5 ancient superstitions and their logical explainations

Superstitions have plagued and riddled societies since time immemorial. Superstitions have led to many false beliefs we have been carrying for centuries. But, in India, there are some harmless superstitions that people still adhere to. From simply hanging lemon and chillies outside the home, or not crossing the road after a black cat, these ancient superstitions could have some simple, logical explanations.
Here we mention 5 most common superstitions and what their possible logics were when they first originated.

In many cultures, it is considered bad luck to cross paths with a cat, especially a black cat. Not just in India, even in many other cultures black cats are seen as an omen of bad luck and linked to witchcraft.
But, one possible explanation, away from superstition for this, is that in the ancient times black cats were almost like wild animals. Plus, their movements might have been a signal of potential danger. A cat crossing the path could mean it was following or being followed by other wild animals. Without much electricity or light, the cat or the wild animals that followed, could have been a risk to humans.

Another famous superstition is that breaking a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck. This comes from the belief that mirrors are home to alternate worlds and spirits.
But, keeping superstition away, one possible explanation for this is that mirrors were once rare and expensive objects. And the belief that mirrors absorb energies and can hold spirits likely came from their reflective properties. So, the superstition that mirrors should not be broken probably stemmed from its price and how rare acquiring one was. And that's why it was best to not break it.

In many cultures, even cutting nails after sunset is believed to bring bad luck and attract evil spirits. But, in old times, when electricity and light were practically non-existent after sunset, it was very easy to hurt yourself while cutting nails in the dark. A simple cut from the nail cutter or knife and you would bleed till sunrise because there was no means to reach a facility or hospital!
So, it was advised against cutting nails after sunset to prevent any accidents.

Another superstition that is still pretty famous is not sitting under a peepal tree at night. It is said that during nighttime the Peepal tree is home to ghosts or spirits, and sitting near or under one can make them stick to you.
One of the most logical explanations for this is that trees release oxygen through photosynthesis during the morning, but at night, they release carbon dioxide. Sitting under a peepal tree (or any tree) at night could mean inhaling more CO2, which isn't healthy. Plus, the dense leaves could be home to owls, crows, pests and so much more.

Another superstition that Indians still adhere to is to hang lemon and chillies from a cotton thread outside the home. It is said that these two, when hung outside, can keep away evil spirits and energies owing to their strong properties.
But actually, a possible explanation for this could be that both lemon and chilly have a strong scent and natural chemicals, which can repel insects and pests. By hanging them at entrances, people were likely trying to keep away harmful insects that could damage food supplies or spread disease.