Scared? Find Out Why These 13 Superstitions Began

From a purely scientific and objective standpoint, the belief in superstitions can be boiled down to the human desire for control. With all the potential (and real) evils we face in the world, our delicate psyches require an explanation for them, something to hold onto when our circumstances become less than favorable. Some people turn to religion, others to science, and still others place the blame on the fluctuations of fortune. For this latter group, believing in objects and actions that influence luck provides a measure of control over their lives (even if it is illusory). According to a study done by researchers at Sheffield Hallam University’s School of Social Science and Law in England, participants who accepted the idea of good luck showed higher levels of optimism (as well as greater tendencies toward irrational beliefs). These findings suggest that belief in good luck could be used to reduce depression and anxiety, proving the power of superstitions on the human mind.