A superstition is a credulous belief or notion not based on reason or knowledge, whereas Belief is the physiological state in which an individual holds a proposition or premise to be true.
Below are a few examples of well-known Superstitions and Beliefs.
According to this superstition, breaking a mirror means seven years of bad luck unless you take the pieces outside and bury them under moonlight. Also, if an undisturbed mirror in a house suddenly falls and smashes, it means that there will soon be a death. This superstition goes back to the ancient Romans who believed that the reflection of a person in a mirror is actually his soul. So, breaking a mirror meant bringing extremely bad luck upon oneself because one's soul was believed to be damaged.
Superstition says that its bad luck if a black cat crosses your path.
This superstition dates back to Europe in the middle ages, Particularly in England. The cat's characteristic independence, willfulness, and stealth, coupled with its sudden overpopulation in major cities, contributed to its fall from grace. Alley cats were often fed by poor, lonely old ladies, and when witch hysteria struck Europe, and many of these homeless women were accused of practicing black magic, their cat companions (especially black ones) were deemed guilty of witchery by association.
The four leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common, three leaved clover. According to superstition, such leaves bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally. According to legend, each leaf represents hope, faith, love and luck.
The 'Cornuto', 'Corno' or' Cornicello' is an italian amulet of ancient origin. 'Corno' means 'horn' and 'Cornicello' means 'little horn'. These names refer to a long, twisted horn shaped amulet worn in Italy to protect against the 'Evil Eye'. The 'Corno' is usually carved out of red coral or made of gold or silver. Over the years the horn has become rather stylised and now looks less like a natural animal horn then they once did.
Fear of Friday the 13th is rooted from Ancient beliefs, and is believed there are bad-luck associations with the number 13 and the day Friday. The two unlucky entities combine to make one super unlucky day. This superstitious belief came to have its meaning from a number of different events. Some of which include- A Biblical reference to the unlucky number 13. Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th guest to the Last Supper.
On a Friday the 13th in 1306, King Philip of France arrested the revered Knights Templar and began torturing them, marking the occasion as a day of evil.
And in Ancient Rome, witches reportedly gathered in groups of 12. The 13th was believed to be the devil.
And the list goes on...