Do you have a white lighter? If so, you may want to get rid of it – because according to legend, they're bad luck. White lighters are often given as gifts, and many people don't even know the legend behind them. In this article, we will explore the origins of the "curse of the white lighter" and why are white lighters bad luck.
What Is Superstition And Where Does It Come From?
Superstition refers to a belief that harbors an irrational connection between two seemingly unrelated events, with some believing that if one event occurs, then the other must follow. Humans have been engaging in superstitious practices since the dawn of mankind and they come in many forms both large and small.
Although these beliefs can be found all around the world, they differ significantly depending on culture and religion. In some cases, superstitious beliefs are rooted in folklore and ancient religious practices while in other cases they can arise out of a person's fears or anxieties.
Over time, different cultures have developed their traditions related to superstitions and while some look back to the past to find meaning behind them, others have adapted traditional superstitions to reflect modern concerns. No matter when or where these beliefs originate from, it's clear that superstitions have had a lasting influence on people across the globe.
Why Do People Believe In Superstitions
Superstitions are beliefs and practices passed down from generation to generation, often rooted in culture or religion. Though there is no scientific reason to support these superstitious beliefs, many people still find them important in their lives and some might even be superstitious without realizing it.
People find comfort in rituals and practice them as part of tradition or even a way of calming the mind or dealing with anxiety. For some, superstitions act as an external reminder to be mindful of awareness or can represent a particular attitude that reflects personal values.
In other instances, they might offer assurance that life is unpredictable and acts as a coping mechanism to handle chaos in an attempt to feel more secure. Ultimately, everyone has their reasons for believing superstitious practices as well as feeling safe in moments when everyday life becomes overwhelming.
How Do Superstitions Affect People's Lives
Superstitions have been a part of human culture for ages, and it's no surprise that they still have an impact on our lives today. Many people believe superstitious ideas, such as not walking under ladders or opening umbrellas indoors brings bad luck. But what effect do these superstitious behaviors have on us?
Studies show that superstitions can affect our psychological well-being, by increasing feelings of helplessness and lowering our self-confidence. We can be so concerned with avoiding these "unlucky" actions or objects that it can become an obsession, leading to increased anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
Furthermore, when something bad does happen after doing something deemed "unlucky", superstitious thinking can prevent people from learning from the experience as they may assume it was preordained. Ultimately, although some people may find comfort in their superstitions, it's important to recognize how they could potentially be damaging to our mental health.
The History Of White Lighters And Their Association With Bad Luck
The white lighter myth first began in the 1960s when white BIC lighters were commonly used by rock stars like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and Janis Joplin. Such white disposable lighters became associated with bad luck, leaving many people believing that white lighters should not be gifted as they would bring doom to the recipient.
Some have gone deeper into the superstition, claiming white lighters are ghosted, or that they contain some sort of unlucky energy stemming from previous owners. In any case, white lighters now remain a relic of a time long gone and perpetuate this odd superstition.
Why People Believe That White Lighters Are Bad Luck
Many people believe that white lighters are bad luck, often referred to as the white lighter curse. This phenomenon likely stems from the hippie-era link between white Bic lighters and the drug culture. It was thought that white lighters were used to show which individuals could provide illegal drugs. Disposable white Bic lighters were found in venues like rock concerts where drugs could be more readily available.
As white lighter superstitions spread, they left an indelible impression on popular culture, even though modern-day white lighters may be simply seen as being aesthetically pleasing or a convenient cheap lighter to carry. Whatever the case, this superstition has been around for decades—enough for people to still believe in its mysterious power today.
How To Break The Curse Of The White Lighter
- Don't Buy Them
The first step to breaking the curse of the white light is to simply stop buying them. While this may seem like an obvious solution, it's often easier said than done. Many people continue to buy white lighters because they're cheap and readily available. However, if you're serious about breaking the curse, you'll need to be willing to spend a few extra dollars on a different color lighter.
- Destroy Them
If you have any white lighters in your possession, you must destroy them. This can be done by throwing them away, burning them, or giving them away. You must get rid of them completely so that they can't be used again.
- Avoid Stores That Sell Them
Another way to break the curse is to avoid stores that sell white lighters. This may mean having to go out of your way to find a different store, but it's worth it if it means breaking the curse. Many stores that sell white lighters also sell other cursed items, so it's best to avoid them altogether.
- Don't Use Them
Even if you don't have any white lighters in your possession, you must avoid using them if you see them being used by someone else. If you use a white lighter, you're effectively cursing yourself and perpetuating the cycle.
- Spread The Word
Finally, one of the most important things you can do to break the curse of the white light is to spread the word about it. Let your friends and family know about the curse and encourage them to avoid using white lighters as well. The more people are aware of the curse, the less likely it is to continue.
Final Thoughts
One of the most often cited reasons for avoiding white lighters is that they’re associated with drug use. Many people believe that using a white lighter to smoke cigarettes or marijuana is unlucky because it’s linked to illegal drugs. Some even say that you shouldn’t accept a light from someone else if they’re using a white lighter, as it means they might be trying to get you involved in their bad habits. However, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that white lighters are unlucky. So if you prefer them for aesthetic reasons or simply can’t find any other color, don’t worry – you won’t be jinxing yourself by using one.
