Science, Art, Litt, Science based Art & Science Communication

Snake myths and superstitions: Science's attempt to debunk them

Q: Why do you think people still follow superstitions in this scientific world?

Krishna: Shall I start with examples from movies and TV stories?

I don't watch them but get updates from my folks frequently.

There is this story currently being telecasted on TV on snakes. It deals with something called ichadhari naagin. What is it? Even I don't know anything about it.

I had to get this information from WIKIPEDIA:

A common male cobra will become an ichchadhari naag (male shape-shifting cobra) and a common female cobra will become an ichchadhari naagin (female shape-shifting cobra) after 100 years of tapasya (penance). After being blessed by Lord Shiva, they attain a human form of their own, have the ability to shape-shifting into any living creatures and could live for more than a hundred years without getting old.

Ichchadhari naags and naagins possess the gem called Naagmani, considered much more valuable than any precious stone, it has the power to revive. Legends tell of many people dying through snake bites when they try to steal the Naagmani.

When a naag or a naagin is killed, the image of their killer will be imprinted in their eyes. The partner or family of that naag/naagin will identify the killers by this image and take revenge.

Naags and naagins will lose control and are forced to show their true form when they hear the sound of been (nadaswaram), a wind instrument used by sapera (snake charmer). They are afraid of bel patra

(bael leaf) and sambrani smoke, because these can hurt them, and humans use bel patra and smoke to protect themselves from naags and naagins.

The realm of naags and naagins is called Naaglok. Naaglok has different clans, the ruler of each clan is a Naagraj (king) or a Naagrani (queen).

Naags and naagins' enemies are mongoose, eagle and peafowl.

Many Bollywood films incorporate these legends, or the character of Nagraj, such as Nagin, actress Sridevi in the 1986 film Nagina, Reena Roy in Nagin (1976), and also Nache Nagin Gali Gali (1989).

Image source: Google images

Ichadhari naagin

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Now let us go back to this TV serial on ichadari nagin.

Hmmm! Nice story. I tried to watch it on TV and even got captivated by the shape shifting cobras, their rhythmic dance, revenge, their world and what not - even though I knew all this 's fiction and no such things exist in reality.

Then imagine the trap men on the street, illiterate housewives and children fall into when they watch such stories!

They think all that is true! Their minds refuse to accept reality after watching them.

Several people even asked me questions about them. When I told them this is just a story and not true, they put their faces in a peculiar way that told me they doubted my assertion! Hmmm!

That is the magic of the art world. It impresses people more and makes them think all folklore is true! If you tell people emotionlessly that these stories that fascinate them are not true, scientific facts are completely opposite to these stories, they simply dismiss science and live in a pseudo-world that fascinates them to no end!

Isn't the human mind a strange thing? It believes in falsehood that captivates it more than the dry scientific facts. And the art world has this knack of trapping these human emotions and capturing your brain's attention.

Scientific world has yet to learn this trick. That is why it is less successful than the art world in attracting people.

However, science can't deal with falsehood and deviate from evidence based facts to attract people. That is the problem. Without deviating from facts, how to attract people is the trick we are trying to learn during science communication.

What is worse about the above story is the hero 's a foreign educated scientist. But still he 's helpless while dealing with the revenge -seeking snakes. So an illiterate heroine rescues him from them. Every time the hero 's being stalked by snakes, the heroine comes and prays and the snakes disappear!

This story deals with myths and proves them right all through! And shows science is helpless with regard to snakes, revenges, strange beliefs, and all the rubbish people believe in!

Then how can anybody think science is right and myths, irrational beliefs, and the stupidity the art world propagates are nonsense?

People also get fascinated by the stories their grandmothers, mothers, neighbours, friends , and relatives tell.

And the most irritating thing about this story is in one episode they put a white coat on a person, most probably an actor, made him stand in a room with a lab-like setting - with test tubes, beakers and chemical filled bottles beside him on tables - and say these words: "Yes, snakes can take revenge on people. I have two dogs. When once I left them near the gate of my house and went to another place, the dogs came on their own to the place I went. Likewise snakes and other animals too can do this, follow people and take revenge".

All rubbish and nonsense. This is using science to authenticate their irrational beliefs. Snakes are not dogs. Just because dogs can do some things, snakes cannot do them. This is like saying as fish can swim, even apes can swim naturally in water. Stupid logic. No genuine scientist will say the things that person said in the serial. This is misusing science and scientists' image very badly.

Art world, don't malign science by using it as you like.

But of course there are some people who say 'we want magic, not logic'. Such people promote these things. That is why such stories survive in the present scientific world.

Superstitions are beliefs and practices for which there seems to be no rational explanation. They result from believing in a certain superior and supernatural evidence that doing or not doing something can cause fortune or misfortune in our lives. Superstitions are often defined as false beliefs, since there is usually no logical causal connection between the events and the actions that are said to magically influence these events. Moreover, science considers these beliefs to be not only wrong, but simply impossible.

Then, there is a human tendency of fearing the unknown, pain, unwanted consequences, loss, death and suffering. Most people lack the mental strength to face reality. So they try to clutch at any small straw that is available even though straws are very weak and can't save drowning people. superstitious beliefs give this temporary respite. People don't know about the permanent solutions science can offer.

Minds that are still lodged in ancient times prefer superstitions than modern remedies science gives.

Some people try to exploit others' innocence by keeping them permanently in this darkness. Even if people like us try to educate them, these exploiters tell their followers that it is a war science and scientists are waging against their culture, tradition and beliefs. They treat science as 'western' and local culture and tradition with tags like "Indian'' or"Afghan' or 'any other country's' . People who can't think properly come under these influences and believe all that is true and stay where they are a thousand years ago rather than moving forward with time.

The more a person fears something, the more superstitious/he becomes during uncertain times.

This is thought to stem from an effectance motivation - a basic desire to exert control over one's environment. When no natural cause can explain a situation, attributing an event to a superstitious cause may give people some sense of control and ability to predict what will happen in their environment.

Psychologists who have investigated what role superstitions play, have found that they derive from the assumption that a connection exists between co-occurring, non-related events. For instance, the notion that charms promote good luck, or protect you from bad luck.

Although there is no single definition of superstition, it generally means a belief in supernatural forces – such as fate – the desire to influence unpredictable factors and a need to resolve uncertainty. In this way then, individual beliefs and experiences drive superstitions, which explains why they are generally irrational and often defy current scientific wisdom.

For many people, engaging with superstitious behaviours provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety – which is why levels of superstition increase at times of stress and angst. This is particularly the case during times of economic crisis and social uncertainty – notably wars and conflicts. Indeed, Researchers have observed how in Germany between 1918 and 1940 measures of economic threat correlated directly with measures of superstition (1).

Carrying charms, wearing certain clothes, visiting places associated with good fortune, preferring specific colours and using particular numbers are all elements of superstition. And although these behaviours and actions can appear trivial, for some people, they can often affect choices made in the real world. They 'gain some sort of temporary confidence' by following these things.

Superstitions can also give rise to the notion that objects and places are cursed. Such as the Annabelle the Doll – who featured in The Conjuring and two other movies – and is said to be inhabited by the spirit of a dead girl. A more traditional illustration is the Curse of the Pharaohs, which is said to be cast upon any person who disturbs the mummy of an Ancient Egyptian person – especially a pharaoh.

Numbers themselves can also often be associated with curses. For example, the figure 666 in a licence plate is often featured in stories of misfortune. The most famous case was the numberplate “ARK 666Y”, which is believed to have caused mysterious vehicle fires and “bad vibes” for passengers.

Superstition is also highly prevalent within sport – especially in highly competitive situations. Four out of five professional athletes report engaging with at least one superstitious behaviour prior to performance. Within sport, superstitions have been shown to reduce tension and provide a sense of control over unpredictable, chance factors.

What all this shows is that superstitions can provide reassurance and can help to reduce anxiety temporarily in some people. But while this may well be true, research has shown that actions associated with superstitions can also become self-reinforcing – in that the behaviour develops into a habit and failure to perform the ritual can actually result in anxiety (1).

This is even though the actual outcome of an event or situation is still dependent on known factors – rather than unknown supernatural forces. A notion consistent with the often quoted maxim, “the harder you work (practice) the luckier you get”.

So the next time you break a mirror, see a black cat or encounter the number 13 – don’t worry too much about “bad luck”, as it’s most likely just a trick of the mind (1).

Superstitions can primarily be seen as mechanisms to cope with uncertainty and fear. Superstitious behaviour is a product of two variables—the production of an error by System 1, and the failure of System 2 to correct the error.

But let me assure you science can give permanent mental strength unlike the temporary one given by

superstitions. Only thing is one should know how to get it. I have mentioned in some of my articles posted here on this network the way to benefit from science.

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Now let me debunk the myths these art -related stories propagate ....

Q: Do snakes get attracted to sweet smelling bushes like "Moghili"? (fragrant screwpine)

Botanical name: Pandanus odorifer

Krishna: No this is not true. Snakes love areas of dense coverage where an ample food source is present. Thick bushes (like Moghili poda) attract rats, lizards, chameleons and the sweet smell of flowers attract some pollinators like birds and insects. Snakes might visit these places to eat these creatures, and hide in the bushes.

Q: Can snakes smell?

Krishna: Most snakes have an excellent sense of smell, in part to make up for their poor eyesight and limited hearing.

Snakes do their best sniffing, not with their conventional nose (though they do smell through their nostrils, too), but with a pair of organs on the roof of their mouths called the Jacobson's or vomeronasal organ.

To smell through their mouths, snakes rely on tongue-flicking.

https://kkartlab.in/group/some-science/forum/topics/qs-people-asked...

Q: What should we do if a snake bites us? In movies, they show a lot of things about snakes, are they true?

Krishna: First - one should have full awareness about snakes and their venom to protect oneself. Movies give you false information based on misconceptions and baseless beliefs. Don’t take them seriously.

You will find the right information on venomous snakes, their poisons, how to avoid them, and what precautions you have to take if you are bitten here: The importance of snakes in our eco-systems

https://kkartlab.in/group/some-science/forum/topics/some-qs-people-...

Q: Can You Really Suck the Poison Out of a Snakebite?

Krishna: The "cut and suck" method was discredited a few decades ago, when research proved it to be counterproductive. Venom spreads through the victim’s system so quickly, there’s no hope of sucking out a sufficient volume to make any difference. Cutting and sucking the wound only serves to increase the risk of infection and can cause further tissue damage. A tourniquet is also dangerous, as it cuts off the blood flow and leaves the venom concentrated in one area of the body. In worst-case scenarios, it could cost someone a limb.

Nowadays, it's recommended not to touch the wound and seek immediate medical assistance, while trying to remain calm.

When venom is injected into a person by a snake, it doesn’t just form a bubble under the skin that sits there, waiting to be drained from the wound. Instead, the venom spreads throughout both the bloodstream and the lymphatic system, quickly reaching most areas of the body. Snakes may also commonly bite multiple times, introducing the venom in multiple areas and hastening its spread.

So from the moment that the snake bites you, the venom is spreading. You can’t suck it out, because it’s no longer at the wound site. And since it’s spreading using channels inside the body, any advice to cut deeper around the wound to drain the venom is also inaccurate.

What about a tourniquet? If you act fast, a tourniquet — tying off a limb so that blood cannot return from the limb to the rest of the body — can help segregate the venom to that area. This still isn’t recommended, however, as it concentrates the venom in that limb and can cause increased damage there.

The only time to consider a tourniquet might be if the victim is a long way from any medical attention, such as out in the remote wilderness with no way to contact the outside world for help and saving the life is utmost important.

And if you’re putting on a tourniquet, you’re making the choice to sacrifice that limb.

For a bite victim, the best move is to remove tight clothing to prevent swelling cutting off blood flow, immediately reach out for medical assistance, and avoid taking any drugs, including caffeine or alcohol (as these can interact with the venom, or can increase heart rate and more rapidly distribute the venom throughout the entire body).

The victim shouldn't be subjected to physical exertion like running or walking as this would increase the spread of venom fast inside the body. Either put him in a vehicle or carry him physically to take him to a hospital.

Q: Do Ichadhari Naagins exist?

Krishna: Well, there is nothing like ICHADHARI NAAG - NAAGIN in reality. It is just an imagination of humankind. The truth is that Naagin is a female snake which doesn't change its form. There is nothing like " 100 years of prayer and sacrifice". It is just for ENTERTAINMENT. If naagin is a real character then why don't we see them? Many experts have researched it. They also went to common sites of snakes and huge shiv temples. Nobody has found them in reality. It is said when a snake charmer (sapera) plays his tune an ichadhari naagin transforms to her form , humans have tried that also but with no result.

Q: Do snakes when hurt by a human being come back to take revenge on that person?

Krishna: It has been scientifically proven that the brain of a snake is not much developed, therefore it has absolutely no memory to take revenge.

Myth: If a snake bitten person in turn bites the snake, the poison would go away from the body of the victim.

Truth: No, this cannot happen.

Truth: Snakes have been portrayed as evil and as revenge seeking creatures since ages even in mythological stories which has created a sense of fear among humans and hence at the very first sight of snakes, man destroys them.

Myth: Snakes attack human beings.

Fact: Snakes attack only when humans accidentally step on them or when they get the feeling that they are attacked by human beings.

Myth: Snakes drink milk.

Fact: Snakes hate milk and it has been scientifically proven that when snakes are forced to drink milk they get sick.

Myth: Snakes listen and move their hood as per the music by a charmer.

Fact: Snakes cannot hear music. It just follows the movement of the snake charmer which forces the snakes to move their hood in a particular movement.

Myth: Snakes, when hurt, would definitely come back to take revenge.

Fact: It is scientifically proven that the brain of a snake is not much developed therefore it has absolutely no memory to take revenge.

Myth: If a snake bitten person in turn bites the snake, the poison would go away from the body of the victim.

Fact: If the victim takes the risk of biting the snake, the snake would only attack the victim again and this would only result in the snake injecting all its poison into the body of the victim which would in turn result in quick death.

Myth: Snakes have supernatural powers and a golden coloured snake has diamond in its mouth.

Fact: Snakes are ordinary creatures just like other animals or other reptiles and have no supernatural powers. Snakes do not have diamonds in their mouth; it is just a fantasy and a story for movies.

Q: What happens if you swallow snake venom?

Krishna: Venoms are generally not toxic if swallowed, and must be injected under the skin (by snakes, spiders, etc.) into the tissues that are normally protected by skin in order to be toxic. However, we do NOT recommend drinking venom! Because there are several things to consider here ....

Q: Do snakes have tremendous hearing power?

Krishna: Tremendous? Not really.

Like many reptiles, snakes don't have an external ear structure. However, they do have ear bones in their heads that they use to hear.

Ears are typically made up of three major parts. The outer ear focuses sound on the eardrum, which separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The middle ear contains three bones that transmit sound from the eardrum to the inner ear via vibrations. The inner ear turns these vibrations into nerve impulses that travel to the brain.

Snakes lack both an outer ear and middle ear, according to a 2012 study in the Journal of Experimental Biology. However, they have one middle ear bone that connects the inner ear to the jaw. This enables snakes to hear vibrations, such as a predator creeping closer on the forest floor. However, they're not as proficient at hearing sounds transmitted through the air.

Due to this ear setup, snakes hear only a narrow range of frequencies. They can hear low frequencies but not high frequencies, because those sounds are mostly transmitted through the air. For example, royal pythons are best at hearing frequencies between 80 and160 Hertz, according to the 2012 study. For comparison, the normal human frequency range is 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, according to "Neuroscience" (3).

Experts have long understood that snakes can feel sound vibrations through the ground – what we call “tactile” sensing.

But can they also hear airborne sound vibrations and react to them?

In a paper published in PLOS ONE, researchers conclude snakes use hearing to help them interpret the world, and finally dispel the myth that snakes are deaf to airborne sound. The research, which included 19 different snakes from seven species, reveals that not only do snakes have airborne hearing, but that different species react differently to what they hear. Although seeing and tasting (the air) are the main ways snakes sense their environment, this study highlights that hearing still plays an important role in snakes’ sensory repertoire.

This study further debunks the myth that snakes are deaf. They can hear – just not as well as you or I. Snakes can only hear low frequencies, roughly below the 600Hz mark, whereas most of us can hear a much wider range. Snakes probably hear muffled versions of what we do.

So, can snakes hear us? The frequency of the human voice is about 100–250Hz, depending on sex. The sounds researchers played in their trials included these frequencies, and were played at a distance of 1.2m from the snakes at 85 decibels. This is about the amplitude of a loud voice.

The snakes in the study responded to this sound, and many significantly so. So it’s probably safe to say snakes can hear people speaking loudly or screaming (2).

Q: Is it true that if humans take small dosages of a snake’s venom, humans become immune to that venom?

K: Snakes' venoms are proteins, such as enzymes that breaks down the cells, or proteins that block the neurotransmitters. Because proteins are immunogenic, if we inject a small dosage of venoms, we can develop antibodies. That's how antiserums are produced, in which we inject venoms into animals then harvest the antibodies.

If we are talking about vaccination, here is a tricky part however. Most vaccines don't rely on the preexisting antibodies for protection, instead they rely on the long-lived memory B cells and T cells, which are quickly reactivated upon infections and eliminate them before they can cause any damages. However, snake venoms act much faster than infectious agents, which require the preexistence of instant-acting antibodies. Because antibodies are short-lived, frequent boosting shots are required. Such problem is even more pronounced in cytotoxic venoms compared to neurotoxic venoms, as cytotoxins are of a greater amount and act instantly, which require a higher concentration of neutralizing antibodies. Because of the fast acting nature of snake venoms, prophylactic vaccination is unlikely to confer sufficient protection.

Antivenom is traditionally made by collecting venom from the relevant animal and injecting small amounts of it into a domestic animal. The antibodies that form are then collected from the domestic animal's blood and purified.

But please don't inject yourself with venom or drink it like they show in the movies. Because you don't really know the science of it.

Antivenom - Wikipedia

So watch TV serials and movies on snakes if you want for entertainment, read/hear stories about them but don't think all that is true. (90% of what the art world portrays is wrong!).

What science says is evidence based facts and therefore 100% correct.

If you still want to live in a pseudo-world it is up to you, but you will get harmed by it.

Remember, we have warned you!

Footnotes:

1. https://theconversation.com/the-science-of-superstition-and-why-peo....

2. https://theconversation.com/snakes-can-hear-you-scream-new-research...

3. https://www.livescience.com/do-snakes-have-ears.html

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