Dr Parul R Sheth explores the need to believe in superstitions

Do you cross your fingers as you enter your boss' cabin? Are you superstitious about the number 13? Do you have a lucky dress that you wear on special occasions like interviews or exams? Even people who believe in science can be superstitious at times. But these little rituals and beliefs can have a palpable effect on your psyche.

Age-Old Beliefs

The fear of Friday the 13th is as old as the act of counting. The Chinese and Japanese associate the number four - 'shi,' with death. Indians seem to have plenty of superstitions where women are concerned - more so in the rural areas. Menstruating women are said to be impure; widows and women with no children are to be avoided at the time of festivities and so on. A pregnant woman should be 'eating for two' in order to give birth to a robust baby. Today, we know that the saying is untrue, although some women may still use it to excuse their eating habits or periodic indulgences while pregnant.

The 'Guinness Book of World Records' cites a woman from Houston, USA, as the 'The world's most superstitious person'. She claims to have over 2,000 superstitious beliefs and is adding new ones to her considerably large number every day.

Why Are Women More Superstitious?

"By and large, women are more trusting by nature, they tend to believe easily, are emotional, and willing to seek help for others," explains Dr Kainaz Cooper, clinical psychologist, BD Petit Parsi General Hospital, Mumbai. "Men on the other hand are rational and suspicious."