Do superstitions and rituals really help when moving into a new home?
As with many of life’s big decisions, buying a new home comes with certain traditions and rituals. But what is the truth behind those rituals and can they really work? A horse shoe by the front door, a meal of bread and salt or even the ancient art of smudging.
What do they all mean – and could they be beneficial for your property?
Smudging your new home
The ancient art of smudging is a story associated with indigenous people, especially Native Americans. It is the cleansing of a home with smoke and herbs and it is thought that the smoke clears away negative energy. A study published by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology associates the ritual of smudging with being a natural air purifier. Although there has not been enough substantial study on the effect of smoke on the human body, the fact that it is purifying the air in the room is good start.
Furthermore, according to a paper published on the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, there is a link between medicinal smoke and clearing the air of bacteria. There was a dramatic drop of 94 per cent of bacteria in the air when burning sage and other herbs in a room. If you are sceptical about weeding out negative energy or evil spirits, you can at least rest assured that there will be a significant drop in the bacteria floating around your house.
Fresh bread and salt
The gift of bread and salt is very well-known in the Jewish community.
Bread is given so that no one ever goes hungry and salt is gifted to bring flavour to your life. So how does that translate into bringing you good fortune? A study conducted by the Journal of Social Psychology reported that French researchers found the smell of fresh bread makes us more inclined to be kinder, happier and generally nicer people overall.
If you’ve used your home loan to move into a new neighbourhood, you might find your fellow residents a little more amiable if you keep that fresh bread scent wafting on moving day!
The hanging horseshoe
Globally, there are many symbols that are universally recognised as lucky, the horseshoe being one of them. Dr Lysann Damisch conducted several experiments that involved tricking participants into thinking they had a lucky object with them whilst doing an activity.
The result showed in all four experiments that there were performance benefits associated with every lucky charm. Basically, seeing the lucky symbol before walking into your home causes a response in your brain to make you feel confident and lucky. Perhaps it’d be worth it to bring one along to your next property auction if you’re keen to win!
Talk to the team at Bank of Heritage Isle to get the financing you need to buy the right home with the right feel.
