Friday 13th; should I worry?

Superstitions

For a lot of people in English speaking countries, the name of “Friday 13^th” makes the shiver. It is believed that a lot of bad things are about to happen this day, that is to say, people have their own superstitions (which change in every country and culture) and believe that such things are more likely to happen.

Superstitions, generally, are beliefs about bad things that can happen to you by doing something. For example, breaking a mirror may bring you 7 years of bad luck, or walking under a ladder might bring you bad luck, too. Nevertheless, there are other superstitions for good things to happen, such as finding a four-leaf clover, or making a wish on a shooting star, then your wish will be granted.

But why do people believe in superstitions? Well, basically that is because they are something that come from old times (like legends), and people see their friends and family believing in them, so finally, they also believe in them. And of course, we can’t forget about certain films showing what terrible things took place on a Friday 13^th.

So if you ever wonder whether superstitions are true, you will realize you can’t answer it. That’s because they are something up to every person, every one of us believe in one thing or another, and the fact that you don’t believe in them doesn’t mean they don’t exist or that people who believe are wrong.

                                                        Paula Alvarez – 1^st Batxillerat

What our students have said:

“…So should we worry about all these superstitions? I’m just going to speak for myself here, because everyone is free to believe in whatever they want to. In my case I am not a believer of superstitions, so I am not really going to worry about bad or good things happening to me today.”

“…superstitions have always existed and will always exist because they are unconsciously part of our everyday’s life.”

“…First of all, luck is a relative concept and if we focus only on the bad events, then we feel unlucky, whereas if we pay attention to good events, then we will feel lucky.”

“… There is not scientific proof…So, if no one has been able to prove it, why do some people keep being afraid of walking under a ladder?

“…Personally, I believe that being superstitious is the worst superstition that you could have…”

“…Even though I don’t believe in all this stuff, I won’t celebrate my wedding this day!”

And what is your opinion?