subject: The Role Of Superstitions In Students Life And Culture [print this page] Students Rituals as a Part of Students Culture
There is only one thing which terrifies the majority of students the final examination period. And superstition comes as a reaction to a stressful situation. When students do not have enough time for detailed and methodical studying they resort to the help of mystical power as a thing which certainly helps to pass exams successfully.
Good-luck Charms
There are different charms, among them you may find a well-known wearing of the same shirt through the whole examination period. Sometimes it gets so worn out, that you may find out its real color only by asking the owner. Somebody goes only by one special bus which drives at one certain time. Others hide their notes under the pillows in order to absorb the needful information. Students listen to special songs, or put a special make up, or wear lucky undergarments, write answers with fortunate pens. They pray, of course. They are especially afraid of black cats, dogs, birds before the exams, refrain from shaving and wear things of red color.
Number 4 is the bad omen in Asia; Europeans are afraid of the number 13.
There is such a weird superstition as carrying a peacock feather during the exam, and a very intriguing ritual as tying a knot on the handkerchief which should not be untied till the end of the exam.
Psychological Protection
These methods are the most popular among modern students. They develop year by year and gain new and unexpected forms. But the best way to get good results at the exams is still timely studying. But even good students use these methods as well as graduates applying for a job.
People need some kind of protection from misfortune, so, for many of them superstitions are just some kinds of psychological defense.
