Signs, omens and superstitions
From these sources come many of the absurd notions still in vogue among primitive people, which have been handed down in modified form to us. Man has ever found it difficult to understand the mysteries surrounding him on all sides, and groping in the dark he has tried by prayer, incantation or peculiar practices to force nature to do his bidding. Superstition, therefore, arises primarily from ignorance.
Early man believed that every phenomenon of nature was the work of a spirit or devil. His intelligence could not suggest any other explanation. To this belief was added fear. The thunder, the lightning, the earthquake, the darkness — all filled him with fearful dread. To him I
they were the workings of spiteful powers to be propitiated. Where ignorance and fear are sur- rounded by the danger they will always grope for a way of escape.
Thus superstition is born. A belief in the existence of spirits antagonistic to man gave rise to most of the old superstitions. There is no nation, however ignorant or advanced, which does not recognize customs, rites, usages and beliefs which have their origin in superstition. The Bible speaks of such practices as having found their way from pagan sources into the monotheistic beliefs of the Israelites, calls them "abominations," and warns the Jews against them.
New York, G. Sully & Company
1918
