“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!

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Kevin Driscoll
(Mostly) Vegetarian, Politically Progressive, Daily Runner, Spiritual, Helpful, Friendly, Kind, Warm Hearted and Forgiving. Resident of Braintree MA.