Superstition Informative Speech - 1490 Words

Informative Speech Specific Goal: To inform my audience about the myths and mysteries surrounding Superstitions and how they have transitioned through time. Thesis Statement: In this essay I will uncover the history and origin of superstitions, common superstitions and what their meaning, and religion superstitions in todays society. Introduction A. Happy Birthday to you. Happy birthday to You. Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Happy Birthday to you. Okay blow out your candle and make a wish! B. Now be honest how many of you today still make a wish on your birthday candle? Did you know that that tradition is actually a superstition? Just like picking a†¦show more content†¦Most common religious superstition is saying God Bless you when someone sneezes a. The custom of saying God bless you to someone suffering from a cold and given to the occasional sneeze goes back to an old belief. b. The essence of this superstition is centered in the belief that a demon lay within the sick person and causes the illness. The soul of the sick person, it was believed, was somehow possessed and needed to be exorcised. The only way to get rid of the demon was by sneezing but this also had inherent dangers. A person who sneezed was thought to be close to death because sneezing could also expel the soul from the body. Therefore, whenever someone sneezes, the name of God is evoked as a prayer and blessing that the demon and not the soul has been expelled. 2. Superstitions about salt date back to biblical times when salt was a highly prized commodity. It was expensive, crucial in preserving food, and was often used in lieu of currency. So spilling salt was considered an almost sacrilegious offence, and left one perilously exposed to the devils machinations. a. The salt is either intended to blind the devil so he cant witness your error, or keep him from sneaking up on you while youre cleaning up your mess. b. Its important to note that the superstition calls for the offender to throw salt over the left shoulder. Many ancient traditions place the devil to the left of the straight and narrow path. The classic image of a devil on one shoulderShow MoreRelated A Comparison of Plutarchs The Lives of the Ancient Grecians and Romans and Shakespeares Julius Caesar660 Words   |  3 PagesShakespeares Julius Caesar When closely evaluating the two texts: Plutarchs The Lives of the Ancient Grecians and Romans and Shakespeares Julius Caesar, there are stark differences of the theme and characters. While Plutarchs text is mostly informative, as describing a series of historical events, Shakespeare incorporates a wide variety of dramatic conventions as well as changing many events to entertain an audience. 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