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Superstitions: Witch Marks, Touching Wood & Lucky Pants
Aug 18, 2023
Sally Coulthard, Author of Superstition - the History of Common Folk Beliefs, explores the origins and meanings behind our most common superstitions. Topics include crossing fingers as a religious gesture, the origins of touching wood in animism, and bizarre historical rituals.
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Quick takeaways
- Superstitions offer comfort and control in uncertain situations, alleviating anxiety and improving performance.
- Superstitious beliefs coexist with religious beliefs, bridging the gap between science and religion by acknowledging external influences while asserting control.
Deep dives
The Psychology Behind Superstition
Superstitions provide a sense of control and agency in our lives, giving us comfort and reassurance. They often stem from a feeling of being out of control and a desire for some form of influence. Whether it's crossing our fingers or carrying a lucky charm, superstitions help alleviate anxiety and improve performance by giving us a sense of control over uncertain outcomes.
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