Are you really going to do better on a test because you’re wearing your lucky socks? Probably, but not for the reason you think.
Superstitions weave their way into many people’s lives, and they can look different to everyone. For some, these superstitions might work their way into their daily routine in ways they barely notice: refusing to walk under a ladder, tossing salt over their shoulder when they accidentally spill it on the table, or shuddering when a friend accidentally shatters the mirror in their travel bag. Even if you don’t subscribe to these common superstitions, you might have a lucky charm that you keep on you before a job interview or big test. Superstitions are common in people all over the world, and it’s estimated that over 40% of Americans believe in superstitions (Taher et al. 2020). Personally, one of the consistent good luck charms in my life comes in the form of the red and blue socks I wear on the day of important Patriots games. Not only is it important that my father and I remember to wear our lucky socks, but it is crucial that the red sock ends up on the right foot, while the blue sock is worn on the left. So, what defines a superstition, and if they truly have no effect on any given situation, why do so many people believe in them?
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