Science behind popular superstitions of India

India is a land of diverse culture and customs with a bunch of myths and misbelieves. So today we are going to burst some of the popular superstitions of India with the weapon of science and logic.

If a black cat crosses your path, it's a bad indication

SUPERSTITION - If you live in India and haven't heard about this myth it's not possible. Indian people believe that if you are in your way to go somewhere and a black cat crosses your path then it's a sign that something bad is going to happen with you and then accordingly you have to stop and wait to someone else pass through that way and then after you can ahead.

SCIENCE- During ancient times, people used to travel through forests at night with the horse and bull carts and use lamps for light. So whenever lights of these lamps fall on the eyes of cats they start shining and bulls( or horse) of cart get afraid of it. That's why these people have to stop there sometime to calm the animals. But nowadays people are blindly following this myth without any logic.

Do not sweep after sunset

SUPERSTITION- It is believed in India that if you sweep your home after sunset then Laxmi ( Goddess of money) will move out of your home or then you may have to wear any financial loss. Money is important to everyone and hence no one wants to take this risk so people usually don't sweep up after sunset.

SCIENCE- At the old time there was no electricity in homes and people uses the lamps for the purpose of light. But low light of the lamp is not enough for sweeping purpose and there is a possibility that when you use a broom in this light any precious item gets sweep away or gets broken during cleaning. That's why it was suggested by our ancestors to not sweep after sunset.

Eat curd and sugar before heading out for some good work.

SUPERSTITION-  There is a belief in our country that if we eat curd sugar before doing any good work then we get success in it. And Indian television dramas make this belief even firmer by showing scenes where hero or heroin are made to eat curd and sugar by their mothers before any interview and important meeting.                        

SCIENCE- Curd and Sugar combo supply glucose to the brain which raises the energy levels of the human body. Mostly during exam or interview time person neglect proper diets because of stress and eating curd sugar mixture help them with quick energy. Curd and sugar combination also helps in memory retention, brainpower, and concentration and hence it increases the chances of performing well in important tasks.

Hanging lemon and green chilies in shops and vehicles.

SUPERSTITIONS-  Most Indians are habitual of hanging lemon and green chilies in their shops and vehicles. They believed that 'Alakshmi', the goddess of misfortune can bring hardship to the shops or business and she likes to eat sour and hot things so shop owners tie lemon and 7 green chilies at their doors so that the goddess eat her food and leave without entering the shop. And this way they can save themselves from misfortune and hardship.

SCIENCE- Lemon and Chilli contain vitamin C so when these get tied by a cotton thread the citric acid stick all over the thread and the smell of it gets spread into the surrounding environment. This smell keeps the mosquito and other insects away from the shop.

A number of people also hang lemon and chili in their vehicles. In ancient times there is a high risk of snakebite and venomous creature’s sting then in these cases lemon and chilies were used to check whether they are venomous or not.

Sneezing Obstructs Good Results

SUPERSTITION - This is one most popular superstitions of India. According to this superstition if you are heading for some good work and anyone sneezes at that time then its an indication of misfortune. So you have to stop for some time and then only you can start your work otherwise you won't be successful in that.

SCIENCE- At the old-time people usually go on a very long voyage and if someone sneezes then it's a sign of bad health. There is a possibility that a person may fall ill during the journey.