The Myth and Reality of Lizards Falling on the Left Wrist
Introduction
Have you ever experienced a lizard falling on your left wrist? In today's article, we'll explore what typically occurs in such a situation and dispel some common myths surrounding this occurrence. We will also discuss the reality behind the phenomenon, providing valuable insights to help readers better understand and handle such an event.
The Reality of Lizards on the Left Wrist
When a lizard falls on the left wrist, it is a common and benign occurrence. There are several reactions that can occur based on the context of the situation:
Surprise or Shock
The sudden appearance of a lizard can be surprising and may cause a reflex action, such as jerking the hand away.
Injury
If the lizard falls from a significant height, it might cause minor injuries like a bruise or scratch, particularly if the lizard is larger or falls from a higher elevation.
Behavior of the Lizard
The lizard, in most cases, will react by trying to escape. Most lizards are harmless and will not pose a threat.
Potential for Interaction
Alternatively, if the person is calm and the lizard is not aggressive, there is an opportunity for a brief interaction where one might observe the lizard or gently move it away.
Psychological Reaction
Individuals with a fear of reptiles may experience anxiety or distress upon the lizard's arrival, leading to heightened emotional reactions.
In general, the event is likely to be harmless, though individual reactions can vary widely. Proper hygiene should always be maintained to prevent any potential bacterial infection from the lizard's skin.
Dispelling Superstitions
The concern that lizards falling on the left wrist holds some mystical or unlucky significance is a common superstition. In reality, such beliefs are often rooted in cultural or personal fears and have no scientific or factual basis.
Research and common sense tell us that when a household lizard falls on any part of the body, the reaction should be similar across the board. The lizard is frightened and tries to get away, while the person swings their hand to shake the lizard off.
Most people do not resort to killing the lizard in the same manner as other pests like cockroaches or mosquitoes. The likelihood of harmful effects from such an event is exceedingly low.
A Personal Incident
For a memorable example, consider a personal experience shared by the author. During a vacation at Jamakhandi, numerous insects like rats, cockroaches, spiders, and lizards were common. The author and their family lived in harmony with these creatures, even occasionally catching the former pests but never the lizards. One day, a lizard accidentally fell on the author, prompting a series of reactions from the family.
Upon witnessing this, the grandmother immediately shooed the lizard and made the author wash their face. She then took the author to the Pooja room where a ghee Arati was lit and a prayer was offered for the author's safety. Subsequently, a special Puja was performed at a nearby Shani temple to clear away any negative omen associated with the lizard.
Reflecting on this story now, it is clear that the myth surrounding the lizard's fall is largely a product of cultural superstition, rather than any factual concern.
Pictures Credit: Google