the "disbelief is a belief" question again

[sophiaserpentia]

Does it take faith to disbelieve that breaking a mirror is bad luck? What about not believing that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck?

If not, how is this different from the same question applied to God?

If yes, what distinguishes a "valid" superstition like the ones listed above from "invalid" ones like the Flying Spaghetti Monster? What about supersititions from other cultures, like the belief that taking a picture steals your soul?

Is the difference that people in this culture were exposed since early childhood to believe in the superstitions listed above?

Comments

[herbalgrrl.livejournal.com]

I say *gesund*-- which to me is more of a reminder for people to care for their health than anything. It used to bother me (years ago) if people didn't say something when I sneezed til I realized I was being supersticious & silly.

I believe *bless you* originated in the idea that the soul leaves the body for a moment when one sneezes-- thus allowing illness/ demons in.

[brontosproximo.livejournal.com]

snopes.com has a whole list of reasons it might be.

The real reason is that everybody else does it and there is social pressure if you do not do it. Which I think is part of my point.