Should you share the 25% of Americans who consider themselves Superstitious, you might purposefully steer clear of objects such as ladders, black cats, broken mirrors, and the number 13.

We all know that when someone sneezes, even if you're not too superstitious, you probably say "bless you" in case the devil decides to take their soul—something our forefathers thought was conceivable.

Because of superstitious tenants, many buildings instead designate the 13th level as 14, 14A, 12B, or M (the thirteenth letter of the alphabet) on elevator button panels. This is another example of how superstition works.   

In fact, according to a survey, 13% of respondents claimed that staying on a hotel's 13th level would upset them, and 9% said they would want a new room.

Furthermore, certain airlines, including Lufthansa and Air France, do not offer a 13th row. Additionally, Lufthansa does not have a 17th row because, in many nations, including Brazil and Italy, the unlucky number is typically 17, not 13.

Describe superstition.

Superstition has no universally accepted definition, but it usually refers to the urge to explain uncertainty, the wish to control unpredictable circumstances, and the belief in supernatural forces like fate. Thus, Superstitions are mostly irrational and frequently contradict accepted scientific knowledge since they are based on personal beliefs and experiences rather than objective reasoning.

Psychologists who have studied the function of superstitions have discovered that they stem from the belief that there is a relationship between unrelated, co-occurring events. For example, the belief that charms bring good fortune or shield you from Bad Luck.

Superstitious behaviors give many people a sense of control and soothe tension, which is why superstitious behaviors are more common during stressful and tense situations. This is especially true in periods of social unrest and economic hardship, most notably during wars and conflicts. Scholars have noted a clear correlation between superstitious and economic threat assessments in Germany between 1918 and 1940.

Feel the wood

It has been demonstrated that superstitious beliefs support a cheerful outlook. Even yet, they may cause people to make irrational choices, such as putting more faith in fate and good fortune than in reason.

Superstition includes things like carrying charms, dressing in particular ways, going to locations linked to good fortune, favoring particular colors, and employing specific numbers. Furthermore, even though these actions and behaviors might seem little to others, they frequently influence decisions made in the actual world.

The belief that particular items or locations are cursed can also originate from superstitions. Like Annabelle the Doll, who appeared in The Conjuring and two more films and is rumored to be haunted by a deceased girl's spirit. The Curse of the Pharaohs, which is claimed to be placed upon anyone who touches the mummy of an Ancient Egyptian, particularly a pharaoh, is a more conventional example.

Curses are frequently linked to numbers themselves. For instance, stories of bad luck sometimes include the number 666 on a license plate. The most well-known instance was the license plate "ARK 666Y," which is thought to have resulted in enigmatic car fires and "bad vibes" for occupants.

 Adhering to superstitions

Superstition is also very common in sports, particularly in settings where competition is fierce. Before a performance, four professional athletes out of five say they have participated in at least one superstitious activity. Superstitions in sports have been demonstrated to ease tension and provide players with a sense of control over chance-based, erratic events.

Sports have different superstitions, but there are several common ones. In football, gymnastics, and sports, for instance, players mentioned that they would pray for luck, examine their reflection in the mirror, and dress nicely to feel more prepared. Athletes and players also participate in customized behaviors and acts, such as donning fortunate attire, accessories, and charms.

Prominent athletes frequently act in superstitious ways. Notably, Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, hid his fortunate North Carolina shorts beneath his Chicago Bulls team uniform. In a similar vein, it's been alleged that tennis great Björn Bork practiced at Wimbledon while sporting the same brand of shirt.

Every time Rafael Nadal plays, he follows a variety of routines. These include how he arranges his water bottles and how he takes icy showers. Nadal thinks these routines help him concentrate, execute well, and find his flow.

Strolling beneath ladders

All of this demonstrates how superstitions can reassure people and lessen their fear in certain situations. While this may be the case, studies have also revealed that superstitious behaviors can also become self-reinforcing, leading to the development of a habit and the genuine experience of fear if the ritual is broken.

This is true even when recognized factors—rather than unidentified supernatural forces—still determine how an event or circumstance turns out in reality. A belief that aligns with the frequently stated adage, "The more you practice and work, the luckier you get."

Don't worry too much about "bad luck" the next time you break a mirror, see a black cat or come across the number 13. Be careful not to overthink "bad luck," as it's probably only a mental illusion.