Join the 'Superstition Challenge' Old wives tales or certain doom? A bit of fun or a fate-tempting risk? Thinktank, Birmingham’s science museum at Millennium Point, takes a closer look at the traditions associated with Friday 13th in the “superstition challenge” this weekend. Visitors will be invited to smash mirrors, open umbrellas indoors and walk under ladders as part of a 3-day experiment investigating whether people are less lucky after disregarding a series of superstitions. It’s all in the name of science! All in the mind “There is no logical thinking behind superstitions," says Mario Di Maggio, Thinktank scientist and organiser of the event. "I want to make clear that it’s simply all in our minds. If you have a bad day it’s not because you walked under a ladder that morning!” While such superstitions are ridiculous to Mario, it seems many of us simply aren't willing to risk it. Superstitious rituals
 | | Magpie we salute you! |
”Researching this event has been quite an eye-opener,” Mario continues. “So many people carry out rituals when faced with everyday events. One of my colleagues not only salutes a single magpie, but blinks several times AND says ‘good morning sir’ - all at the same time! Surely that can only bring bad luck when driving or crossing the road!” Mario’s colleague may be interested to know that those who are superstitious tend to be life’s worriers and have a strong need for control in their lives according to a study conducted by Dr Richard Wiseman, psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire. I should be so lucky Wiseman also found that those who describe themselves as lucky tend to carry out superstitious behaviour designed to bring good luck, such as touching wood or carrying a lucky charm, whereas those classing themselves as unlucky hold serious beliefs in the breaking of mirrors and walking under ladders - they also dread Friday 13th. The superstition challenge runs from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th May. Visitors are invited to deliberately defy 13 common superstitions - those who dare will receive a certificate marking their achievement! Paraskevidekatriaphobia “Not only will Thinktank dispel the myths of superstition, but we may even ‘cure’ someone of Paraskevidekatriaphobia in the process.” concludes Mario. Paraskevidekatriaphobia? Apparently it’s the fear of Friday 13th… | 
