The origin of these beliefs lies in their interpretation and relation with certain events in history. Mysticism still prevails in our societies. Superstitions are often regarded as myths but they are adhered to in spite of it. Astrology, horoscopes and the zodiac has taken centre stage in decision making policies related to life. For example, one has to consult an Astrologer for advice on who to marry with regard to the stars and when to marry in order to avoid bad luck.

Societies around the globe have beliefs peculiar to their ways of life. For instance in some African traditions, a snake is not called by its name at night, lest it follows you.

As a child, my father told me that if I remove a tooth, I should keep it in the corner so that when a mouse sees it there, it would take it but leave behind some money. So whenever I plucked out a tooth, I would rush and keep it in the corner and then wait till the next morning when I would find money in place of my tooth. So I grew up the knowledge that my tooth had an exchange value and the secret buyer was a mouse. I was also told never to sleep with my head facing the door because they carry dead bodies out of the room head first.

My mother also warned me to put my right shoe on first else I would die early. So I have since worn my shoes in that order, right shoe first. She also told not to jump over somebody as they won't grow. So I made sure no one jumped over me to avoid a stunted growth. Other beliefs I was told included sneezing. And that it meant someone is speaking about you.

So that means that public figures like politicians would be sneezing every other second. Also that when a dog starts howling at night in front of someone's house, then it means some one in that house is dead and the dog can smell the spirits. I was also told never to hit anyone with a broom as it would bring bad luck.
Well, the truth in this would entirely depend on the magnitude of faith of the one who believes in them.

There is a feeling that '3' is not a good number and people should avoid going in groups of three. Some people would rather wait, until they can get the number of their choice in securing telephone connections or a motor-car registration number. This is in order to avoid a number or a combination of numbers in a particular order that is believed to bring bad luck. Superstitions have become a part and parcel of our culture for instance in the catholic faith the Pope passed a law that required people to say "God Bless You" when somebody sneezed; this was said to prevent the spread of the disease and to cure whoever already had it.

There is also a wide spread belief that an apple a day, keeps the doctor away. I am challenged to try and explore the extent of truth in this belief. Another popular belief is that of not crossing the path after seeing a black cat else you will have bad luck.