unconscious
assumptions, usually concerned with the nature of cause and effect, he seems to
suggest that "superstition" is the best choice we have. Brunvand also points out
that no one is immune from the assumptions that underlie superstitions, nor from
holding or practicing superstitions to some degree." Although there are
quite a few reasons for the popularity of superstition today, a couple reasons
seem to be most significant. First, the scientific method is a fairly recent paradigm
for explaining what we observe (and most people still do not have the science
background that allows for rational explanation of our enigmatic daily life).
Second, most of us would like more control over our environment (when outcome
is not seen as controlled by the individual--sports, farming, health--we get many
more superstitions). With this In mind, please try to remember or collect examples
of superstitions concerning as many of the following as you can.
Good luck
Bad luck
Weather
Planting Lore
Love
Marriage
Wishing
Numbers
Disease/illness
Sleep
Gifts
Spitting
Pregnancy
Gambling
Cooking
Mail
Death
Money
Ghosts
Fishing/hunting
After you do the above list, determine what type of superstition each example is. They will most likely be one of the following four types (or a combination):
Predictive Magic: events foretold by observation of things not obviously related (an aching joint is often seen a predicting bad weather)
Causal Magic: an event is believed to be caused by a particular action (breaking a mirror causes one to have 7 years of bad luck)
Homeopathic Magic: some similarity between things causes them to have an effect on each other (the belief that a leaf shaped like a human kidney will help cure kidney problems)
Contagious Magic: things that have had contact have an effect on each other (the belief that you can get rid of warts by rubbing them with an old dishtowel and then burying the towel)
Do you have (or have you used) any lucky charms, numbers, clothing, colors, clothing, etc.)
Do you have any personal rituals that you use to ensure good luck?
Can you provide a "Memorate" that supports your belief in any of the above superstitions?