Superstitions in My Country
in the Middle East, especially Syria where I come from, people believe in some superstitions. Some of these superstitions are so strong that they are almost customs. These superstitions are about protecting against evil and bringing good luck. Two of the most popular superstitions are concerned with the evil eye and throwing water.
People believe that they must protect themselves from the evil eye of another person by putting turquoise beads in various place. A blue bead is pinned on newly born babies because babies are more vulnerable to an spirit and must be protected. Since houses must be protected, too, a blue bead, usually with a horseshoe, is placed near the doorway for protection against someone with an evil eye. Also, if people have an item of special value like a car or sewing machine, they must protect it with a blue bead.
Another popular superstition is throwing water, which is done at various times. When someone leaves on a trip, people throw water out of the window to wish the traveler a good trip. This is so the person will go and come back like water. Water is also thrown out when a funeral procession goes by the street, so that death will not come into their homes. The Armenians, who are Christians who live in Syria, throw water on each other on a special Saint’s Day in mid-July for fertility and prosperity.
In conclusion, certain superstitions have become rituals with the purpose of protecting and bringing good luck. Because people always want to be protected and have good luck, these age-old superstitions are as strong today as they were ages ago and probably will continue in the future.