Superstitions are a funny thing, aren’t they? No matter how rational we think we are, there’s something oddly comforting about holding on to little beliefs passed down through generations. Whether they work or not doesn’t seem to matter as much as the sense of assurance they bring. And who doesn’t need assurances in life? Often, when we don’t follow them, there’s that nagging sensation – what if something goes wrong? It’s not a nice feeling to have. So, many a time, we do end up finding comfort in superstitions.

I’ve always found it fascinating how these beliefs become a part of who we are, even when they don’t make much sense. We laugh them off when we’re younger, yet somehow, as we grow older, we find ourselves holding on to them almost instinctively. It’s true—it’s easier to scoff at beliefs when you’re young, but as you grow older, maybe it’s life that teaches you to be more open and accepting, even of things that might lack a logical explanation. Of course, I draw the line at anything that harms others—or even myself.

Recently, I came across a video that made me reflect on some of the quirky, almost ritualistic habits I’ve grown up with—and still follow to this day. In the video, a woman talked about how, in her house, their mother would tell them to place a glass upside down whenever they couldn’t find something. There was no logical reason behind it—it was just something they believed in. Surprisingly, it worked quite often, according to her. It got me thinking.

While I don’t consider myself superstitious, there are certain things I do believe in. For instance, whenever we couldn’t find something at home, Mom would tie a knot in her saree pallu and only untie it once the lost, rather misplaced, item was found. Oddly enough, it worked—maybe not every time, but often enough for me to believe in it to this day. So, if you ever visit our house, you might spot handkerchiefs with knots lying around. Well, not literally lying around, but you get the gist. Sometimes it’s a kurta end too!

I think a lot of these little rituals are just ways to comfort ourselves, perhaps subconsciously. When nothing else seems to work, much like turning to faith in tough times, these small beliefs act like tiny comfort pills, reassuring us that we’ve done everything we can. At least, that’s how I see it. I’m sure many of us, especially in India, have similar beliefs.

Growing up in a Bengali household, I was surrounded by these little traditions. Some of them were uniquely ours, while others were just common cultural practices. For instance, every morning before exams, Mom would make sure we ate at least one piece of fish, even just a fish fry. It was considered a good omen. Of course, it wasn’t a substitute for studying—that was non-negotiable. But it was just one of those rituals we followed without question. I never really asked why, and I’m not sure if it’s a purely Bengali thing, but it felt like a small assurance that things would go well.

Looking back, I think that’s the charm of these little beliefs. They don’t have to make sense or have a rational explanation. They just make you feel a bit more grounded. I still remember how my mother would sweep the house before we left for any long journey, saying that a clean house invited good fortune. I haven’t carried that tradition into my routine—honestly, where’s the time? Also, I’m infinitely lazier than my mom. So, even if I had time, I doubt I’d do it. Yet, every time I visit home, I still see her sticking to it without fail. Some habits just become second nature.

Then there were other small but significant habits: never seeing a broom while leaving the house because it was thought to sweep away luck, or making sure not to sneeze just before stepping out. I didn’t understand the reasoning behind them as a child, and I still don’t. But when Mom would insist, I’d comply. Today, I find myself unconsciously avoiding seeing a broom on my way out, as if part of me still clings to that belief.

One habit I have passed on to M is stepping out with the right foot first. I can’t quite explain why it feels important, but I suppose it’s one of those things that gets embedded into your subconscious over time. Sometimes, I catch M doing it and smile at how these little quirks find a way of carrying forward.

Whether it’s tying a knot to find lost things or saying a prayer before takeoff, it’s all about finding comfort while navigating life.

Whenever we fell sick unexpectedly, Mom would do what I believe every Indian mother did—and still does—to remove the evil eye. Or, even before we left the house. It wasn’t anything elaborate, just a quick gesture. When M leaves the house, I find myself doing the same, not out of conscious belief but more out of habit. It’s like a lingering sense of security—an instinctive need to protect. I’ve noticed that M expects it now, too. Maybe it’s just the reassurance of a mother’s love—a tiny ritual that says, “I’m looking out for you.”

It’s curious how fear and superstition often go hand in hand. Like the belief that a cat crossing your path brings bad luck. Do I believe in it? Not really. But if I can take a different route, I will—just in case. Why tempt fate? As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, it feels harmless enough.

Being a student of science, it might seem contradictory that I believe in these little quirks. Rationally, I know that they don’t make sense. I could debate the logic behind them all day. But at the end of it, I’m still the person who will come back inside, sit down for a moment, and then head out again if I happen to sneeze right at the door. It’s not just about superstition—it’s about calming the anxious part of me that doesn’t want to spend the entire day wondering if that sneeze messed things up.

I guess that’s why I hold on to some of these beliefs. They bring a sense of control in situations where I feel vulnerable or anxious. Take flying, for example. I’m terrified of it. Every time I’m on a flight, during takeoff, I say a quick prayer—not because I think it’ll actually change anything, but because it helps me manage my fear. I think these rituals are like personal safety nets—little things we do to cope with life.

I’m sure everyone has their own versions of these gestures, routines, or habits that give them the illusion of control over the unknown. It might seem silly, and often it is, but if it helps without harming, I think it’s fine. Whether it’s tying a knot to find lost things or saying a prayer before takeoff, it’s all about finding comfort while navigating life. Sometimes, it’s just about having something to hold on to when everything feels uncertain—at times consciously, other times subconsciously.

In a world that can be chaotic and unpredictable, maybe that’s reason enough. For me, it helps deal with apprehensions and anxieties, and maybe that’s all the justification I need.

Do you have any such beliefs or rituals?