Threes • Wednesday • Sad tidings for a daughter.

{pain} my lungs hurt, I have a head ache, and my eyes are strained. {sleep} 8h 15m – decent sleep.

My adopted daughter, Violet, has suffered loss this morning. Her dad’s home caught fire & is nearly gone down to the bare bones, taking all their physical memories to the ash. We were on our way out the door quite early this morning, not knowing what we could do, but willing to do anything to help; once we parked the girls were off down the drive way. I got my things together & began to follow, but it didn’t take long before I was coughing quite vociferously.

I took breakfast orders & went to McD’s, it was all I could think to do. Once I dropped off the eats I had to go home because my asthma began to take over.

Smoke by: Cecelia

Bad Luck Comes in Threes

I am certain you’ve heard the superstition, “Bad Luck Comes in Threes”. Three is a strong number in religion, mythology, and everyday life… from the Holy Trinity in Christianity, the Trimurti in Hinduism, to fairy tales (three wishes, bears, challenges, etc.). We begin “on the count of three” and go forth in threes, we have four seasons of three months (approximately), each. As human beings, we are attracted to these patterns, we see faces in inanimate objects, and notice symmetries quickly.

“The belief that bad luck comes in threes is not limited to specific events but extends to various aspects of life. For example, the superstition suggests that deaths, accidents, or even personal misfortunes tend to occur in threes.”

people.howstuffworks.com

Crimean War by Roger Fenton, 1855 (LOC)
Available from: Celestial Images

Origins of this belief vary all over the world. One theory suggests the belief emerged during the Crimean War, “where soldiers were warned against lighting three cigarettes from the same match to avoid being spotted by the enemy.” (Ibid.) There is also a theory from Russian funeral rituals concerning three candles on the altar, but I’m unsure of how that applies.

A more modern, psychological approach exemplifies our innate desire for certainty and pattern recognition. Also, by limiting the bad luck to three, we offer an end to the pain & suffering, sowing some comfort – even if just an end to the misery.

Shocked & Surprised Tree
by: Ilan Rosen

Shocked and surprised Human face is viewed in a natural growing tree trunk Pareidolia is the tendency for incorrect perception of a stimulus as an object, pattern or meaning known to the observer, such as seeing shapes in clouds, seeing faces in inanimate objects or abstract patterns, or hearing hidden messages in music. Pareidolia can be considered a subcategory of apophenia. Pareidolia was at one time considered a symptom of human psychosis, but it is now seen as a normal human tendency.

According to statistical analysis of large datasets & analyzing patterns, “researchers have found no evidence to support the claim that bad luck occurs more frequently in groups of three. Randomness, rather than any inherent numerical pattern, appears to govern the occurrence of unfortunate events.” (Ibid.) Unfortunately, we also suffer confirmation bias many times, in which our brains seek out information that just confirms our preexisting beliefs.

“Despite the lack of empirical evidence, superstitions can serve a psychological purpose by providing a sense of comfort and control in uncertain times. Believing in the notion that bad luck comes in threes can offer a temporary reprieve from anxiety and help individuals cope with challenging circumstances. The psychological benefits derived from these beliefs should not be dismissed outright.”

People.howstuffworks.com

Therefore, when I look to the fact that a very dear friend of mine just lost her father & husband in two days, to be followed by my adopted daughter losing her childhood home, yes • I look for an end to the pain & misery. My heart hurts for those I love & it makes me want to help in any way possible.

Positive thoughts & prayers much appreciated. Please keep Lee, Benny, & Violet in your thoughts & prayers.

🗣️Talk Soon,
Cecelia ✌🏻🌊💙

Pattern recognition Art Board Print by: SweetLog