Walking under a ladder is bad luck. Many laugh at that, but would rather avoid a ladder. That idea about bad luck is classified among the many examples of so-called superstition. Superstition is defined as a belief that deviates from what is considered fact. Scientists have their own opinion about the phenomenon of superstition. By the way, it mainly happened in the past because nowadays everyone can think soberly about the examples as if they were walking under a ladder. That painter or window cleaner also pays attention.
Relationship between cause and effect
Even very rational people sometimes catch themselves in a certain superstition. No matter how absurd, everyone will sometimes make an unnecessary connection between cause and effect, such as walking under the stairs (cause) and bringing bad luck (effect). However, most scientists who have studied superstition regard it as an aberration and an imperfection in the human mind.
No or incorrect connection
Yet failing to make a connection or making an incorrect connection between cause and effect can also have fatal consequences. An example from the animal kingdom is rustling grass that a mouse can sense as a result of a gust of wind. However, the rustling could just as well be caused by an approaching predator and failure to respond would be fatal for the mouse. But to directly compare such an example with walking under a staircase is a bit wrong.
Superstition or warning fear
Superstition usually does not explain why, for example, walking under a staircase brings disaster, although a possible explanation could be that someone standing high on the stairs could drop something. The moment someone thinks about this, there is no longer any superstition but rather a fear that a pot of paint may fall down and people will avoid walking around the stairs for safety reasons.
Superstition especially in the distant past
Superstition usually has to do with luck or bad luck. In many cases, superstition also concerns symbols or objects. Superstition also involves the belief that supernatural forces or powers play a role. They could be influenced by performing certain actions. Superstition played an important role, especially in the distant past. Nowadays it no longer has a prominent place in public life, although a number of people still stubbornly try to explain coincidences factually based on their superstition.
Examples from the past
Superstition is said to have arisen in the distant past to appease the Gods to avoid punishment from Them. But the Gods increasingly faded into the background and actions based on superstition were maintained. Many centuries ago, the Roman Emperor Constantine considered paganism a superstition. Others regarded Christianity as superstition. The term superstition was also used by Protestants when it concerned the veneration of images by Catholics. But within Christianity, believers are not allowed to engage in magic and the like. The Catechism of the Catholic Church rejects superstition.
Sneezing and superstition
The examples of superstition have often been passed down from generation to generation. Some old examples include hanging a horseshoe on the stable door to ward off misfortune and also looking for a four-leaf clover that would bring good luck. Another old superstition is that you had to touch the trunk of a tree when asking a favor from the Gods. When someone sneezes, health is often desired. This has to do with the fact that according to an old superstition, when you sneeze, the soul leaves the body and by wishing for health the demons were kept at a distance.
Friday the thirteenth and painting on a ladder
Friday the thirteenth is still a special day for many with a chance of disaster. In addition to these examples, there are countless others that some people smile about and others simply err on the side of caution. While the painter at the top of the ladder will really try to avoid losing his expensive paint due to a clumsy maneuver.