Passage 19

In English

Customs are based on scientific truths

Similarly, many of the ancient customs and practices are based on profound scientific truths. For instance, during festive occasions, green leaves and plants are displayed at the entrance of houses. The scientific principle behind this custom is noteworthy. During festive occasions, large groups of people used to gather in houses and they exhale carbon dioxide which fouls the air. The green leaves and plants serve to absorb the carbon dioxide and give out oxygen, which is essential for the health of the people. As the houses in old days had only small windows, this practice helped to ensure fuller supply of oxygen. Could the display of green leaves be called a superstition? Similarly, the use of cow-dung for cleaning floors in houses has a scientific basis. The cow-dung has antiseptic properties and its use in cleaning floors served to eliminate germs. When cowdung water was sprinkled in front of houses, all disease-causing germs were destroyed. Such practices helped to promote the health and longevity of people. Let any scientist today experiment with the use of cow-dung. Unfortunately, the scientists seem to be more concerned to conduct experiments on remote objects than with those lying at their doorstep.