| The following is an entry from hyperdictionary Pronunciation: `soopur'stishun
Matching Terms: Superstitionist, superstitious, superstitious notion, superstitiously
WordNet Dictionary
Definition: [n] an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
Synonyms: superstitious notion
See Also: belief
Webster's 1913 Dictionary
Definition: \Su`per*sti"tion\, n. [F. superstition, L. superstitio, originally, a standing still over or by a thing; hence, amazement, wonder, dread, especially of the divine or supernatural, fr. superstare to stand over; super over + stare to stand. See {Super-}, and {Stand}.]
1. An excessive reverence for, or fear of, that which is unknown or mysterious. 2. An ignorant or irrational worship of the Supreme Deity; excessive exactness or rigor in religious opinions or practice; extreme and unnecessary scruples in the observance of religious rites not commanded, or of points of minor importance; also, a rite or practice proceeding from excess of sculptures in religion. And the truth With superstitions and traditions taint. --Milton. 3. The worship of a false god or gods; false religion; religious veneration for objects. [The accusers] had certain questions against him of their own superstition. --Acts xxv.19. (Barb's note: Isn't it interesting that a 1913 dictionary entry defining superstition includes a Bible quote?) 4. Belief in the direct agency of superior powers in certain extraordinary or singular events, or in magic, omens, prognostics, or the like. 5. Excessive nicety; scrupulous exactness. Syn: Fanaticism. Usage: {Superstition}, {Fanaticism}. Superstition springs from religious feeling misdirected or unenlightened. Fanaticism arises from this same feeling in a state of high-wrought and self-confident excitement. The former leads in some cases to excessive rigor in religious opinions or practice; in others, to unfounded belief in extraordinary events or in charms, omens, and prognostics, hence producing weak fears, or excessive scrupulosity as to outward observances. The latter gives rise to an utter disregard of reason under the false assumption of enjoying a guidance directly inspired. Fanaticism has a secondary sense as applied to politics, etc., which corresponds to the primary. Below are superstitions listed at OldSuperstitions.com Good Luck Superstitions
• A frog brings good luck to the house it enters.
• A spider spinning in the morning is good luck.
• Carry an acorn to bring luck & ensure a long life. Animal Superstitions
• A dog eating grass brings rain.
• A dove circling above is an omen of death.
• Rats leaving a ship - the ship will sink. Card Superstitions
• It is unlucky to sit cross-legged when playing cards.
• Playing cards with a dog in room causes disputes.
• The luckiest seat is the one which faces the door; the most unlucky is that which has its back to the fire-place. Baby Superstitions
• Babies born with teeth become extremely selfish.
• It is unlucky to wash a baby's head for the first 12 months.
• When a boy is born under the waning moon, the next birth will be a girl, and vice versa. New Years Superstitions
• Empty pockets or empty cupboards on New Years Eve portend a year of poverty.
• Its bad luck to let a fire go out on New Year's Eve. New Home Superstitions
• Never carry a hoe into the house. If you do so by mistake, carry it out again, walking backward to avoid bad luck.
• Never give a knife as a housewarming present, or your new neighbor will become an enemy. Hair Superstitions
• Cut your hair on Good Friday to prevent headaches in the year to come.
• To drop a comb while you are combing your hair is a sign of a coming disappointment.
Bad Luck Superstitions •To milk a cow being sent to market.
• To see an owl in the sunlight.
• Changing a horse's name. General Superstitions
• Tying a knot into a handkerchief wards off evil.
• Itchy nose - you will have quarrel with someone.
• Ringing Bells means a new angel received wings. Acting & Stage Superstitions
• If an actress receives flowers as a present, she may wear them before or after the performance, but its considered unlucky to wear them on the stage. Artificial ones are generally used instead. Christmas Superstitions
• Dogs that howl on Christmas Eve will go mad before the end of the year.
• A Yule Log must not be bought and must be kept burning all night. Death Superstitions
• A bird in the house is a sign of a death.
• If the person was evil, weeds will grow.
• Pregnant women should not attend funerals. Wedding Superstitions
• If the groom drops the wedding band during the ceremony, the marriage is doomed.
• The spouse who goes to sleep first on the wedding day will be the first to die. Halloween Superstitions
• If you hear foot steps behind you on this night, don't look back. It may be the dead following you. Turning back could mean that you will very soon join the dead behind you.
The opinions on the websites to which links are provided are not necessarily those of the manager or members of Soul Quest Learning Center. No judgement is intended of those who hold to so-called superstitious beliefs. More links coming soon! About.com: Superstition vs. Religion | The Superstition Behind Friday the 13th | Catholic Encylopedia: Superstition | The Science of Superstitions | Trivial Trivia: Scary Superstitions | Silly Superstitions: What is the Source... | Urban Legends and Superstitions Home | Folklore and Superstitions | Good Luck Boutique: Cultural Superstitions | BellaOnline: Superstitions, Folklore | Twist Magazine: Superstition Quiz | Superstitions Game | Vaastu and Feng Shui Discussion | Japanese Superstition | Irish Superstitions | Cat Superstitions Suggest a link | Report a faulty link | 
