Most Common Superstitions - "Walking Under a Ladder" - The Truth and Logics. (Part II)

A Link to my previous post "Most Common Superstitions" (Part I) is below, do give it a read and gives it a thumbs up!

Black Cat Passing your Way" - The Truth and Logics. (PartI)

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"A fool's brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence University education."
George Bernard Shaw

A superstition is generally believed as a widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to good or bad luck, or a practice based on such a belief. There are various superstitions existing among various beliefs. In my current series of superstitions I will be discussion each one at a time.

So, today in (Part II), our discussion topic will be on a widely spread superstition i.e. avoid walking under the ladder placed in your way as it is believed to bring bad luck to the person who commits the mentioned action. Let's discuss the superstition in detail;

The Walking Under a Ladder Superstition

Many of us might have heard from our grand parents to be careful while walking on the streets. As you might encounter a ladder placed i n your way and if it happens DO NOT walking under it because it will result in bad luck and disappointment for you. I'm pretty sure, many of us might not know about the origin of this superstition and the theories behind it. Below mentioned are some of the related theories for your eyes.

The Origin

Its origin is linked to a couple of theories.

First Theory

This superstition is believed to bring a bad luck based on a theory which explains that walking under a ladder has a relevance to medieval gallows. It is not advisable because according to the theory anything associated with a gallows was considered ill luck and once you have done it you will be considered to most unfortunate person for a long time.

Second Theory

Another theory has its roots in religion, it explains that this superstition has arisen from a Christian belief in the Holy Trinity: Since a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle (the ladder itself making one side, the building wall making up a second side, and the ground connecting the two making the third side). Hence "breaking" that triangle was blasphemous as it attracts the devil sources. As per the bible it is unforgivable sin for being blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, so someone who breaks the Trinity is seen to be in league with the Devil.

Third Theory

Like above two theories there exists another theory as well that states by walking under a ladder will curse you towards a bad luck and devil powers will haunt you. This third theory involves the Egyptian belief that if you walk under a ladder, you might accidentally see a god climbing up or down which will result you in a continues bad luck and disappointment. As the Egyptians strongly believed in the power of pyramids and since a ladder leaning against a wall forms a pyramid shape and walking through it was considered to be a act which results in the broken power of sacred pyramids resulting in the bad luck of the person doing the same.

Remedies to Reverse Bad Luck

According to a book by Richard Webster "The Encyclopedia of Superstitions," there are few remedies that you can try to reverse the bad luck before it plays its role. So,if you have accidentally walked under a ladder, what will be the escape route? Yes! there exists an escape route as well.

All you need to do is to spit!. Either you spit three times through the rungs of the ladder, or you spit on your shoe. Make sure you don’t look at your shoe until the spit has dried, however. Failing these tactics, cross your fingers until you find a dog, or simply back out the way you came in and make a wish!

Logical Background

By looking at the above theories, we are forced to relate them with the modern day logic and facts and to build a logical background for the superstition. This superstition is pretty practical as well. For example; walking under the ladder is not advisable might be because a ladder is always placed where there is some construction work in progress. So, by walking under a ladder one might give an invitation to a bad accident or might unintentionally hurt themselves or the person climbing on that ladder. Most people don't want to walk under a ladder because it's just unsafe not because of any cursed factor because again a simple wooden ladder cannot decide your faith and com'on its just a Ladder! Hence, we're sticking with the safety-first explanation for this one.

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Do share your views and any incidents that happened to you related to this superstition. Do resteem, upvote and give your comment below. Have fun! Stay Safe. STEEM ON!