Image Source: www.guardian.co.uk
He didn’t kick a single ball and still lifted the FIFA World Cup 2010 for correctly predicting the results of eight World Cup matches. The ‘psychic’ octopus earned the celebrity status due to his correct predictions for all seven matches played by Germany and had even predicted Spain would win Sunday’s final against the Netherlands. The famous eight legged oracle, Paul became great source of attention seeker for all match lovers.
In fact, those who were not interested in the sport, were glued to watch the match just to witness the history weather Paul’s prediction came true or not. The eight tentacle oracle became a celebrity for its mysterious but true predictions.
What is interesting is that the emergence of Octopus Paul has somehow exposed the superstitious side in us and may change the way we look at, say, villagers who worship trees or sun or other abstract forms to deal with problems in their lives, be it wishing for a son, marriage of their daughters, or life for the dying. We are still superstitious about serious things related to our life, but superstition for a football cup winner stretched the limits too far.
Superstitution and sport have long been bed-fellows. Many athletes are known to be very strict about wearing lucky clothing, carrying good-luck charms, eating a special meal before the game, or practicing same rituals evert time thay play. Fans are no less superstitiously obsessive. Many will never change sitting positions when their teams are playing, or won’t go for a toilet break.
Octopus Paul has showed that everyone harbours this feeling inside that may be we are powerless to change destiny. We all know that many newspaper readers turn to the horoscope page the first thing in the morning, what is noteworthy is that while we Indians have been open about being believers of destiny, this face of people abroad was quite amusing.
Long Live Paul, the octopus.
The Sip of Life & A3 Foundation jointly bring to you an event to promote and encourage the students and amateurs in the month of August this year. The foundation, in online partnership with this website announces upcoming competitions and events to promote and encourage the students and amateurs.