Am I Superstitious?

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INTRODUCTION

Superstitions; beliefs that were said to exert control over the physical. Growing up in Nigeria, I was drenched in various superstitious beliefs due to cultural traditions that had been passed down by different generations. They were not just tales, they were part of our daily activities often influencing our actions and decisions. Looking at all these, I ask myself the question; Am I superstitious?

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DO YOU BELIEVE IN SUPERSTITIONS? IF YES, ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10, HOW SUPERSTITIOUS ARE YOU? IF NOT, EXPLAIN WHY.

On a scale of 1-10, I would rate myself 3 on being superstitious, while I really don't go with the superstitious shenanigans, most of those practices during my upbringing still influence my lifestyle. Though I don't really believe in superstitions, I still thread cautiously to most of those beliefs as in a country like Nigeria, anything can be made real by evil traditionalists to prove a certain belief.

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DO YOU THINK THAT IF YOU ARE SUPERSTITIOUS YOU CAN CONTROL THE LUCK OF DESTINY?

Superstitions sometimes may show signs of gaining control over the affairs of life, and practicing may prove to give comfort and safety. I strongly believe that destiny is shaped by our decisions and actions, other than some rituals to prove a certain point. Solely depending on superstitions can divert attention from the real effort that changes our destinies.

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WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS SUPERSTITION: "DO NOT MARRY, DO NOT EMBARK, NOR LEAVE YOUR HOME"?

In some cultures, it is considered a taboo to leave the house, marry or carry out several activities during the selected day being set as auspicious and as such no activities should be done. Not that carrying out activities during that day is not possible but there are some individuals who are waiting for anyone to break their already laid down traditional rule for them to do something evil to them, this thereby instilling fear in the hearts of people.

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DO YOU THINK IT'S BAD LUCK FOR THE GROOM TO SEE THE BRIDE BEFORE THE WEDDING?

Well traditionally, for the groom to-be to see the bride to-be in her wedding attire before the marriage ceremony is seen as bad luck, but I still feel that all has to do with the mindset, early exposure from superstitions may not take this beliefs as something serious, but as ancient law which applied to them, because they were not exposed to certain things. In the modern age, some couples may still observe this tradition to go in line with their parents directives and all. Others share the brief moment to share personal connections before the ceremony.

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WHAT OTHER SUPERSTITION DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH US? DO YOU THINK IT'S TRUE?

There was a belief that eating food in the dark invites evil spirits to join the meal, which may lead to illness and even worse death. While I don't believe this, it emphasizes mindfulness when eating meals.

When I was young I was told that if my tooth fell out, that I shouldn't throw it anywhere that lizards might eat it and it will not grow again, so I was told to put it in a nylon bag with stones according to my age and throw it on the roof, for it to grow again.

I was also told that whistling at night calls out evil spirits, sometimes it was said that it calls out snakes.
Another superstition was that crossing or step on the grave of a dead person turns your skin to being leprous, instilling fear in us, to be careful.

After hearing all of this as a kid I was cautious, scared and had believed the superstitions, but as I grew older, I started to realize that most of these things are not actually true but due to ancient practices they were made to be guiding facts, though I don't practice them, but they had a role to play in my upbringing.

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CONCLUSION

Navigating through the superstitions in the Nigerian culture, it shows the blend of our heritage, folktales and trying to make sense out of the unknown. While I don't pay rapt attention to these beliefs, I acknowledge their role in shaping the beliefs and norms of society. respecting these traditions, even as we ask questions and try adapting to them, allows us to respect our past culture while forging our own paths.

Inviting @etoro @promisezella @imohmitch