at the buttons on the elevator, I noticed the number 13 was skipped. I asked my mother, and she told me that there are people who would refuse to have a room on the 13th floor, so they just mark the 13th floor as the 14th floor instead. At the time I didn’t really understand it because I was thinking what’s the difference? It’s still the 13th floor, just labeled differently. I have also heard of situations in which people will try to kill black cats or refuse to adopt them from shelters.
Superstitions by themselves can be good and sometimes bad. I think they can sometimes promote a sense of hope and happiness. If carrying a rabbit’s foot on that lucky key chain makes you happy, then keep it with you, but try not to let the bad ones prevent you from doing or enjoying something. It can also bring out the bad side, like making people scared to do or enjoy something. For example, someone getting stuck with a room on the 13th floor of a hotel and having to constantly worry that something bad might happen, or cause them to harm an animal like a cat just because it’s black could be a problem.
Superstitions likes these don’t do anyone any good. They only stimulate fear in yourself and others. Let yourself be happy and hopeful. If carrying on that lucky key chain makes you happy, then keep it with you, but try not to let the bad ones prevent you from doing or enjoying something.
Laura Vettleson-Trutza is a student at Mabel-Canton High School. She is one of seven area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 19th year.
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