Why are people superstitious? Does this tie into being religious?

I think sometimes people just “inherit” the superstitions their parents have. I don’t think it’s a religious thing at all. They grow up hearing about them and just continue with them in their own lives.

I think that superstition and religion tend to go hand in hand. Especially in the more highly organized and hierarchical religions such as the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox faiths.

My superstitions aren’t from religion. It’s more social influence of where I grew up. Everyone knocked on wood, threw salt over their shoulders and was incredibly careful moving mirrors.

I think it had something to do with living in the mountains. There were so many unexplainable things that humans had to do something to feel more in control. That if you didn’t walk under a ladder (which makes sense in a way) that you’d have some sort of protection from that creepy feeling that follows you around in the forest at night.

@gemiwing I can understand that. I always hear stories from people that have lived in places like Montana, The Dakotas, Colorado etc, that always have stories of unexplained sightings or sounds. I would do whatever it took to stop those things as well lol.

It has nothing to do with religion, but it is closely related to faith.

And walking under a ladder poses a danger of falling objects. just FYI.

For me it has more to do with sucky luck. I know we make our own luck but I just like to cover my butt just in case I’m wrong. The universe is too large for me to be positive about any one thing. I haven’t met anyone who could explain everything about the universe. So until that happens, I’m covering all bets.

@DrBill Oh yes, that’s the word I was looking for. It’s related to faith. Thanks for your answer.

@Blackberry You’re not kidding! It’s a creepy place to be and makes you believe in monsters.

Well, afaik “knocking on wood” refer to the cross of Jesus, and I think superstitious customs pertaining increased chances of luck can be equalled to prayers. But we are complex in our behaviours and people lead, imitate and follow habits of old and new. I think mostly that superstition is due to our fears and hopes and our unwillingness to confirm that beliefs that we want to believe to be true really is that.

Well, I’ve heard that if you answer this kind of question, it can make your eyes cross permanently and you might grow hair on your tongue….sooooo….I’d better not go there.

You can be superstitious without being religious. I am not religious in the slightest, but I used to be a horribly superstitious Sox fan (woo-hoo!). I don’t know if you guys know this, but I am responsible for their 2004 and 2007 titles. I had my set of rituals and could pretty much control every pitch. A friend and I had a big falling out because he was sitting on the wrong side of the couch but he wouldn’t move and they kept screwing up!
Or maybe that is my religion.

@sliceswiththings Riiiight lol, whatever you say :) Thanks for your input.

@Blackberry You’re very welcome.

Seriously, I think superstitions (and religion, too) remove some control from our lives. I feel a greater sense of security going into an exam with my lucky pants on. If something goes wrong, I didn’t screw up, it’s just a result of that bad luck I earned way back when. Superstitions place the responsibility for things outside of an individual’s own doings.

In the words of Stevie Wonder:

Very superstitious,
Writing’s on the wall,
Very superstitious,
Ladders bout’ to fall,
Thirteen month old baby,
Broke the lookin’ glass
Seven years of bad luck,
The good things in your past

[Chorus]
When you believe in things
That you don’t understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition aint the way

Hey

[Verse 2]
Very superstitious,
Wash your face and hands,
Rid me of the problem,
Do all that you can,
Keep me in a daydream,
Keep me goin’ strong,
You don’t wanna save me,
Sad is the soul

[Chorus]
When you believe in things
That you don’t understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain’t the way,
Yeh, yeh

Very superstitious,
Nothin’ more to say,
Very superstitious,
The devil’s on his way,
Thirteen month old baby,
Broke the lookin’ glass,
Seven years of bad luck,
Good things in your past

When you believe in things
That you don’t understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain’t the way,
No, no, no

Not at all, no major religion promotes superstition, particularly the most progressive religion.

I see at least three possible reasons

1) Superstitions as a substitute for healthy religion/spirituality
2) Science illiteracy and lack of skepticism
3) Fascination with “weird stuff” because life seems too boring

I agree with @nitemer. My own faith for example is incompatible with superstition.