Abstract
This paper examines how superstitions have firmly stood their place in the life of modern man. It points out that, unlike the unexplained signs we have come to associate with superstition, the Chinese have developed an age-old belief system, the Feng Shui, which hinges on tradition and nature. The paper asserts that, although much literature has been published on the subject, scholars are still left baffled by the reliability of this unstructured science. The paper then takes a look at some common beliefs and discusses how such superstitions have a foothold on logic. To conclude, the paper muses whether the gods are really behind this effective belief system of Chinese geomancy, which has turned into a lifestyle practiced by everyone, everywhere.

From the Paper
"Feng Shui is a system of beliefs supported by experts. However, it is important to note that its principles are essentially practical and can be observed by anyone. This means that the knowledge and practice of Feng Shui is not the exclusive prerogative of the Feng Shui master. Feng Shui can be learned and applied by ordinary individuals. In fact, the Chinese consider it as a way of life. It is also viewed as a fusion of art and science which has shaped Chinese palaces, villages, and cemeteries. Moreover, they consider it as an active force in the environment. They believe that aligning our activities with its flow, which is also the flow of the universe or Tao, will cause good fortune in the form of health, prosperity and happiness. Extreme steps need not be taken in order to achieve this harmony. Something as simple as having as an appropriately positioned door or an aquarium filled with goldfish can be enough to improve your fortune. In fact, most Feng Shui principles are anchored in practicality and are thus easy for anyone to follow. This means that the knowledge and practice of Feng Shui is not the exclusive prerogative of the Feng Shui master. Its practicality is among the main factors behind Feng Shui's wide reach beyond China."

Tags:Chinese, tradition, religion

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the concept of superstition is often commonly understood only in a vague sense as a term that is somehow related to the occult, magic and the paranormal. One of the central aims of this paper is to show that superstitions are often the remnants of knowledge that has been lost or neglected by modern science and forgotten and that they are in many cases not just false beliefs. This approach to the meaning of superstition is one that will allow the reader to understand the term in the context of and in relation to the occult and paranormal traditions in the world. The writer concludes that in the final analysis, the term superstition should be seen as the possible remnant of a larger body of knowledge, which is commonly known as the occult tradition. In this sense, superstition is understood as a watered down version of some greater truth. However, the writer notes that it should also be borne in mind that not all superstitions can be seen in this light and that many are fictitious constructions of fantasy.

From the Paper
"These definitions point to two different ways of looking at superstition. The first and more conventional view sees superstition, as an empty and fanciful set of beliefs that have no foundation in any reality. This is a view that sees superstition as separate from the occult and paranormal traditions of knowledge.
"The second understanding of superstitions is related to the perception of superstitions as linked to other religious views or to the larger occult traditions in religious systems throughout the world. This meaning is more in line with the idea of occult and paranormal traditions. This view would therefore explain superstitions as being based to a greater or lesser extent on knowledge and lost traditions; or at least having its roots in such knowledge rather than seeing it as mere blind faith and empty fancy."

Tags:paranormal, fantasy, belief, knowledge

Abstract
This essay analyzes the effect that science has on the ideals of religion and superstition in a society that is on the verge of ethical and moral failure in Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula". The paper states that the characters must find a way to balance both the scientific world and religious and superstitious beliefs in order to survive and defeat the vampires. The paper argues that, through his novel, Stoker wants his readers to realize that science is not the only important subject and that without a healthy balance between science and religion terrible things may occur.

From the Paper
"Throughout the novel, scientific techniques used to combat the vampiric onslaught only prove to be semi-effective. After Lucy is bitten she becomes very ill and seems to be nearing death for days. Van Helsing decides it is necessary to perform an operation saying, "'My friend John and I have consulted; and we are about to perform what we call transfusion of blood - to transfer from full veins of one to the empty veins which pine for him (166).'" This transfusion seems to work, but only for a few hours as Lucy gets steadily worse, eventually dying. The decision is made to perform an autopsy, but Van Helsing protests asking, "'But why do it at all? The girl is dead. Why mutilate her poor body without need (225)?'" It is clear that the scientific examinations into this phenomenon would prove to be futile. Towards the end of the novel, the Crew of Light is amazed that they are even considering the idea of vampirism. Mina writes, "'A year ago which of us would have received such a possibility, in the midst of our scientific, skeptical, matter-of-fact nineteenth century (327)?'" The characters finally come to realize the importance of both religion and superstition in their lives."

Tags:dracula society religion superstition scientific, van helsing

Abstract
The paper describes various superstitions associated with baseball via a discussion of W.P. Kinsella's book, "The Iowa Baseball Confederacy". The paper first summarizes Kinsella's book and then goes on to discuss the many superstitions that abound in the game of baseball and explains how the main theme of the "The Iowa Baseball Confederacy" is about these superstitions.

Outline:
Introduction
Baseball and Superstition

From the Paper
"The book The Iowa Baseball Confederacy continues the time honored tradition of superstition and myth by telling a fantastical tale of an Iowa exhibition baseball game played from July 4 to August 12, 1908 between the team called the Iowa Baseball Confederacy and the Chicago Cubs----a game that lasts for an incredible 2,614 innings. The author, W.P. Kinsella, tells the tale through Gideon Clarke, the protagonist who learns about the legendary game from his unusual father, Matthew. Matthew explains to Gideon that no record of the marathon-like game exists because of a great flood of biblical proportions that wiped out all evidence of the game. The flood took with it the Iowa Baseball Confederacy, all of which were lost in a crack in time. All knowledge of the game becomes actualized in Gideon's brain after his father commits suicide at County Stadium in Milwaukee by purposely putting his head in the path of a mean foul line drive. This leads Gideon to discover the crack in time, sending him back to July 4, 1908, where each team is preparing to play the big inning. The Chicago Cub players in the book use retired numbers from actual team members, and President Theodore Roosevelt appears as one of the cameo players, as he strikes out waving a big stick. Another well-known player, Leonardo da Vinci, also appears in the game proclaiming that he, not Abner Doubleday, invented the game of baseball. He states, "Unfortunately....I lived in a nation of bocce players. It took 300 years for baseball to become popular. By that time, my name was no longer associated with it" . Another player, Black Angel of Death, a cemetery statue, plays right field and is able to catch fly balls with her sculpted wings and no glove. Some of the stars on the Iowa Confederacy team include, Shoo Fly, Husk, Frank Pierce, Henry Pulvermacher, and Arsenic O'Reilly, while on the Cubs team players include Chance, Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and the pitcher Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown Other key characters include an ancient Indian warrior named Drifting Away, whose wife was murdered by White men."

Tags:baseball, superstition, Iowa

Abstract
This paper discusses the history and current practices of the Chinese New Year. It looks at the origins of the festivities and at the Chinese New Year traditions that have been carried on throughout the ages. It then discusses the superstitions that are associated the lead-up to and celebration of the Chinese New Year. Finally, the paper discusses the significance of each of the fifteen days of the Chinese New Year.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Ancient Chinese New Year
Traditions
Superstitions
The 15 Days of Chinese New Year
Conclusion

From the Paper
"On the actual New Year's Day, hair should not be washed as this will wash away good luck for the New Year. Red is the color chosen for clothing, as it is a bright, happy color which encourages a bright future (as well as serves to fend off Nian). Children and unmarried friends are given "lai see", which are small red envelopes containing money for good fortune (ibid). Other superstitions include the consulting of an Almanac before heading out (in order to find the "best time" for doing so), the prohibiting of scissor and knife use (as this may "cut off" good fortune), avoidance of people in their bedrooms (this is considered bad luck) and external environmental cues. These include the words one first hears on New Year's Day (these are considered to reflect one's fortune) and signals such as songbirds or red-colored birds (these are supposed to be good luck) (ibid)."

Tags:ancient, lunar, Nian, calendar

Abstract
The paper looks at how the book "The Iowa Baseball Confederacy" continues the time honored tradition of superstition and myth by telling a fantastical tale of an Iowa exhibition baseball game played from July 4 to August 12, 1908 between the team called the Iowa Baseball Confederacy and the Chicago Cubs----a game that lasts for an incredible 2,614 innings. The paper relates how the author, W.P. Kinsella, tells the tale through Gideon Clarke, the protagonist who learns about the legendary game from his unusual father, Matthew. The paper describes how Matthew explains to Gideon that no record of the marathon-like game exists because of a great flood of biblical proportions that wiped out all evidence of the game.

From the Paper
"The game of baseball has always had an air of fantasy and mythology wrapped around the players and the game itself. Grown men are paid to play a game as if they are boys, "...Superstitious boys" (Grossfeld, 2007)."

Tags:baseball, superstition, iowa

Abstract
This paper discusses the conflux of medieval ideas and institutions with the resurrection of Greek and Roman philosophy in the period between 1350 to 1600, that is known as the Renaissance. The writer describes how the church of England, while undergoing constant reformation, still dominated all walks of life and continued to mete out violent punishment for sedition and sectarianism. The writer then cites examples from Shakespeare's "Henry V" and "Macbeth" that show the prevalence of superstition in Elizabethan England. The paper concludes that even today, with the highly technological and vast knowledge we possess, remnants can be found of medieval superstitions and ideas about religion.

From the Paper
"However, going back to the old ways, one can see how the attitudes intermingled with what should have been the birth of the new. In the arts, which the Renaissance had practically resurrected, Christian and pagan themes were irreverently blended, causing people of that era to be unable to distinguish what was the "new Christian" way or the "old pagan medieval" way. For example, bas reliefs displayed Adam of the Bible and Hercules of mythology in alternate scenes. Then, pagan heroes like Jason complimented Biblical heroes like Gideon. Alongside each other would be shown Christian portrayals of the Crucifixion, The Nativity and others, along with Jupiter (featured as a monk), Apollo, Venus, Mercury, Diana, Mars, Narcissus and Saturn with Centaurs and other, well-known pagan figures."

From the Paper
" "Three on a match." "Knock on wood." "April Fool." The use of phrases such as these are such common occurrences today that few would begin to consider them superstitions. Yet each of these, and hundreds of other, benign statements and common practices like New Year's Day, Easter, and Christmas, are traceable to pagan rituals or the response of the early Christian church to them.


It has been claimed that "the true origin of superstition is to be found in early man's effort to explain Nature and his own existence; in the desire to propitiate Fate and invite Fortune; in the wish to avoid evils he could not understand; and in the unavoidable attempt to pry into the future.". Indeed, our inability to explain or comprehend those things which happen around us provide for the perpetuation, rational or not, of..."

Abstract
The writer of this paper examines the plot and main characters of Sethe and Beloved in Morrison's novel. This paper details Morrison's unique manner of incorporating mythology and superstition in this particular novel, while also discussing its significance in ancient African culture. Morrison's novel illustrates the horrors of slavery as seen through the eyes of Sethe, a slave struggling to gain her freedom and Beloved, a ghost wracked by the pain of slavery and death. This paper also delves into African views regarding death and the afterlife by focusing on Beloved's spirit which is connected to slavery as a collective whole. The writer contends that Morrison's use of mythical images unites African heritage and culture resulting in a novel that his both authentic and believable.

From the Paper
"In connection with Sethe and her journey, we discover that the promise of freedom is often prettier than the reality of it. Sethe was soon found out by Schoolteacher and rather than go back with him to Sweet Home, Sethe decides that jail time would be a better choice for her and her small baby. Here we see the devastation of slavery portrayed in Sethe's short response to Paul D when she tells him, "Any life but that one. I went to jail instead." Here we discover an interesting aspect about Sethe and he search for freedom--even though the dream did not turn out as she once intended, it was still better than the life she once knew. Beloved explores many different realms, the most predominant being that of the supernatural. Morrison successfully captures how the African culture readily accepted the notion of a ghost or premonition, thus articulating the mythological presence in African culture."

Tags:literature, analysis, slavery, ghosts, mythology

Abstract
This paper discusses Carol Laderman's book, "Wives and Midwives: Childbirth and Nutrition in Rural Malaysia", presenting an anthropological evaluation of the effects of nutrition on the women of Malaysia. The paper examines Laderman's focus on women, including marriage, childbirth, and sexual values. The paper analyzes the cultural superstitions regarding food and nutrition for women.

From the Paper
"Medical anthropology, which combines the disciplines of physical anthropology, ethnography, linguistics and archeology, presents a "picture of the human condition in the round," author Laderman writes in her Introduction. And medical anthropology can also be employed to try to understand "the workings of a culture," she adds. Indeed, the way a culture works in one part of the world sheds light and understanding on how cultures work in all corners of the world, which is the principal reason for anthropological study. As for the purpose behind her studies and her book, Laderman writes (7) that she intended to focus on the diet (nutrition) of women following childbirth, but to be thorough, she needed to know if ?the diet during pregnancy varied from the non-pregnant diet,? in order to understand the changes that take place "during the puerperium" (the time between when a woman gives birth and when her uterus returns to its normal size)."

Tags:nutrition, superstitions, culture