您现在的位置: Language Tips> Easy English> Odd Question  
   
 





 
How did superstitions begin?
[ 2004-09-06 07:17 ]

   
  Superstitions
   
  How did superstitions begin?
How did superstitions begin?Superstitionsbegan centuries ago when our ancestors tried to explain mysteriouscircumstances or events as best as they could with the knowledge they had.

For instance, before the development of science explained such strange things as why mirrors show our reflections or why shadows appear when it's sunny, ancient people reasoned that a shadow or reflection was part of their soul.

If someone broke something onto which the shadow or reflection appeared, people believed that their soul was harmed. Therefore, when a person broke a mirror it was considered unlucky or harmful.

Today we know that reflections and shadows are not part of our souls but if someone still believes it is bad luck to break a mirror they are said to be superstitious.

So a superstition is a belief or practice that people cling toeven after new knowledge or facts prove that these silly beliefs are untrue.

Common superstitions:
Do not walk under a ladder or you will invite bad luck.
Breaking a mirror will bring you 7 years of bad luck.
It's bad luck to have a black cat cross your path.
If you see a shooting starit will bring you good luck.
The number 13 is bad luck.
Carrying a rabbit's foot in your pocket will bring good luck.
Don't eat chicken on New Year's Day or you will be scratching for money but if you eat pork you will be fattened with prosperity/money
People believe that when you visit someone you should leave through the same door you came in or otherwise it is bad luck.
If you step on a crack you will break your mother's back.
If it rains on your wedding day you will be showered with good luck.

 

note:

superstitions:迷信
mysterious:神秘的

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cling to:坚持

 

 

 

shooting star:流星

中国日报网英语点津版权说明:凡注明来源为“中国日报网英语点津:XXX(署名)”的原创作品,除与中国日报网签署英语点津内容授权协议的网站外,其他任何网站或单位未经允许不得非法盗链、转载和使用,违者必究。如需使用,请与010-84883631联系;凡本网注明“来源:XXX(非英语点津)”的作品,均转载自其它媒体,目的在于传播更多信息,其他媒体如需转载,请与稿件来源方联系,如产生任何问题与本网无关;本网所发布的歌曲、电影片段,版权归原作者所有,仅供学习与研究,如果侵权,请提供版权证明,以便尽快删除。
相关文章 Related Story
 
 
 
本频道最新推荐
 
摩根大通预测:英格兰将夺本届世界杯冠军
跟杜拉拉学职场用语
Women now main target of tobacco firms
Alice in wonderland《爱丽丝漫游仙境》精讲之五
Lower 48 states
翻吧推荐
 
论坛热贴
 
关于工资的英语词汇大全
关于职业装的英语词汇
余光中《尺素寸心》(节选)译
中国译协中译英最新发布各类专业术语直译
功夫熊猫经典台词双语