The Science Behind Some Popular Indian Superstitions

In this era of science and technology, where gadgets rule every aspect of our life, it is natural for age-old superstitions to become obsolete. However, most households in India still abide by these superstitions as if they have become a part of our culture. This shouldn’t be unsettling, though, as there appear to be convincing scientific grounds for such popular superstitions.  Here are a few such commonly followed superstitions backed by logical reasons: Do not sleep with your head facing North Our early ancestors were likely aware of the connection between the magnetic fields of the Earth and the human body. They established the custom of sleeping with one’s head in the south as they believed that an asymmetry in the Earth's magnetic field would be detrimental to one’s health inducing blood pressure, stroke and other conditions. Eat curd and sugar before going outdoors The consumption of curd, which has a cooling effect on the stomach, is highly advisable due to India's tropical climate. A  considerable amount of sugar added to the curd delivers immediate glucose which is then consumed, before heading out for instant energy and cooling effect. As Indians became more dependent on this mixture, it gradually became associated with good luck. Sweeping the floor in the evening brings bad luck The notion that sweeping the home after sundown will bring bad luck prevails even today. Our ancestors preferred to clean their homes during the day as there was abundant sunshine and the probability of sweeping away valuables was avoided. Like other practices, this one eventually succeeded in creating a tale around it. Never venture out during an eclipse It is possible to develop retinal burns or "eclipse blindness" by looking at the Sun during a solar eclipse. Our forefathers likely concluded that it was not wise to set out during an eclipse based on several observations. A myth built around this technique is the idea that Rahu's head is obstructing the Sun. Take a shower after attending a funeral In the days of our forefathers, hepatitis, smallpox, and other terrible and contagious diseases were not protected by immunization. To prevent infection from the dead body, they, therefore, developed a set of rituals to be followed once the burial rites are completed. Slowly, this practice came to be associated with tales about the soul of the dead.  Over the years, the rituals continued to be in practice while the knowledge underlying them became obscure. It's time we started looking for the good in the past.