By MOLLY RUBMAN
Imagine this: you’re walking down the street on a gloomy day after having a hard week, and come across a field with a four-leaf clover poking out. You pick up that clover and all of a sudden the next day you wake up and feel much better, the sun is out, and you’re optimistic for the week ahead. Was it the four-leaf clover that did that? Do you believe objects or actions that we take can alter our lives in supernatural ways?
As St. Patrick’s Day falls upon us in two days, the shamrock starts appearing everywhere. Contrary to what some believe, though, the shamrock and the four-leaf clover are not the same and represent different things. The shamrock is one of the symbols of Ireland and of St. Patrick himself—Ireland’s patron saint—and is used as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity. On the other hand, the four-leaf clover is just a plant that looks similar to the shamrock and is said to bring good luck. So while we start to see all of these green little plants around, do people truly believe that good spirits are in the air? Is it just the four-leaf clover that ‘brings people luck’ or are there other symbols or precautions people believe will make their lives better? How many people truly believe in good luck charms or superstitions, and if they do what are they?
We have all heard the usual and well-known superstitions such as “step on the crack, you break your mother’s back” or “Don’t look a black cat in the eyes.” But what other ones are there?
Physics and chemistry teacher Oliver Llewellyn claims he has several superstitions. “Don’t walk under a ladder; never put new shoes on a table or a countertop; if you spill salt, throw it over your left shoulder as quick as you can; if you see a magpie (bird) you are supposed to salute it; don’t break a mirror; Friday the 13th, obviously. Never plan on doing anything that day,” he says. When asked what will happen if he does not complete these actions, Llewellyn said, “Bad luck, of course.”
Others have more ritualized superstitions that they believe completing will bring them good luck rather than prevent bad luck. Senior Cadyn O’Halloran, for example, explains one of her rituals.
“I have a sweatshirt that I wear for every SAT and AP test, and I always do better with it,” she says.
Likewise, senior Alina Miller also performs actions for good luck. “I have rituals such as box breathing and grounding myself that I do before tests or performances to help me do better,” Miller says.
However, not everyone feels this way, like junior Marvin Zacarias, who says he does not have any superstitions.
“I don’t have any superstitions because I don’t believe in them,” he says. “I don’t think something small like knocking on wood is going to affect my day.”
Similar to Zacarias, AP Psychology and women’s studies teacher Jessica Burdette also does not believe in superstitions. “I don’t believe in fate. I actually believe more in free will, where I make my future,” Burdette says.
There is still the question of the true reasoning behind these ideas, perspectives, and beliefs. Is there factual evidence that performing a certain action will genuinely alter your day ahead? When asked what Llewellyn’s reasoning is that superstitions actually make a difference in life, he leaves us with a critical question.
“What’s my reasoning? Do you have any reason to doubt it? I think the burden of proof is on you,” he said.
March 2024
The Prowler 