Hundreds of thousands of superstitions exist all throughout the world. Some superstitions were passed down from our forefathers, some were established specifically for us, and yet others exist because they did from centuries. As a result, these rituals are still practiced in millions of Indian homes today. Here are a few of the most common superstitions.
1. Not cutting nails and sweeping the floor after sunset. – You’re probably anticipating some deep philosophy and clever techniques, but there’s a far simpler explanation. People developed specific rules and regulations that assisted them in their daily lives in the past, when they had simpler living standards and nearly no luxuries. Because a source of light was not available in every home during that time, one of the restrictions was not to sweep the floor, or cut nails after sunset because cutting nails might cause injury if not done properly in dark. Sweeping after sunset when there is no light was also prohibited because valuable items can easily be thrown out with other garbage. As a result, these rituals are still practiced in millions of Indian homes.
2. Adding one rupee to the gift total. – When we offer someone money as a present or shagun on any significant event such as a wedding, baby shower, anniversary, or birthday, we add 1 rupee to the total, whether it be 50, 501, or 1001. We add that extra rupee because 0 is regarded the end or ‘anta’ of life, whereas 1 is considered the beginning. Also, because metal comes from the earth’s core, and all Indians see the mother earth as auspicious. Adding metal to any total entails incorporating mother earth’s affection, which is considered auspicious when beginning a new endeavor.
3. Eating curd before leaving the house. – On hot days, mothers nowadays give their children energy drinks, energy bars, or vitamin-rich juice. However, because these items were not available in the past, moms gave sugar and curd to their children and family members before leaving the house. This provided them with rapid energy during the hot summer months and was said to bring good luck.
4. Never sleep with your head facing in the north direction.- The magnetism of the earth and the magnetism of our bodies are linked. The north pole of mother earth collides with the north pole of our body when we sleep in the north direction, repelling and affecting our health. In Hindu Vastu Shastra, sleeping in the north direction is considered impure since the soul of the body departs from the north.
5. Why do we apply bindi or tilak on the forehead? – Natural materials like ‘Chandan’ or sandalwood, turmeric, and saffron, which are healthy for the skin, were used to make the tilak in the past. Also, the third eye is located in the centre of the forehead, which is said to blend all of the energies of the environment, and putting Chandan tikka or tilak to it is thought to bring self-realization and a spiritual calm sensation to one’s inner soul.
– Heema Dalwadi
Assistant Director Dhknd
