How many times have you heard the term “knock on wood”? Or how would you feel if you were to find a four-leaf clover? But what if a black cat happened to cross your path today? These words may sound similar to you, and that’s because they’re all superstitions.

A superstition is a strong belief that there are supernatural powers that control your fate. In other words, you feel like there are certain actions, objects, or even creatures out there that can signify either good or bad luck. To some, this concept sounds very comedic. Others take it extremely seriously. Someone who is superstitious may do odd things at times, such as throwing salt over their shoulders, or rubbing statues’ feet. They don’t want to become “jinxed”, and do things to prevent any unlucky events in their future. However, don’t be surprised if you yourself are superstitious—it’s very common, and people hardly notice it as they get used to these impulses.

So, what are some things that are found as “good” luck? This can vary from place to place. You may see bamboo in stores quite often. This is because in China it is seen as “lucky bamboo”, and is said to improve your chi (energy), according to the terms of Feng Shui. Or take the triangle. The pyramids in Giza were made and respected due to their triangular shape, which is a shape that is said to be “lucky”. The American superstition that having a horseshoe on your door protects your home from forms of evil is quite common. The most common of them all are dreamcatchers, which are often made in camps. Dreamcatchers are said to capture good dreams and hold out bad ones, a superstition still strongly believed in today.

What about bad luck? There are also many symbols found around the globe, and oppose the good luck charms just as well. There has been a lot of distaste against dark furred creatures, mainly around black cats and crows. Originating in the United Kingdom, black cats are said to be the “witch’s pet”, and because a witch was perceived to be a bad omen, so were the poor animals. In South Korea and many other countries, black crows are seen as the bearer of misfortune. A common myth is that breaking a mirror brings you seven years of bad luck, though it’s never been proved (of course). Lastly, trimming nails at night is looked down upon in places such as India and Turkey. One Japanese superstition even believes doing so can bring an early death. This may be because knives and other sharp objects have been seen as weapons of destruction in the past, and so it’s been assumed nail clippers may have a silent but similar doom etched upon them as well.  

Ever heard of karma? It’s a common superstition, and originates from India. Karma is the belief that one’s actions can affect their future, whether in a good or bad way. For instance, if you were to give to charity, karma would make sure you had good luck later in your day—maybe you found $20 on the street! But if you did a bad deed, such as stealing a car, karma would make sure you crashed that car and ended up in jail. Once again, this is only a superstition, but it is definitely one a lot of people around the world strongly and will continue believing in.

Superstitions are a common phenomenon. But whether it’s good luck, bad luck, or simply coincidence, no one knows if there really are mystical powers silently controlling our lives like a Sims game, or if it’s all up to us. Until we get a real discovery of this, keep believing in what you want to!