Psychologist: Outlook over Indian Superstitions

For as long as one can remember, myths have been an ever-present phenomenon in the Indian subcontinent. The most common is spiritual possession or “Mata  Aana” to the age-old women. Another one is lemon chillies for good luck. 

Indian superstitions are at the heart of every 2nd member of the Indian family. The Indian culture is perhaps the only one where these are widely accepted and feared. Such beliefs exist in other cultures too. 

Superstitions originated first from Ancient Egypt, along with the Greeks and Romans, who created superstitions as determinants of the relationship with God. The Indian subcontinent took inspiration from Egypt in its superstition of the black cat as a bad omen and based these on a fear of God and what is unknown. 

Some of the most common Indian superstitions include itchy palms meaning money is coming, cutting nails on Saturdays means bad luck, 13 means bad luck, one shouldn’t sweep the floor in the evenings, and the list is unending. Research shows that 80% of all high-rise buildings in the World lack the 13th floor. The question we first ask is, what leads us to believe in these superstitions blindly?

There are various reasons for us to believe in superstitions. The first one is straightforward: Fear of God. The subcontinent of India holds religion very close to its heart. God assume as the driving force for each action. If it’s good, then it was because of God. If harmful, then it was God’s will. Another important reason is the ‘blame game.’ Humans love to escape accountability as much as they can. Superstitions are perhaps the easiest way out for us. Not only Indians but also found that about a quarter of the entire population of the United States believes in these superstitions. In an interview with American Psychological Association, Dr Stuart Vyse said that one of the primary reasons for these beliefs is that humans love to control the situation they’re in, so they try their very best to dominate every variable as much as they can. The next question to ask then is: What do superstitions lead to?

Many effects of superstition have been studied and reported by Psychologists or Psychiatrists. Research studies have revealed that superstitions do relieve anxiety. Research shows that superstitions enhance our performance because of high self-efficacy due to these beliefs. These beliefs have a positive effect on behaviour but can be harmful too. A research study found that superstitions may also be related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD. 

Well-being is also affected due to superstitions since they may increase financial risk-taking or even activities such as gambling. A study by Maria De Paola revealed that women believe in unlucky superstitions more than men, while men believe in good luck and omens more than women. However, research has observed that women believe more strongly in superstitions. We now ask: Who believes in these superstitions? 

Although superstitions are largely irrational beliefs, they have a scientific basis (mostly). Sociologist Jean-Bruno Regard says that women are more inclined towards divination, while men believe in other life forms and scientific mythology. The idea is that Eclipse should not be looked at directly to avoid the risk of losing eyesight. Bathing after a funeral/cremation ceremony or touching a dead body is due to the risk of infections. 

Another belief is to not sleep with one’s head facing North. It is essential to avoid the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Plastering the walls and floors with cow dung has logic too. Cow dung acts as a disinfectant and hence provides benefits to the person. So, while some of these may be irrational, if you dig deep enough, you may realize the significance of what is now considered baseless. However, The reason behind trance possession is still a mystery in small towns n cities.

People brought up in a religious household are no aliens to the way some people suddenly behave differently while in a Jagran or Chowki and is usually called “Mata Aana. ” There hasn’t been much research around the topic. But, for a logical person and an atheist, the explanation that a Goddess has taken over the soul can never be enough. So how do we explain this phenomenon? 

Psychologists or Psychiatrists gave another outlook to it. There are several psychological theories about this. One explanation is that Dissociative Possession disorder is an illness of attributes. It means that symptoms and signs matter less than the cause. It is a situation in which the individual has no sense of personal self still person is aware of their surroundings. 

Another explanation for this could be hallucinations induced due to Schizophrenia. The reality is that superstitions are a part of life for people around the globe. These have both positive and negative effects on individuals. A number of these beliefs have scientific reasoning. 

The Indian culture finds it easy to digest the religious pill than the mental health pill. The sad truth of Indian society is that shamans could be paid handsome amounts for moving a feather, the psychologists get the tag of expensive for helping individuals improve mental and, subsequently, physical, occupational, and social well-being. 

As a Mental Health Professional, Counselling Psychologist and Family Counsellor, Dr Nisha Khanna proffers online, telephonically and face-to-face Counselling services. If you live in Delhi, India or any other part of the World, you can approach us through any of these mediums. For further details, visit Bye Tense, or call us at +91-9818211474