Reflections on Childhood Beliefs: Debunking the Myths and Legends We Were Told

Throughout our childhood, we are often exposed to stories and beliefs that shape our understanding of the world. Many of these early teachings, while well-intentioned, are often nothing more than fanciful myths or misunderstandings. As we grow older, we begin to question these tales and eventually discover the truths that lie behind them. In this article, we will explore a few of the more common old wives' tales and legends, and the realizations we face as we uncover the truth.

From Prince Finds to Geography

Remember when you were a child, and someone told you that you would find your Prince (or Princess) and life would be magical? While it is lovely to believe in such fairy tales, the harsh reality is that finding a true partner is often a complex and challenging journey. Furthermore, many of us grow up with misbeliefs that are perhaps the most peculiar and amusing.

Take, for example, the story of snow white and the seven dwarfs. This fairy tale includes a character named Geography. As a child, I heard my aunts discussing a topic and upon overhearing them say “geography”, I inquired what it meant. One of my aunts replied, “Geography is your uncle.” This story was so deeply ingrained in my mind that I believed I had an uncle named Geography. It was not until I reached school and started learning about geography that I realized the legend for what it was.

Myths and Legends in Children's Lives

Another intriguing childhood belief was the Tooth Fairy. While it is technically accurate that our parents replace lost teeth with money, this belief centers more on the magic and wonder of the experience. However, as adults, we may find it amusing to laugh at our younger self for believing such whimsical stories.

Additional Legends and Cultural Beliefs

Some other old wives' tales and cultural beliefs include:

The myth that swallowed gum would remain in your stomach indefinitely. This is a popular myth that suggests gum, if swallowed, will not be digested and will spiral into a large wad in your stomach. This is false, as swallowing gum will eventually pass through your digestive system. Nevertheless, it is a surprisingly common belief. The notion that biting your nails will turn them into a gelatinous slimy mess. While it is generally not recommended to bite your nails due to the risk of infection, the idea that this would transform your nails into something slime-like is equally amusing and untrue. The supernatural deity idea, where:

In my early years as a Mormon, I believed the stories from the Book of Mormon that claimed the American Natives were Hebrews. However, further research on genetics, linguistics, anthropology, and archaeology in the early 1990s revealed that the evidence overwhelmingly indicated that American Natives came from Siberia, and not from the Middle East as the Book of Mormon suggests.

Amusing Tales of Our Childhood Beliefs

Among all these tales, we can still find laughter and amusement in reflecting on the stories we believed in our formative years. Santa Claus is a prominent example of a beloved myth that can be traced to certain cultures, rather than originating in the US. He was believed to be a real person, and as I grew older, I discovered that he was from Sweden. How this fictional character made its way into the US and became such a iconic figure for the most important holiday can be both curious and adventurous to explore.

These examples remind us of the magic and wonder of childhood, as well as the importance of critical thinking as we grow up. By questioning and examining our beliefs, we gain a deeper understanding of reality and our place in the world.

Sources and Further Reading

1. National Geographic: Ancient Sources on American Indian Origins
2. Did Santa Come from Sweden?
3. Book of Mormon: Educational Resources