JOIN USBeliefs, myths, customs, superstitions, traditions — call them what you wish but there is no denying that some practices are an inherent part of our culture. Handed down from generation to generation, these acts have become so ingrained in our system that one can find a student quickly gulping down a spoonful of curd and sugar before stepping out to give a science exam — without even giving a second thought to it.
“One of the most common things I have seen or heard is putting a ‘dahi tika’ on the foreheads of children going for exams or people leaving for long journeys,” says Subhasish Chatterjee, a professional. “The small dot of curd on your forehead is supposed to bring good luck. Some others believe that having some curd with sugar is also good. I did not believe in any of it so I used to remove the ‘tika’ once I stepped out of the house.”
His friend, Piyali, adds an interesting tale about how people in her hometown Kolkata believe that looking at a fish while starting a project or going on a trip brings one luck too. “Well our city revolves around fish so I am not sure about the authenticity of this tradition,” she adds, laughing.
Chandan Guha, a retired Bank Manager who is also a Bengali, agrees with this and says, “We were not supposed to eat eggs before we step out for work. However, eating fish was encouraged as it was a harbinger of good luck.”
There are many more on this list; some raise your eyebrows while others raise the corners of your mouth. For example, carrying garlic is supposed to repel an evil eye and be a powerful deterrent against werewolves and vampires (depending on the quantity you have, you could ward off humans too). In some rural areas, people refuse to lend milk after dark as they believe it will reduce the milk in the cattle. Milk gets even more sinister connotations if you spill it because it is supposed to be a bad omen; unless you do it on purpose during a house warming ceremony, when it symbolises an auspicious beginning. Spilling of salt is also believed to anger Lady Luck.
Sathish N, a Keralite who was born and brought up in Maharashtra and is now settled in the city, says he has observed an interesting mix of rituals and customs in both South and North India.
“My mother used to circle red chillies around my face, get me to spit on it and then go burn them in the stove to ward off the evil eye,” he explains. “North Indians too follow a similar custom but they don’t burn these chillies. They call it ‘nazar utaarna’,” he adds, saying that another custom involves a newly-wed bride pushing over a pot of rice with her foot when she takes her first step into the new household, symbolic of bringing in prosperity and abundance into the family.
Swagatika Mahapatra Basu, who hails from Orissa, says that turmeric and basil leaves too, hold a special place in our traditions, our customs and of course, our superstitions. “Turmeric is said to keep away negative energy and is sprinkled around the house and used in religious ceremonies. It is also tied in a red cloth and kept in various corners of the house to ward off bad vibes,” she says.
“And basil leaves have been a part of all ceremonies since time immemorial. We place them in food and drinks during an eclipse too. But all such superstitions can’t be dismissed as old wives’ tales since it is being proven that some of these make sense scientifically too,” she adds.
One has to agree with that. Take the example people tying lemons and chillies in front of their shops or houses. According to myths, it is supposed to be food for the goddess of misfortune who will eat this and turn away without entering the building. Scientifically, the smell that emanates from the lemon and chillies when they are pierced by the cotton thread keeps away pests and insects from the shop, thereby helping with business.
Vimala Bagri, who hails from Rajasthan, talks about how they were not allowed to peek into the room where ‘papads’ were being made, while on their monthly cycles, as it was believed the wafers would turn red. “But we have not been following it for years now. I think it was just a practice invented to give women some rest from their daily chores for a few days,” she smiles.
Someone once said that superstitions are habits rather than beliefs. Time to revisit old habits then?