"According to data from the University of Cologne in Germany...positive superstitions can enhance performance. Participants who were issued a lucky ball, allowed to use a personal amulet, or wished good luck before a game or task, performed better than those who weren't prompted to consider the idea of good fortune." ~ Whole Living Magazine, November 2010.
My family was never particularly superstitious, although my dad usually threw salt over his left shoulder when he spilled it and was known to "knock on wood" from time to time. Being church folks, there was little attention paid to old wive's tales as cautions for day to day life. But my dad was adamant about the traditions and superstitions around holidays. My parents never let on that Santa or the Easter Bunny were not real.
As one of the last kids in the neighbourhood to still believe in the Easter Bunny, I was ridiculed relentlessly. That last year - sticking to my guns - I put out my Easter basket and left a note. It went something like this:
"Dear Easter Bunny, The other kids say you aren't real. I think you are. No one else knows my favourite kind of Easter eggs."
The next morning, I had one of the biggest hauls of Easter candy ever. Favourite eggs and all. My friends were awed.
To this day I throw salt over my left shoulder, say "bless you" when someone sneezes, look for four-leaf clovers in the yard and put out my Easter/Ostara basket. And you know what? I always get my favourite eggs.
Are there any superstitions that have stayed with you?
9 comments:
I firmly believe that positive thinking draws in positive energy, and whatever tool or phrase a person uses to achieve that is fine with me!
Whatdayamean Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny aren't real? What are you saying?
That's a really cute story about your easter basket. :) I/We definitely have superstitions. I used t worry as a kid that if I stepped on a crack walking home from school i would break my mothers back. I still say Bless You when someone sneezes. My husband has carried a raw aventurine in his pocket for years everyday so he will have good sales. We still believe in Santa and on the cards under the tree to my grown children, I still write "from Santa". I also don't walk under a ladder and if a black cats crosses in front of me, I say a prayer. Yes....i would say superstitions are still alive and well in my lttle world. :)
I agree with Suzie... items/actions/ beliefs can helps a person have and maintain positive thoughts which then empower that person to great things.
Still leave cookies and milk for Santa, still leave a note for the Easter Bunny, throw salt over my shoulder, knock on wood, have mint growing by my back door, say 'bless you', and I'll probably think of a couple more after I post my comment!
it all makes life more interesting...
I love the story about your easter basket, that is too cool. My father was the same way about Santa and the Easter bunny. To this day, when my adult siblings and I go to our parents on Christmas, all of our presents are addressed from Santa. I uphold those same traditions in our house with our kids too. Being pagan-y the hubs and I have added a few more "superstitions," like salt over the left shoulder, lucky objects, etc.
I remember the day my friends told me that there was no Santa Claus. I was devastated.
Mary
What a lovely story! I absolutely believe that thoughts are energy, and since energy never dies but only transforms, it is very important to be clear in our desires both consciously and subconsciously. Of course, sometimes that is very difficult. :-)
I still bless someone if they sneeze, look for 4 leaf clovers and knock on wood.
It's strange, I pick and choose what I want to be superstitious about..but I firmly believe..BELIEVING itself can make your dreams come true. :) xoxo Hope all is well, Jen! Have been a horrible blog visitor lately. Life has been moving too fast and am trying to slow down. :)
Throwing salt over the shoulder when I spill it and I'm still looking for those lucky four leaf clovers!
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