Defy Superstition Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Superstitions are unfounded beliefs that many individuals choose to adhere to regardless. While some believe that observing superstitions will bring them good luck, others do so out of fear of what may occur if they do not.

On September 13, we observe National Defy Superstition Day. The thirteenth day of the month is a significant date, and many individuals around the world defy superstitions on this day. The origin of the term’superstition’ is the Latin word’superstitio,’ which means “to stand over or above.” It refers to the belief in or practise of events or processes that cannot be rationally or scientifically explained. In every culture, superstitious beliefs exist. You may be astonished to learn that these superstitions may have originated from very logical reasoning and have since been exaggerated.

The background of Defy Superstition Day

The history of superstition is intricate and intriguing. Despite the fact that many superstitions are innocuous, they can cause discrimination, prejudice, and even violence. This is particularly true when they are combined with religious convictions. There are too many connections between religion and superstition to list here. During the Middle Ages, people believed that witches caused storms, diseases, and other natural calamities. In the nineteenth century, scientists believed evolution posed a threat to Christianity. Consequently, some individuals avoided scientific research for concern that it would contradict their religious beliefs.

The article by Walter Davenport was published in The Christian Science Monitor on October 20, 1925. Davenport compares superstitions to “foolish fears” because they lead people to believe they have committed an error when they have not. Then, he explains the origins of some superstitions: “The stories of witches and howling wolves can be traced back to men’s fears of unknown dangers lurking in the dark — fears that were perhaps exacerbated by the fact that wolves once roamed Europe.”

The origins of this holiday are unclear. According to some sources, Tom Fernsler, a professor at the University of Delaware, was the originator. First observed in 1987, he encouraged people to defy superstitions throughout the day, particularly those involving the number 13.

National Hot Cross Bun Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Bread

DEFY SUPERSTITION DAY ACTIVITIES

Open an umbrella within the residence.

Open an umbrella inside the home to commemorate National Defy Superstition Day. It is believed that opening an umbrella inside the home will bring bad luck. However, on this day it is acceptable to break the regulations.

Pass beneath a scaffold.

It is considered unlucky to walk beneath a ladder because it represents sliding off the ladder. But if you want to commemorate National Defy Superstition Day, feel free to walk beneath it! In the end, it’s just a piece of timber!

Shatter a mirror

The most effective method for shattering the mirror is with a mallet or other blunt object. Avoid using your knuckles because it may cause more pain than necessary. Upon reflection, there is no reason why breaking a mirror would bring poor luck. This is merely an ancient wives’ tale.

5 international superstitions

After dark, it is believed in Turkey that chewing gum mysteriously transforms into the flesh of the deceased.

Since antiquity, colours have been associated with a variety of meanings; for instance, in Russia, yellow flowers are problematic because they are thought to symbolise infidelity or separation.

Some South American cultures believe that if a broom passes over your feet, you will never marry, and the curse can only be broken by spitting on the broom.

People in Japan associate the words ‘thumb’ and ‘parent,’ so they tuck their thumbs in to secure their parents.

People in the Mediterranean believe that achieving too much success attracts wrath or inspires the envy of the gods; to protect against curses, they began crafting amulets and beads with the image of a “evil eye,” also known as “nazars,” to ward off bad luck.