“Don’t Walk Under That Ladder”
Alright, ladies and gents, gather ’round. Today’s dissertation is on the peculiar phenomenon of superstition. You know, those little habits that make grown adults clutch a rabbit’s foot like it’s the winning lottery ticket, or avoid black cats like they’re Harvey Weinstein at a kindergarten graduation. Now, as a staunch believer in reason and definitely not someone who purposely spilled salt over his shoulder this morning (totally an accident!), I find some superstitions about as believable as a mime trying to explain existentialism.
But hey, let’s not be Ethnocentric snobs, eh? We all know the “official” definition: Superstition: a belief that defies logic and evidence. Yet, for many cultures; dreams, visions, and even that suspiciously shaped mole on your uncle’s neck are seen as omens, these little fortune cookies from the cosmos.
When a little one did I have any childhood superstitions? Well, let’s just say for my mother’s sake I used to avoid stepping on cracks in the pavement. Not because of some fear of bad luck, mind you, but because skipping those cracks felt oddly satisfying, like a tiny victory against the mundane and an ‘honor thy mother and thy father’ action. Plus, it annoyed the heck out of my mum, which, as any child knows, is always a delightful bonus.
As for adult Kevin? Let’s be honest, the only thing I truly fear is running out of coffee. Now, some might call that a healthy respect for hydration, but others might see it as a desperate need to ward off the evil spirits of dehydration. Who am I to judge?
Speaking of judging, let’s talk about family. My Nana, bless her soul, wouldn’t let you leave the house without a safety pin attached to your clothes. Apparently, it warded off the “evil eye.” Now, I never quite understood if the evil eye was a rogue eyeball just rolling around town looking to create mischief, or was it a metaphor for jealous stares? Either way, I sported those safety pins like a reluctant fashion icon.
Then there’s my friend, Dave. Top guy but rubbish as a grown-up (don’t tell him I said that) and utterly convinced that finding a ladybug is a sign of good luck. Now, I wouldn’t mind a bit of ladybug luck myself, considering the state of my dating life, but the last time Dave “found” a ladybug, it turned out to be a misplaced button from his shirt. Let’s just say his luck wasn’t exactly…blooming.
Look, the truth is, superstitions are a fascinating peek into the human desire for control. We crave order in this chaotic world, and sometimes, a lucky charm or a knocked-on-piece of wood feels like a tiny act of defiance against the unknown. Me? I prefer to rely on hard work, talent (questionable, I know), and maybe a well-placed joke or two. But hey, if you find comfort in a lucky penny, a four leaf clover or a pre-appearance ritual involving a particular sock, carry on. Just don’t expect me to join your interpretive dance to appease the footwear gods!
–30–
![Profile photo of Kevin Driscoll](https://www.myretrospect.com/wp-content/uploads/avatars/3673/6196c9fe05dad-bpfull.jpg)
(Mostly) Vegetarian, Politically Progressive, Daily Runner, Spiritual, Helpful, Friendly, Kind, Warm Hearted and Forgiving. Resident of Braintree MA.
Thanx again Kevin for the laughs and the bow to your Nana! I bet she knew mine!
You had me at the mime trying to explain existentialism (Harvey Weinstein at a kindergarten graduation an “ick” too far)—always creative! Whether the safety pin can be credited with your successfully surviving to now who can say (assuming you didn’t continue the tradition), but your Nana loved you for sure.