1. Evolution

One of the theories behind superstition is that it is derived from our survival instincts that aided us in escaping predators and avoiding poisonous foods. The early members of the human race that had a natural disposition to avoiding dangerous situations and objects survived and passed on their genes to their offspring, allowing for the psychological aversions to be passed on as well. This is called natural selection and it is also responsible for many of the physical aids that we have evolved with.

In modern times we hold superstitions because our brains have evolved to be pattern-making and problem-solving machines. For this reason, we often see patters and connection in things that aren’t really connected. This is where the modern superstitions such as an aversion to black cats and ladders come from. We are warned of them due to old wives tales that have been unable to die out because our brains are wired in such a way that there is a psychological link with X and ‘danger’.

Sources: Psych Central, New Scientist, The Telegraph, Live Science, Academia.edu,