A superstition, as defined by Websters, is a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck; a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck.

Even though we're living in the twenty-first century, some ancient beliefs in the occult and the supernatural have survived a long and arduous journey from the their own time to our days. People, educated people, believe in such absurd superstitions that one would call their dedicated believing a mockery of the education they've received. Outright mockery.

There's a fine line between orthodoxy and being crazy!

Here are six of today's most ridiculous and still-believed-in superstitions. You might even know of more. Ugh!

1. Peacock Feathers and Lizards.

Want to keep those house geckos at bay? That's easy. Just buy some peacock feathers and hang, stick, or put them wherever your little friend is most likely to appear. Some people still believe that this feather will act as a lizard-repellent.

Why use modern insecticide and precautions when you have your magical peacock feather with you?

2. Brooms and Beds.

They say that if you accidentally — or knowingly — use a broom on a bed, your bed or anyone else's, it is bound to harbor bad luck for the wielder of said broom. Your house might be robbed or a horrible accident might befall you.

Give it a try.

3. Under the Ladder.

Everyone's heard of this one. It's popular in the west but has seen a decline in its reputation here in Asia. If you walk under a ladder, and emerge on the other side from under it, then yours is doom and misery. Bad, bad luck will devour you and you won't have time to even brace yourself for impending horror.

Right after you emerge from the other side.

Oh dear.

4. Using Scissors in Thin Air.

If you're not actually using a pair of scissors to cut something, but are just opening and closing the steel just for the fun of it, or maybe because you like the snipping sound that it makes, or simply because you were born the sicko you are, physical danger will await you.


5. The Braying of Donkeys.

This one is as old as they come. Still, you'll find octogenarians feeding this piece of "vital" importance into the ears of their grandchildren. If you hear the braying of a donkey, it is because the donkey can see the devil...

Maybe because donkeys are genetically modified to observe supernatural beings? Hmm, that must be it.

6. Slippers Near Your Head When Asleep.

I tried this one once. Obviously, nothing happened. It is believed that if you place a pair of slippers, or any other sort of footwear, near your head while you sleep, you're bound to have nightmares. Bad. Ones.

Come on.

If you hear of any other, apart from these, make sure you don't fall for them.

Seriously. Do not.