Superstition refers to a belief or practice that is not based on scientific reasoning or evidence but is instead rooted in fear, ignorance, or the perception that certain events can influence one another in ways that defy logic. Superstitions often involve magical thinking, rituals, or omens and can vary widely between different cultures and societies.
The word "superstition" comes from the Latin "superstitio," which means "a standing over" or "to stand over." It is believed to be derived from "superstitus," the past participle of "superstare," meaning "to stand over, to survive." Over time, it acquired the connotation of irrational fear or belief in the supernatural.