Superstition *

Walking under a ladder, giving three knoks on wood, avoid things with the number 13. A lot of the superstitions we know in Brazil, actually, are present in worldwide. But, if on the one hand, there isn't scientifc proof for the superstitions, on the other hand it's possible to contest them.

The Superstition elements come from the cultural heritage. With some variations, related to locky or unlocky, the most famous expressions of superstition are found strongly in almost all of countries of the world.

People of all social classes believe in the beliefs at issue. A study of the Köln University shows that the superstition effects aren't invalid, an being superstitious increases the chance of success.

 Superstition isn't a individual choice, because it comes from a tradition, but exceptionally, there are people who have their own personal superstitions. An example is the businessman Eike Batista, who just closes contracts if there is a fountain nearby. Another case is about the ex-football coach Telê Santana, who just wore red t-shirts in the matches. On the other hand, the Formula One race idol Ayrton Senna didn't believe in superstition, but only in work.

Generally speaking, superstitions are far from being a manifestion of ignorance. They're present in all cultures and they're followed by people of all classes.

* English writing task written in 2012, valid as an activity of the Intermediate II level of an English course.