"Beta, don’t cut your nails at night—it brings bad luck!"
"Arre, don’t sweep in the evening—Lakshmi maa will run away!"
Sound familiar? If you grew up in an Indian household, chances are you’ve been hit with these ‘rules’ at least once in your life! But let’s be honest—half of these sound more like horror stories than actual advice. Ever wondered who started them and why we still follow them like unpaid interns?
Well, today’s your lucky day because Pt. Rahul Kaushal is here to bust these myths once and for all! Most of these so-called "superstitions" actually started as smart, logical advice—only to be wrapped in fear and passed down like family heirlooms we never asked for.
So buckle up, because we’re about to uncover the truth behind these legendary myths—and trust me, some of them will make you go, “Wait... that actually makes sense?”
1. Cutting Nails at Night Brings Bad Luck
What people say: “Beta, don’t cut your nails at night! It brings bad luck!”
The real story: Back in the day, there was no electricity—just oil lamps and candles. Cutting nails in dim light could lead to injuries, so elders advised against it. But kids being kids, probably didn’t listen. That’s when parents pulled out their secret weapon—fear conditioning—the same trick they use today! "Eat your food, or the bhoot will come!" "Behave, or the doctor will give you a big injection!" It’s an old-school parenting hack that turned into superstition over time!
2. Sweeping the Floor in the Evening Drives Away Wealth
What people say: “Don’t sweep after sunset; Lakshmi maa will leave!”
The real story: Imagine it’s night-time, and someone unknowingly sweeps away a gold ring or coins in the dark. The next morning, it’s gone! And what do people say? "Tumne Lakshmi bhaga di!" (You drove away wealth!). This practical warning got wrapped in religious belief over time.
3. Menstruating Women Shouldn’t Enter Kitchen
What people say: “A woman on her periods is impure. She shouldn’t cook or enter the kitchen.”
The real story: In ancient times, women had endless responsibilities—cooking, cleaning, taking care of the household. Periods were exhausting, but rest wasn’t an option. To ensure they got some downtime, elders framed a strict rule: “If you cook during this time, the food will become impure!” Over time, what was meant as a much-needed break turned into a superstition, making women feel unwelcome in their own kitchens.
4. Eating Curd & Sugar Before an Exam Brings Good Luck
What people say: “Eat dahi-cheeni before your exam; it’s a good omen!”
The real story: This one actually makes sense! Curd cools the stomach, and sugar gives an instant energy boost—perfect for keeping calm and focused under stress. Ever noticed how people say, "Thanda dimag se socho!" It’s because a calm mind makes better decisions. So, this tradition is more science than superstition!
5. Peepal Tree is Haunted at Night
What people say: “Never go near a Peepal tree after dark. Spirits live there!”
The real story: The Peepal tree releases oxygen during the day but emits carbon dioxide at night. Sitting under it for too long could cause dizziness, making people think they were ‘possessed.’ Instead of explaining CO₂ levels, the elders just said, “Bhoot rehte hain waha!” (Ghosts live there!). Classic fear conditioning!
6. Lemon & Green Chilies Ward Off Evil Eye
What people say: “Hang a nimbu-mirchi outside your shop, or buri nazar lag jayegi!”
The real story: In reality, lemon and chilies release citric acid, which naturally repels insects. Shopkeepers used them to keep flies away. But over time, someone must’ve told a kid—"Beta, ye buri nazar se bachata hai!" (It protects from the evil eye), and boom—a new superstition was born!
7. Don’t Eat During a Lunar Eclipse
What people say: “Don’t eat anything during an eclipse; it becomes toxic!”
The real story: In earlier times, food was left uncovered. During an eclipse, bacteria could spoil it faster due to temperature changes. But instead of explaining microorganisms, elders said, "Eclipse food is poisonous!"—because honestly, try explaining bacteria to your dadi!
8. Black Cats Crossing Your Path is a Bad Omen
What people say: “Stop! A black cat crossed the road! Wait for someone else to go first.”
The real story: Long ago, people traveled through dense forests at night. A wild black panther or big cat crossing the road was an actual danger! Waiting before moving ahead gave them time to check for threats. Over time, ‘wild cats’ became ‘black house cats,’ and a logical survival tactic turned into a superstition.
9. Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Step Out During an Eclipse
What people say: “A pregnant woman must not go outside during an eclipse—it will harm the baby!”
The real story: In the past, there were no UV protection measures like sunglasses or sunscreen. Elders likely advised pregnant women to stay indoors to avoid harsh sun exposure and radiation. Instead of saying, "The sun is too harsh," they said, "Eclipse is dangerous!"—because let’s be honest, that sounds scarier!
10. Worshipping Tulsi (Holy Basil) Brings Blessings
What people say: “Pray to Tulsi every morning, and all your problems will go away!”
The real story: Tulsi is a natural immunity booster with antibacterial properties. Our ancestors wanted people to plant and care for it. But instead of saying, "It’s good for your health," they made it divine, ensuring it got the respect and attention it deserved!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, most of these so-called superstitions weren’t meant to scare us—they were just smart life hacks wrapped in storytelling to make sure people actually followed them! But over time, the logic got lost, and all we were left with was fear. Thanks to Pt. Rahul Kaushal, we now know the real reasons behind these age-old beliefs. So, the next time someone warns you about a black cat or a lunar eclipse, you’ll know better—and who knows, you might even bust a myth or two yourself!
