The Symbolism Of Fruits

Do you know what cherries, apples, figs and other fruits mean in certain cultures? Find out in this article!

There are many fruits which have a very long and interesting symbolic meaning alongside with mythical stories: apples, figs, cherries, pomegranate etc. For instance, the apple appears in European Biblical art as the forbidden fruit, which made the first people commit the first sin and fall from Gods grace. Adam and Eve, lived in Eden, the Garden of Paradise. They were the first man and the first woman on earth, and God forbade them to eat the fruit of only one tree that grew in the garden, the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". When they gave in to temptation and tasted the fruit, God drove them out of Eden for breaking His commandment. Because the actual description found in the Holy Scripture does not specify exactly the type of fruit, some traditions say its a pear, others say its a fig or a pomegranate. In Norse and Celtic mythology, apples appear again as symbols of immortality, of the fruit of the Gods. Apples appear in fact in many stories and legends around the world. These fruits seemed to play an important part in the Trojan war. Thus, according to the legend, the Goddess of discord named Eris got very angry because she was not invited to a wedding feast. She arrived uninvited and threw an apple onto a table there, and the apple was labeled "For the Fairest". Aphrodite, Hera and Athena each assumed that the apple was for her, and they asked Paris the Prince of Troy to decide who was the fairest. Because Paris chose Aphrodite, Athena and Hera plotted against the Trojans and supported the Greeks in the war that ended up with the fall of Troy. Even nowadays, people still employ the phrase "an apple of discord" in order to refer to something that causes a dispute. As for Romans, they did too have their thing with apples. Thus, Pomona was the Roman Goddess of fruit trees in general and apple trees in particular. For the Chinese, apples come to represent peace and apple blossomed flowers symbolize a ladys beauty. As for the Japanese, their national flower is represented by the cherry blossoms which are said to stand for modesty, courtesy and beauty, again, another fruit symbolizing immortality, but this time for the ancient Chinese. In the Western world, cherry blossoms symbolize education. But, cherries also can appear in Christian folktales. Thus, in an old English Christmas carol, we are told how Joseph and Virgin Mary were walking through a cherry orchard

and Mary (the mother of Jesus) asked for Joseph to pick her some delicious cherries. But Joseph refused, saying that she should ask the one who "brought thee with child" to pick the cherries for her instead of him. On that moment, the yet unborn Christ communicated with the cherry trees and asked them to lower their branches in order for Mary to pick cherries, and that happened, and Joseph repented for his attitude. Another fruit rich not only in vitamins but also in symbolism, is the fig. Fig trees are native in the Mediterranean region, and they appear in some representations of the Garden of Eden. Also, after eating from the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve took fig leaves to cover their naked bodies. There was a custom in Europe, which is still held in some places, to plant a fruit tree at a wedding. According to this tradition, the longevity and the abundance of the trees were believed to give marriage and future children strength. Also, when each child arrived, a pear tree was planted for each girl and an apple tree for each boy. Pears were also used in Russia in protective charms for cows. Pomegranates symbolized to the early Jews a faith affirmation. They believed each pomegranate to contain 613 seeds, number which in fact corresponded to the number of the Torah commandments. Also, pomegranate is another suspect of being the original fruit of the Garden of Eden. In early Christian Art, the Virgin Mary is often depicted either with a pomegranate nearby, or in her hand. This was perhaps meant to symbolize the power Virgin Mary had over life and death, or the seed bearing the Son of God.

Facts about the Number Seven

Every numeral of the series of numbers is associated with some interesting facts. The repeating nature of a certain number in different spheres of life can be a coincidence or simply a wonder! What do you think? Read on to know some interesting facts about the number seven.

The series of numbers that stretches till infinity is simply magical! Numbers manifest themselves in various forms. They have gained importance in history in the form of important dates. School history is filled with dates of important wars, births, deaths

and movements that revolutionized the world. Numbers are a part of geography when it comes to latitudes, longitudes, heights and depths of landmasses and water bodies. In science, numbers appear in chemical formulae in chemistry, measurements in physics and with various life forms in biology. Numbers continue their pursuit throughout college years and eventually become a part of daily life. In fact life itself is about counting, be it counting on people, counting bucks, counting days and counting years. In this long-lasting system of counting, we come across interesting facts about different numbers. Some numbers repeat, some never appear while some follow a certain pattern throughout our life. The number seven is one of those magical numbers, which continue to interest the masses. Let us look at some interesting facts about the number seven. Mathematical Facts about the Number Seven

Seven has the highest probability of occurring as an addition when rolling dice. The number seven is the fourth prime number as also a Mersenne prime, the first Woodall prime, the fourth factorial prime, the second lucky and the second safe prime. Seven is the only number below 15 that cannot be represented as a sum of the squares of three integers. Wondering all other numbers can be represented? You will have to check out and see!

Interesting Facts about the Number Seven

There are seven wonders of the ancient world. There are seven continents in the world. There are seven colors of the rainbow. Their names are famously abbreviated as 'vibgyor'. There are seven days in a week. One of the most interesting facts about the number seven is its correlation with the cognitive abilities of a human being. The limits of human cognitive capacity lie within the range of 7 plus or a minus 2. There are seven basic musical notes, namely, 'do', 're', 'me', 'fa', 'so', 'la' and 'te'. In Indian music they are 'sa', 're', 'ga', 'ma', 'pa', 'dha' and 'ni'. Felix Vasquez, an employee of the New York City Housing Authority was born on July 7, 1977. He was the winner of the New York's Bronze Medallion for his brave act of saving a three-week old child. He became famous in New York for this courageous feat and appeared in many television interviews.

Facts about the Number Seven in Science and Technology

A ladybug commonly has seven spots! Most of the mammals' necks have seven bones. The number of rows in the periodic table is seven. The neutral pH value that lies between acidity and alkalinity is seven. The code for international direct dial phone calls to Russia and Kazakhstan is seven. Seven is also the number of digits in an American or a Canadian telephone number. Digital devices use a seven-segment display. The OSI model has seven layers. There are seven logic gates namely, NOT, NOR, XNOR, XOR, AND, NAND and OR.

Facts about the Number Seven in Different Religions

The Indian astronomy regards a constellation of seven stars as a group of its seven prominent saints. It denotes this constellation by the name, 'saptarishi mandalam'. Seven is also the number of stars in the constellation, Big Dipper. The number of celestial bodies visible to the naked eye is seven. The stellar objects visible to naked eyes are the Sun, the Moon and the five planets namely, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Earth is a stellar body but since we are on it, it is 'invisible' in the 'sky'. The roman number seven, VII signifies the seventh discovered satellite of a planet. In Christianity, the number seven has been made significant by the Seven Joys of Virgin Mary, the Seven Sorrows of Virgin Mary, the Seven Corporal and the Seven Spiritual Acts of Mercy of Roman Catholic. The number seven appears in the Seven last words of Jesus on the cross, the Seven Virtues and the Seven deadly sins. In the Islamic tradition, there are seven heavens and seven Earths. The numbers of fires in hell and the number of doors to both the heaven and the hell is also seven.

Now that you know about some amazing facts about the number seven, you can check if this magical number is lucky for you. For a fact, some numbers keep repeating in a person's life. Some dates follow a particular pattern. It has been observed that there exists a certain pattern in which certain dates repeat in a person's life. So, look back in time to see which number has followed you in life. Think. Was it 'seven'?

What Does a Peacock Feather Symbolize

Peacock is a splendiferous bird. Peacock and its feather is a symbol which finds different meanings in various cultures around the world. So, what does a peacock feather symbolize? Here are various peacock and peacock feather symbol meanings.

Peacock is seen in many parts of the world. But, it is native to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and western China. Peacocks are magnificent birds which have

multicolored stunning tail feathers. Only the male birds of this species have these beautiful multicolored tail feathers. A male peacock displays its magnificent tail feathers in an attempt to attract the female. Peacocks due to their beautiful looking feathers and due to their habits are associated with different symbolic meanings. Here are various peacock and peacock feather symbolic meanings. Peacock & Peacock Feather Meaning In Greek mythology, the peacock was associated with Hera. Hera created the Peacock from Argus who had hundred eyes. Hence, the tail feathers of peacock symbolize the vault of heaven and the eyes of the stars. This symbolizes all seeing knowledge. In Roman Empire, peacocks were Juno's birds and on the coins they symbolized the females of the ruling houses, which were the lineage princesses. In Hindu mythology, the peacock is associated with the goddesses Lakshmi. This deity represents fortune, compassion, kindness and patience. Hence, peacock feathers are also used to symbolize these qualities. In Asian spirituality, peacock is associated with Kwan-yin. Kwan-yin represents qualities like compassion, watchfulness, love, compassion and goodwill. Legend says that Kwan-yin remained a mortal even though she could be immortal. She remained a mortal, to aid humanity in their spiritual growth. In Buddhism, peacock feathers are associated with openness, as they tend to display all their feathers when they spread their tail. Peacocks also eat poisonous plants, which symbolizes that they have the ability to thrive in the face of suffering. In Christianity, the Peacock symbolizes resurrection, immortality, renewal associated with the spiritual teachings of Christianity. In Christianity, peacock symbolizes an all seeing church. In Persia and Babylonia, peacock is seen as the guardian to royalty, and is often engraved on the thrones of royals. According to a Muslim legend, this bird of stunning beauty is used as a symbol in temples, royal garden and at the gates of Paradise. Peacock feathers were worn by Mongol warriors, due to which in Eastern Europe, peacock feathers are considered as a symbol of bad luck. As peacock is considered to be a seer of everything due to its multiple eyes, it is considered to be a symbol of bad luck, and so it is never allowed inside a home. There is a superstitious belief, which states that a person sleeping on a bed which has peacock feathers on it, will bring death to the sleeper. Peacocks are also considered as vain and foolish birds. They tend to display their feathers as a sign of vanity. Peacocks are very protective about their young ones, and so many times women get a peacock feather tattoo to symbolize this. One more myth states that the peacock is a slayer of serpents, and it can transform the venom of snakes into solar iridescence, which is seen in its feathers. These were the various peacock and peacock feathers symbol meanings. So, all in all peacock and its feathers symbolizes vanity, pride, royalty, spirituality, kindness, love, compassion, good will, bad luck, protectiveness, glory, beauty, life, health, radiance, resurrection, renewal, stimulation and life.

Fun Facts About the Number Eleven

Dr. Earnest L.Martin in his book "The Birth of Christ Recalculated" claims the date of birth of Christ is September 11, 3 B.C.

Number eleven has many interesting facts associated with it. Number eleven is associated with symbolism and spirituality. Eleven is also associated with numerology. Here are a few interesting fun facts about the number eleven. Number Eleven Pyramids 1) 11:11 x 11:11 = 1234321 2) 111 x 111 = 12321 3) 11 x 11 = 121 Number Eleven in Numerology In numerology, number eleven is considered as a master number. The reason is this number carries as a vibrational frequency of balance. Number Eleven signifies invention, refinement, fulfillment, vision and congruency in a person. In astrology, the number eleven is considered as a magical number that strikes a balance of emotion, thoughts and spirits. Fun Facts About the Number Eleven Total solar eclipse was observed throughout Europe on 11 August 1999 at 11:11 am. The winter solstice of the last day of the Mayan calendar is at 11:11 am on 21 December 2012. Aquarius is the eleventh sun sign of the zodiac system. 21December 2012 = 21/12/2012 = 2+1+1+2+2+0+1+2 = 11

The sunspot cycle or the solar cycle lasts for 11 years. The next solar cycle starts in 2012. September 11 is the 254 day of a year: 2+5+4 = 11 There are 111 days from September 11 to December 31. The World Trade Center stood line a number eleven: 11. The plane that hit the World Trade Center first was "Flight 11" The total number of crew on "Flight 11" was eleven. New York is the eleventh state of the US Constitution. It took eleven years to build the World Trade Centre (1966 - 1977). The spacecraft of NASA to Moon was "Apollo 11". The mission was a success. The total number of characters of in Jesus Christ is eleven. In a football team and a cricket team there are eleven players. Number Eleven is a prime number. Eleven is a time, when people around the globe take a morning break for a snack and tea. In England, the decoration of the Easter cakes sometimes has eleven flowers or almond paste to represent the eleven good apostles of Jesus Christ. The treacherous Judas is excluded. The largest cat in the world is the Siberian tiger measuring 11 feet long. Do you know that a rocket should travel at over eleven kilometers per second to escape the gravity of the earth? The deepest point of one of the oceans of world is 11km at the Mariana Trench. Are you aware of the fact that the length of a rugby ball is 11 inches long? Another interesting fun fact about number eleven is the World War I ended on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. The maximum number of Oscar awards for any movie is eleven. This figure was achieved by "Titanic" and "Ben-Hur". In astrology, the eleventh house in astrology is the segment that rules one's friendship, hopes, social relations and desires.

Good Luck Symbols

Many of us believe in carrying good luck symbols or charms with us, so that we are successful in our task. The article enlists some of the popular good luck symbols.

Being lucky or unlucky is merely a mind game and the definition of luck may change from person to person. It is just a belief whether you consider a particular incidence to be a good fortune or bad. A good luck symbol is nothing but an event or object that is believed to bring good luck. This good luck symbol can be anything, right from a geometrical figure like swastika to part of a tree like acorn. Each of these good luck symbols has some interesting history behind its origin. The list of good luck symbols is quite big and here are some of the most popular good luck symbols. Good Luck Symbols and their Meanings Four-Leaf Clover A four leaved clover is rarely seen and hence, is considered as a good luck symbol. It is believed that finding such a clover leaf bring lots of luck. Each leaflet of such clover leaf is said to represent a unique sign. The first leaflet is for faith, the second for hope, the third represents love, while the fourth one stands for luck. In Irish culture, the 3 leaved clover, also called "Shamrock", was used to represent the Holy Trinity, by Saint Patrick. One leaflet is for Father, one for son and the third for the Holy Spirit. And when a Shamrock bears fourth leaflet, it represents God's grace. Some people like to carry this good luck symbol with them in the form of a tattoo. Horseshoe Horseshoe is one of the ancient symbols for good luck that is believed to keep away "evil eye" from entering into a home or into an individual's life. Moreover, since horseshoe protects the horse, people believe that it will also protect humans. Horseshoes are made by blacksmiths and blacksmithing is considered as a very lucky trade, since they work with one of the major elements, "fire". Some theories state that the unique shape of the horseshoe, which is similar to the horned moon, brings luck. Horseshoe when hanged with its ends pointed upwards is said to attract all the good luck. People still practice hanging the horseshoe magnet over the doorways to attract good luck.

Acorn Acorn is nothing but a nut of oak tree. An acorn nut is believed to symbolize prosperity, youthfulness, power and luck to a person. Norsemen believed that the oak tree had some special immunity against lightening and hence, they placed an acorn in the windowsill to protect themselves from lightening. English people carried dried acorn in their pockets to protect their lives during the Norman Conquest that began in the year 1066. Swastika The Swastika is an age-old powerful good luck symbol. Its name is derived basically from the Sanskrit word svastika, which can be split as, "su" means good, "asti" means to be and "ka" is just a suffix. The symbol has been widely used in eastern religions, that include, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It bears different names in various languages, like Hakenkreuz, gammadion, fylfot, tetraskelion, etc. The symbol was used by Nazis in their flag, and because of the devastating results, some people believed that swastika symbolized death and hatred. The debate whether the swastika is a good luck symbol or bad omen, still continues. Caduceus The shape of this good luck symbol is characterized by two serpents wrapped along the length of the rod, with wings on the top of the rod. Caduceus is a good luck symbol used by many of the medical practitioners. The symbol is believed to bring good health and boost the immune system. The two serpents present in this symbol are said to represent balance or polarity, while the wings represent Mercury, who was the messenger of the Greek Gods. Good Luck Symbols Around the World

Nautical star Rabbit's foot Wishbones Chinese symbols for luck Number "7" Dolphins Bamboo Falling Star Red Chinese Lanterns Red bats

This was a summary on good luck symbols. One should never rely completely on these good luck symbols for success and should view them as mere confidence boosters. Good Luck!

The Magic Bird

Mythology has its stories on magic birds and they are found in different colors but the main idea is similar: the bird is simply wonderful! See more! In the Romanian mythological fauna, the so-called Pasarea Maiastra (the Magic Bird) is considered to be the queen of all the birds. It is the fairies messenger. Like any respectable supernatural being endowed with magical powers, it shows itself quite

rarely to the mortals. It is therefore a "rara avis" of unique beauty and spreading celestial light to enchant only the vision of the happy few. As for its song, which can only be heard in solitude, it is said to give back the youthfulness to any listener. The Magic Bird is a justice maker bird, with inexhaustible magic powers that belongs to the Other Side, which leads an isolated life and which very rarely exposes its superb colorful plumage. It is a magic bird with a way of singing that out-passes all the earthly music and which has the gift of guessing the future and to read into peoples hearts. Such a bird with exceptional characteristics can be found in all cultures around the world. For instance, the Phoenix bird and her unique beauty which is famous from Europe to the Far East and to America, is in fact an equivalent of the Magic Bird. But what makes the Phoenix bird different, apart from the fact that it is born out of a gold egg which used to float above the waters of the Primordial Ocean, is its capacity to go down in flames and to be born again out of its own ashes. Thus it is a symbol of the creative fire which can also destroy the world. For Christians, the Phoenix bird is a symbol of the Archangel Michael. Also, the Fire Bird is the equivalent of the Magic Bird in the Slavic mythology. In Russian fairy tales, it appears as a miraculous bird, with shiny golden and silvery plumage and crystal-clear eyes. It is said that even one feather of the Fire Bird can light up an entire room. Her beauty and immortality is due to the gold apples that it feeds on. When it sings, pearls come out of its beak and her music has the power to give sight to the blind. In the old Chinese tradition a Red Bird is mentioned, called Feng Huang, protector of the immortal love. It can be viewed as the embodiment of the Yin-Yang symbol. Feng means the male bird, whereas Huang means the female bird. The Magic Bird from the Romanian legends is similar also to the Simorgh bird, mentioned in the Persian culture is the symbol of divine wisdom and human perfection. Perhaps the most picturesque description of the Magic Bird is given by the story-teller of Romania, named Petre Ispirescu in his homonymous fairy tale: "Everyone was astonished by the beauty of that bird, with thousands of colors, its feathers shining like a mirror in the sun; and the steeple of the church was no longer falling down; the bird lay its crib into that steeple. But one thing was to be noticed; the bird seemed to be mute, because it made no sound, and everybody who saw it was sorry for such a beautiful bird was unable to sing a single tune, because the emperor also, with all his joy for the church and its steeple, was sad because the bird could not sing." The ineffable beauty and flight of the Magic Bird have been immortalized by the sculptor Constantin Brancusi in his sculpture chosen in 2000 as the sculpture of the 20th century: "The Magic Bird is a symbol of the flight which frees the man of the limits of inert matter. Here I had to solve two different problems. I had to show in a plastic form the sense of the spirit, which is linked to the matter. At the same time, I had to fuse all shapes in perfect unity. Even contradictory shapes had to unify in a new, final communion and in my philosophy of life separating matter from spirit is an illusion. The soul and the clay form a unity. By this oval of the Magic Birds body I separated and combined two necessary movements-one above the oval and the other underneath. I asked myself: how could I balance the shapes to give the Bird a sense

of flying-without effort? As you may notice, I somehow managed to make the Magic Bird float." - Constantin Brincusi (Oana-Ilinca Moldoveanu)

Animal Symbolism
Why do we often associate an animal with certain traits? This is known as animal symbolism. In this article, we tell you which are the most widely accepted animal symbology associations.

Have you ever wondered why we often use metaphorical references while talking? Like referring to a person and saying that he is as wise as an owl or that he is as courageous as a lion. This is just a result of the use of animal symbolism. Using symbology associated with animals in everyday life is a tradition that can be traced back to many years. Today animal symbols are deeply entrenched in our conscious. From native American animal symbolism to Japanese animal symbolism, the origin of this form of symbology can be traced to mythology and religious symbols. According to the many studies of animal symbology according to different cultures, you will see that there are certain animals that are associated with secret codes and deep meanings. While there are other characteristics that are less secretive and more of an open book, perceptible even by the most unobservant observer. For the past many decades, animal symbolism has moved beyond the traditional mythological references. In fact, there are many poets and authors that have used traditional affiliations and associations in entire literary works, for example the poems. The Lamb and The Tiger from Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake is a great example of animal symbolism in literature. Many artists also use the same to create deeper meanings in their poetry. You will often notice use of animal symbolism in movies, novels, and even plays. Animal Symbolism Chart Why is animal symbolism as important as it is? Well, if you think about it seriously, you will see that the symbology associated with different animals play a huge part in our lives. There is always a certain association with personality traits and animals. In many cultures like the Native American culture, the Japanese, and the Chinese, there is a strong belief in the rebirth and resurrection of life and the association with animals in previous life. Most cultures believe that animal symbology and discovering our animal totem (our relationship with a specific animal) can help us understand more about our past life, and in some cases things about our future as well. In the table that is given below, we give you a list of the different personality traits that are traditionally associated with different animals. While this may vary greatly according

to cultural differences, these are some of the most widely accepted associations which include Native American symbols and meanings and symbology from other cultures. Name of Animal Adder Alligator Ant Antelope Ape Badger Bat Bee Birds Bear Beaver Blackbird Boar Buffalo Bull Butterfly Cat Cock Cougar Cow Coyote Crane Crocodile Crow Deer Dog Dolphin Donkey Dragon Dragonfly Eagle Elephant Elk Fox Frog Goat Symbology Associated Rebirth Aggression Perseverance, Hard work Beauty and grace Cunning Wisdom Night guardian, longevity Immortal life Free spirit Sovereign power with gentleness Gatherer Guiding light Gluttony Sacred power Masculinity Transformation Detachment Vigilance Power Nourishment. Duality Independence Treachery Wisdom Gracefulness and gentleness Loyalty Intelligence Humility Guardian Carefree Clear vision Wisdom and power Agility Cunning Sensitivity Fertility

Goose Grizzly Bear Hare Hawk Heron Horse Hummingbird Jackal Jaguar Kingfisher Leopard Lion Lizard Moose Otter Owl Python Rabbit Ram Raven Salmon Seahorse Serpent Shark Snake Spider Stag Swan Tiger Turtle Unicorn Whale Wolf Woodpecker Wren

Providence Protection Balance Clarity Quiet power Strength and nobility Messenger Soul guider Spirit of the forest Beauty Aggression Majesty Regeneration Stubborn Feminine power Wisdom Dark power Mother like Headstrong, virility Healer Persistence Confidence Malice, fertility Survivor Shrewdness Connecting link Independence Grace Ferocity Long life Purity, magic Regeneration Teacher, intuition Prophetic Witchcraft

Hopefully, this list of associations and animal symbolism has helped you gain an insight into how many age-old traditions work, and why there are some specific animals with personality traits related to them. These are just some of the animal symbolism and meanings that are widely accepted.

Superstitious Beliefs
A compilation of some of the most common superstitious beliefs and practices from around the world. While some people follow them religiously, others dismiss them as mere irrational beliefs. Continue reading to know more about the world of superstitions. The moment you sneeze, the person besides you has to come up with 'god bless'. This incident happens at least once in everybody's life, and you and me are no exceptions. This superstition started in the 16th century in Europe, wherein it was believed the person throws the evil spirits within his body out when he sneezes. Most of these superstitious beliefs are backed by some illogical knowledge, and spread by gullible people. Basically, superstitions are the beliefs which are not at all backed by science, and far from rationality. From Friday the 13th to twitching right eye, everything has a superstitious belief associated with it, and some people just can't seem to survive without them. Read more on faiths and beliefs. Superstitious Beliefs and Practices Over a period of time, superstitious beliefs have rooted themselves firmly in our society, so much so that it is virtually impossible for the person to ignore them. They have made a place for themselves in all the walks of life, including politics and sports. Politicians resorting to the astrological predictions is not at all rare. On the other hand, examples of superstitions in sports include cricketers carrying a colored handkerchief in their pocket, or soccer players putting their right foot first when they enter the field. Such superstitious practices are found all over the world. While Africa is (in)famous for its voodoo culture, India has its own customs wherein animals are sacrificed to appease the gods. The problem arises when these very superstitions turn out to be a hindrance for the society, or any living beings for that matter. Basically, superstitious beliefs and practices are illogical assumptions based on one particular incident, and followed by the gullible. For instance a cricketer who casually carried a red handkerchief in his pocket and played a magnificent innings that day is bound to believe that the good luck was brought upon him by this very handkerchief, and therefore carry it in his pocket every time he goes out to bat. Read more on why are people so superstitious. List of Superstitious Beliefs Around the World There are thousands of superstitions, ranging from itchy palm being a sign of good luck to knocking on the wood twice to reverse the bad luck. Given below is a list of some of the most common superstitions which are still practiced in various parts of the world.

If a black cat crosses your path, it is a sign of bad luck. Read more on bad luck superstitions. When a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune. Similarly, when a black cat walks away from you, it takes away your good fortune. Walking beneath a ladder is a bad omen. If the 13th day of the month is Friday, it is an unlucky day. Read more on history & superstitions on Friday the 13th. Hanging a horseshoe in the bedroom tends to keep your nightmares at bay.

A bird entering the house is a sign of the death of some family member. You should never turn a loaf of bread upside down after a slice has been cut from it. Finding a four leaf clover is a sign of good luck coming your way. Gifting a wallet without money in it, will bring the receiver bad luck. The sight of a white butterfly on the very first day of the year will ensure a prosperous year for the person. Keeping an acorn at the window will save your house from lightning. The howling of a dog when someone in the house is sick is a bad omen. You should always leave the house from the same door from which you entered. Similarly, you should leave the bed from the same side from where you entered it. Yet another common superstitious belief is that if you break a mirror, you will have seven years of bad luck. If a mirror in the house falls on its own, and breaks, it is a sign of somebody's death in the house. If you can catch a falling leaf on the very first day of autumn, you will have an entire year without catching cold. Wearing a rabbits foot around your neck brings in good luck. When someone dies in the house, all the windows should be kept open for the soul to leave. The groom dropping the wedding band during the wedding ceremony is a sign of a bad marital alliance. Throwing a pinch of salt over your shoulder ends your bad luck. A lizard coming in your dream is a sign of an enemy attempting to harm you. Setting out for a trip on a Friday is bound to spell a disaster for you. Lighting three cigarettes with a same matchstick brings in bad luck for all the three people. In China, left eye twitching is considered to be a good sign, while the same in India is considered to be inauspicious. Read more on left eye twitching superstition. If you can blow out all the candles on your birthday cake in the first breath, you will get whatever you wish for.

These were just a few among the several superstitious beliefs which have reached an all new height of popularity. Surprisingly enough, the followers of these superstitious beliefs are not just restricted to illiterate people, but also include the likes of doctors, engineers, teachers, etc. That just highlights the very fact that, being literate need not necessarily mean the person is educated. More reading about superstitions:

Superstitions of the Elizabethan Era Taboos and Superstitions related to the Chinese New Year

These were some of the most common superstitions which continue to be followed religiously in different parts of the world. Various rationalist organizations across the world are working to eradicate these superstitions, but the fact that they have been rooted deeply in the society means it will take a mammoth effort on the behalf of the rationalist fraternity to make the world free of these baseless superstitions.

PS: If you know about any such superstitions that we have missed, we would be glad to see you posting them here in form of comments.

What Does it Mean When Your Eye Twitches

Eye twitching refers to an involuntary spasms of the muscles of the eyelid. However, this condition is shrouded by a large number of myths and superstitions, which often make people wonder, 'what does it mean when your eye twitches constantly?' Find out more about eye twitching and its causes.

Eye twitching is the condition, which refers to the involuntary movement or muscle spasms of the eyelid. Sometimes, this can cause repetitive and rhythmic movement and contractions of the muscles of the eyelid, which can cause the eyelid to close at times. Such involuntary muscle contractions can be caused by several factors. By now, you must be wondering, what does it mean when your eye twitches for days or all the time. Eye twitching is associated with several myths and superstitions. Many believe that eye blinking is lucky, while others think quite the opposite. Many people also believe that twitching the right eye is a sign of good luck, while twitching the left eye is the sign of bad luck. Many times, the twitching of a particular eye can have different meanings based on the gender. For example, twitching the left eye is considered good for women, but bad for men, while twitching the right eye is bad for women, but good for men. But in reality, eye twitching is related to certain medical conditions. So, let's find out the eye twitching causes and answers to some common queries like, what does it mean when your eye twitches all the time? Find out more about left eye twitching superstition and twitching right eye. What Does It Mean When Your Eye Twitches a Lot Though many superstitions have been associated with eye twitching, it is actually a type of blinking disorder, which is also termed as blepharospasm. It can be of various types, some minor, while others can be a bit more serious. People generally experience the 'benign essential blepharospasm', that is usually a harmless condition. However, the exact causes of this condition are not known. But, certain factors have

been observed to be more commonly associated with this type of eye twitching. As for example, sometimes, stress, excessive fatigue and not getting enough sleep can act as the triggering factors for eye twitching. Many times, eye strain or vision related stress can also cause eye twitching continuously for a considerable period of time. If eye twitching is persistent in nature, then one should get his or her eyes properly checked, as this can be associated with vision problems. Apart from these, factors like, excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine, allergies and nutritional deficiency, especially deficiency of magnesium may have an association with eye twitching. Another condition that can cause the eyelid to twitch is dry eye syndrome. Severe eye blinking disorder can be experienced by individuals with the condition known as Tourette's Syndrome, and those with neurological disorders of basal ganglia. Read more on eye twitching causes. Eye Twitching Treatment and Remedies Usually, eye twitching resolves on its own, without requiring any medical intervention. In the meantime, you can reduce the discomfort by using a warm compress on the eye, or massaging it gently. Even washing the eyes can help to provide relief, if it is caused by allergies. It can also help to refresh the tired and strained eye muscles. For allergies, you can also use the antihistamine eye drops and oral medications. However, keep in mind that overuse of antihistamines can cause dry eyes at times. For eye twitching, caused by dry eyes syndrome, artificial tears may be of some help. Identification of the triggering factors and avoiding them in the future can play a very important role in the treatment of eye twitching. If stress, fatigue, tiredness, and eye strain are the factors responsible for causing eye twitching, then give your eyes some rest. Similarly, eye twitching associated with vision problems would resolve with vision corrections. If eye twitching or blinking disorder is of serious in nature, then medical intervention would be required. Usually, the condition is treated with certain medications and botox injections. Botox injection is the most common treatment option for eye twitching, and it can help to relax the eye muscles to alleviate the involuntary twitching. The effect of botox injections can however, disappear within a few months, after which it has to be repeated. Read more on:

Eye Twitching - What Does It Mean Eyelid Twitching Remedies

If botox injections and other treatment options fail to alleviate the condition, then physicians may opt for surgery to remove the nerve responsible for causing eye twitching. Sometimes, the physicians also recommend the removal of the spastic muscles. So, the treatment for eye twitching basically depends on the severity of the condition. Therefore, if eye twitching lasts for several days, then it is better to seek medical attention. Hope this article on 'what does it mean when your eye twitches' has provided a satisfactory answer to the queries related to this condition.

Why are People so Superstitious

Do you remember the last time you used some lucky chant, hopped around and did all sort of weird things so that your favorite team wins a match? Well, that's superstition for you...

Everybody in this world, whether knowingly or unknowingly, does have a particular way of responding to situations. Superstitions are instinctive reactions, completely devoid of reason or logic. These are a set of irrational beliefs one possesses, quite often to satisfy our own psyche to adjust with the prevailing circumstances. A remark, 'God Bless You', when you sneeze, the bad luck associated with black cats or simply not walking under a ladder and so on; people get affected by many things. The approach ofHalloween- a festival full of superstitions is also a period of great skepticism. The word 'superstition' has a Latin origin, which means 'standing in awe'. People and cultures around the world assign different meaning, or importance to events, actions and things. They feel that one can affect the situation, to reflect their own interest. Superstitions and People The origin of superstitions cannot be traced to a particular race, religion or geographical area. In fact, every place has its own 'special' set of theories as to why a particular ritual is followed. So, any belief or practice based on luck, prophecy, religious symbols or spiritual phenomena which is thought to influence action or future events, is called superstition. There seems to be no convincing theory, as to why superstition exists. One idea is that people were scared into good behavior by stories of natural calamities or demons and evil causing havoc in case of anti-social actions. This practice might have led people to assume and imbibe some notions which hold good till today. Ancient religions based many of their traditions on the support of the unexplained and undecipherable events faced by early societies. For example, in Western folklore, people would throw salt over their left shoulder, in case they spilled it, as it was thought to blind the demon. Bees were thought to be a gift from the heavens. They make wax which is again considered a holy thing. Therefore, humans use wax candles at holy places. Ironically, some of the funniest and the most illogical superstitions are associated with a practice considered bad in many cultures, which is gambling. The superstition demands that you should never gamble with your legs crossed; dogs shouldn't be allowed near the gambling table; a score of 'one' both times on a dice is a devil's sign and so on. One of the most popular and famous superstition is the unlucky 'Friday the 13th'. Jesus was crucified on Friday and the 'Last Supper' had a total of 13 people around the table. Another legend associated with this tradition goes that the Knights Templar were routed and killed by the opposing forces on Friday the 13th. Hence, for

many people around the world, Friday, the 13th of any month is a day to watch out for. Indian and Chinese culture and some pockets of Europe are some of the places where traditional superstitions have a huge history. So much so, that the local population encounters a psychological impact on their work, family or daily routine, courtesy these traditions. The age-old beliefs associated with such 'irrational' reasoning have now taken shape as a habit. If these cultures are devoid of these beliefs, people feel insecure. Though, no amount of explanation may convince a person with strong convictions, it is important not to let these practices hinder the natural life processes. For instance, in India it is considered bad for a pregnant woman to step out of the house on the day of a solar eclipse. Imagine, if she had a medical emergency, the superstition could have negative implications. People are superstitious because it makes them feel good about themselves when they follow a certain behavior pattern. It can be an asset if a superstition promotes a positive attitude and approach towards the prevailing circumstances. Again for instance, a person is psychologically inclined to step out of the house only after a prayer session, which is a healthy trend and fosters greater peace of mind. So the next time your favorite baseball player looks towards the heavens on hitting a home run, you know it was not going to help unless he actually hit the shot. But as they say, 'Anything goes, as long as your team wins'! So cheer on!

Tree Symbolism
From time immemorial, trees have been used to symbolize a variety of things. Here, we give you a list of some of the most common tree symbolism which have been used from ancient times. Read on

Trees, from ancient times, have had a symbolic meaning, irrespective of whichever culture you look at. There are numerous mythic qualities symbolized by trees, besides common metaphors like the Tree of Life which gives us an idea of the symbolic significance of trees. The Vedic school of thought believed trees to be the primary form of living beings. On the other hand, in Christianity, the Christmas tree is symbolic of several things. As per Christian tradition, Jesus Christ is depicted as a

carpenter and the ultimate sacrifice which He made is symbolized by the wooden cross. Here, we give you some common tree symbolism and their significance in the lives of people. Oak Tree Symbolism Symbolizing courage and strength, the oak tree is believed to be the most powerful of trees. In ancient times, the Romans conceived that oak trees were responsible for attracting lightening. So they associated it to Jupiter, the sky God, and Juno, the Goddess of Marriage and the wife of Jupiter. So this tree is symbolic of fulfillment and conjugal fidelity. Socrates believed that the oak tree had divine powers and considered it to be authoritative. The pre-Christian priests of the Celts are believed to have eaten acorns while preparing to preach. Moreover, they also believed that its leaves had healing properties. Christmas Tree Symbolism Christmas trees hold a special significance in our lives, isn't it? We all decorate Christmas trees while we celebrate the birth of Christ. But what does it symbolize? It symbolizes the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life. As per Christian tradition, the Christmas tree is related to St. Boniface, as it's said that he cut down the Thor tree so as to prove to the local tribes that he disapproved of Norse gods. Today, Christmas trees are decorated with lights, lamps, garlands, ornaments, etc., and an angel or a star is placed at the top. The star represents the Star of Bethlehem while the angels signify the angel who told the shepherds about the birth of Jesus. More on meaning of Christmas tree. Olive Tree Symbolism The olive tree has a long history of symbolism, and there are a number of representations which an olive tree is linked to. It acts as a symbol for reward, victory, strength, purification, fruitfulness and peace. In Greek mythology, the tree was considered sacred and it was believed that the tree was formed from the quarrel between Athene, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, and Poseidon, the God of Sea and Earthquake. As per Christian and Jewish tradition, the olive tree was symbolic of peace. Old fables say that the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified was made from an olive branch. Read more on Celtic tree of life meaning. Cherry Tree Symbolism New awakenings and rebirth are symbolized by a cherry tree. Cherry trees are today grown in several countries where they were traditionally not grown, as they are of high value not only as a food plant but as an ornamental plant as well. Cherries bloom in bunches, and so in ancient Japan, a cherry symbolized clouds. Moreover, it was also used metaphorically to show that life of a person is short. The short-lived nature of cherries and their extreme beauty are often associated with mortality. In addition to that, blooming of cherries is considered a sign of good fortune and is also a symbol of love and affection. Cherries were used as motivation for the Japanese people during the Second World War to stir up militarism and nationalism. It is said that Japanese pilots took branches of cherry trees with them during their missions. Tree Symbolism in Literature From time immemorial, trees had a symbolic significance in literature. Several great

writers used trees to depict ideas. Several writers used tree symbolism to signify good vs evil, and the most important symbolic significance of trees was the Tree of Knowledge according to Christian mythology. Also read about tree of life meaning. Thus, tree symbolism has played a significant role to mean a variety of things from ages. The most common example of tree symbolism is the Christmas tree which is used by most of us, especially during Christmas.

Tree of Life Meaning

The Tree of Life meaning is explained by means of different belief systems in the following article. The Celtic Tree of Life meaning along with other beliefs followed across different cultures are considered and explained in short in this article.

The concept of Tree of Life has been used in different fields such as religion, science, mythology, philosophy, etc. Meaning associated with the concept of Tree of Life differs in different contexts. In different mythologies, theologies and philosophies across the world, it is used as a motif. The concept of Tree of Life is also used in reference to evolution. This phenomenon is also used metaphorically in explaining the concept of common descent. Tree of Life Meaning The Tree of Life meaning is presented in different ways by citing different knowledge sources. As per the Britannica Encyclopedia, Tree of Life and tree of knowledge are two forms of the world tree/cosmic tree. The Tree of Life connects different forms of life/creation, while Tree of Knowledge connects the heaven and underworld. Significance in Different Cultures There are different concepts and mythologies associated with the Tree of Life in various cultures. Let us have a look at them one-by-one through following paragraphs.

Egyptian Culture: Acacia tree of 'Saosis' is considered by Egyptians as the Tree of Life. As per the Ennead system (nine deities) of ancient Egyptian culture, Isis and Osiris are believed to be the first couple. They emerged from the Tree of Life i.e. the acacia of Saosis. Baha'i Belief System: As per the Baha'i faith, manifestation of God in reality takes place through the Tree of Life. 'Baha'u'llah', the founder of Baha'i faith is considered to be the Tree of Life. The 'Book of Covenant' too is associated with the Tree of Life. Assyrian Beliefs: In the Assyrian civilization, a series of criss-crossing lines and nodes were used to depict the Tree of Life. Meaning of this symbol is said to be multi-valent and priests have not yet concluded as to what is the exact interpretation/translation. Chinese Mythology: A dragon and phoenix are included in the depiction of Tree of Life in Chinese mythology. The dragon is revered for immortality and 'Fenghuang' a creature similar to the phoenix is second only to the dragon in terms of the respect being offered. There is a reference to the tree in a Taoist story which bears a peach fruit, once in three thousand years.

Celtic Tree of Life Meaning The Celts of ancient times believed that trees had several powers and provided people with food, shelter and warmth. Different life forces including insects and animals took shelter in these trees. These creatures were in turn sustained by the Tree of Life. The symbol of Celtic tree of life has been preserved for centuries and is portrayed in various ways today. Different parts of this tree are assigned specific meanings. Roots of Tree of Life are considered to be the foundation and they symbolize the other world. Trunk of this tree joins branches and roots. It is therefore associated with the mortal world. The branches connect different worlds that are present above and below. The reason behind Celtic tree of lifebeing revered is that 'Nature' is worshiped through this symbol. In the Gaelic language, the Tree of Life is known as 'crann bethadh'. Tree of Life Symbolism The symbol of Tree of Life represents different qualities and virtues like wisdom, strength, protection, beauty, bounty and redemption. It is also considered to be the symbol of 'Creator'. This tree is associated with the creator because it provides protection, supports abundant fruit production and thereby, regeneration. This analogy can also be used to describe the life of humans. We as humans develop 'roots' of our beliefs, 'branch out' by means of wisdom and the 'trunk' (mind & body) keeps them connected. The Tree of Life meaning as perceived in different faiths, belief systems and cultures, resonates with a simple and strong message of unity. This symbol indicates that all forms of life are connected through a cosmic energy and that we as humans should live in harmony with rest of the living beings.