Magical Contagion

Magical Contagion


This illustration is a spot for Scientific American Mind and is about why people cherish family heirlooms and celebrity memorabilia. Objects which are in some way thought to actually contain a piece of the person they relate to. It is a phenomenon that scientists call magical contagion.  New research suggests this effect helps fulfill our need for social connection. In other words, we expect these hand-me-downs to keep us company.