M N S S I G N S , O E

AN D S UPERS T IT I O N S

B"

ASTRA CIELO M M . “

“ Author o f Fortunes and Dreams

" S i ns omens and redictions g , p , A re n o t all c tions fi , A n d many fac ts does history cite h ” r v tha I ri t . To p o e t am g g — M TH E ASCOT.

NEW " ORK GEORGE S ULL" COMPA NY

CONTENTS

C H A PTER PA GE 3“ I Popular S up erst1t 1o n s I II - . Wedding S uperstitions 7 Lucky Periods for Marr1ages I I

— - Bridal Cake-a Bridesmaids 1 2 S hoes and Weddings I 4 R I III . ings . 7 Engagement and Wedding Rings éo k I D S 2 g V . Lucky and Unlucky ays and easons 3 ’ New Year s S uperstitions, 29 ’ April Fool s Day 3 1 A scension Day 32 Easter S uperstitions 33 ’ t s E ve S . John 35 Candlemas Day 36 ’ Da 6 S t . Valentine s y 3 ’ Hallowe en Customs 38 Harvest S uperstitio ns 39 Christmas 4 0 S G o r V. igns of ood Bad Luck 43 The S ign of the Cross 46 K nocking on Wood 48 c an d U u O 0 VI . Lu ky nl cky mens 5 Christening Customs 51 Beliefs Concerning Children 52 Beliefs Concerning Eggs 54 Charms and Amulets 59 Mascots 64 T“ Horseshoe Lore 65 1: P in S uperstitions 67 V C H A PTER II Th I V . e nfluences o f Mythical Beings Witches

VIII . S igns Connected with the Body S neezing S n pitti g o M T Wart s . oles, eeth, , etc

Yawning . Tingling and Itching S tumbling and Falling Cutting Nails and Hair Personal Appearance Clothes S uperstitions On A rising

' S C an d H quinting, rippled, unchback Persons Death and Corpses The Evil Eye Household Beliefs Looking- glass Omens S pilling o f S alt K nife S uperstitions Candle S uperstitions " Concerning Ladders " D . ivination The Mystery o f Numbers Lottery Numbers and Usages P redictions o f Wealth Divination by Letters Divination by Books P recious S tones Color S uperstitions CON TEN TS

C H A PTER PAGE " I P . lant S uperstitions 1 1 5 " II I . Bird ( and nsect) S upe rstitions 1 1 6 I O nsect mens . 1 1 8

Bees . 1 1 8 " A P n III . nimal orte ts 1 20 9? Howling o f Dogs 1 22 M Black Cats 1 23 " I M V . eteorological Beliefs 124 Weather S igns and Portents 12 5 C M 128 omets and eteors . " 1 V . Vocational S uperstitions 1 3 S uperstitions o f K ings 1 31 ’ Card—players S uperstitions 1 33 ’ A 1 ctors S uperstitions . 35 Theatre S uperstitions 1 38 ’ Commercial Travellers S uperstitions 1 39 ’ ’ Dressmakers and S eamstresses S u p erstitio ns 1 40 ‘ ’ ‘ S ailors S uperstitions 1 4 1 M ’ " Fishermen s S uperstitions 1 44 ’ Turfmen s S uperstitions 1 4 5 Baseball S uperstitions 1 4 7 ’ Waiters S uperstitions 1 48 f l 1 0 " I M e P r o E . V . ( iscellan ous) o tents vi 5 a 1 0 Bre king Friendship . 5 Drinking Toasts 1 5 1 P ious Ejaculations 1 52 " s o f th O d x ew 1 VII . S uperstition e rtho o " 55

C HAP TER I

P OP ULAR S UP E RS TITIONS

It is an interesting question as to ho w the many superstitious beliefs and practices had their begin Th f ning . e origin o most o f them is no doubt ’ to be found in man s efforts to explain the phe mm n n m o e a of ature , and in an atte pt to propitiate an angry deity and to invite a better fortune . From these sources come many of the absurd ” ? notions still in vogue among primitive people, which have been handed down in modified form to us . Man has ever found it difficult to understand ll the mysteries surrounding him on a sides, and

groping in the dark he has tried by prayer, incan

' tation o r peculiar practices to force nature to do his bidding .

S r . uperstition , therefore, a ises primarily from E ” ignorance . arly man believed that every phe

‘ n omeno n o f nature was the work of a spirit o r i ; devil . H s intellig ence could not suggest an" To f other explanation . this belie was added fear . The k thunder, the lightning, the earthquake , dar n s — all f T i es filled him with earful dread . o h m I ME S D PER TI TI 2 S GNS , O N AN S U S ONS they ‘were the workings of spiteful powers to be propitiated . Where ignorance and fear are sur rounded by danger they w 1ll always grope fo r a f T o . b way escape hus superstition is born . A e lief in the existence o f spirits antagonistic to man f o ld r gave rise to most o the supe stitions . T o r ad here is no nation , however ignorant

’ van c ed , which does not recognize customs , rites , usages and beliefs which have their or1gin m Th f s . e o superstition , Bible speaks such practice as had found their way from pagan sources into I the monotheistic beliefs of the sraelites , calls them “ ”

an . abominations , d warns the Jews against them The penalty of death was attached to sorcery, yet many o f the superstitious practices continued to be b S l observed, as is proved by the invocation y au ’ ll t r u of S amuel s spirit . A the prophets spoke s en o usly against the existing immoral and sup ersti w as tious rites, and Judaism probably the first reli gion that attempted to free itself from their

In E R su ersti . G shackles gypt , reece and ome, p tion gave birth t o mythology with its pagan rites D D M A and ceremonies . uring the ark and iddle ges

“ when people were for the most part illiterate , superstition flourished with unprecedented vig or . The Every religious sect gave rise to new beliefs . S I GNS ' OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI , ONS 3

Cru sades had the eff ect o f bringing to Europe many oriental practices and ideas that in the course o f time became grafted o n the religious habits of the people , and not a few of them have been handed down to our own times . It f is, in fact , a di ficult matter at times to draw

' h the line between superstition and religion, for w at appears as a sacred rite to one creed may appear h as rank folly to the adherent of another . T e

I e Fiji slander, for example , believes that thund r ’ n G o n is a sig of od s anger, and he falls flat his face and mutters an invocation to appease the

To deity . an enlightened European this becomes E a superstition , yet this same uropean may wear an amulet or charm t o ward o ff sickness or bad I " luck , and the Fiji slander might be moved to laughter at the idea . In fact , certain superstitions had their origin in one sect trying to oppose the tenets of another A t sect . gain many supers itions were created by a ' literal o r often a false interpretation o f the Bible . Fo r instance among the Jews it was considered

' to be m o n T in lucky g a journey uesday , because o f C a : describing the third day reation , it is s id

o d saw t . On G hat it was good the other hand , it was t hought unlucky to commence anything on I NS MENS AND S P ER TI TI 4 S G , O U S ONS

M Go d e sa . onday, when omitt d to y it was good S imilarly Christian s have a superstition that is to Friday a bad day begin an important work,

C w as o n T h because hrist crucified that day . e fear of sitting down with thirteen at t able had its origin in the Last S up per an d its sad ending . Many a superstition had its begin mn g m a command that was laid down to teach a lesson or Fo r i avoid trouble . instance , it is cons dered bad to T be step over a child . his may have had its gmn mg when a careful father feared that in step ping over, a child one might accidentally step on it

c r1 1e To e f and p p it . drive the lesson home more fec tivel w as v y, it stated that step ping o er a child u an d would st nt its growth , in that form it is still o held in respect by many at the present time . S also the belief that it is u nlucky to sing before breakfast may have been taught by an indolen t father w ho hated to have his morning slumbers ’ e i so disturbed by his daught r s sing ng, and fright ened her o ff by an admonition appealing to her

fear . Every superstition can probably be traced to a similar cause . T h o w here are few persons , no matter rational

- w ho n o t t o or level headed , are given superstition

- in some form . With some there is a deep seated S I GNS OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ONS , 5 belief that evil will result from an infraction o f a rule . With others an amused idea that if a

no no s ceremony does good it can do harm, and o ' t o be o n the safe side they carry o ut some mum

“ The . o mery lady who will not g to a card party, she o r l unless wears some particular amulet jewe ,

‘ the man w ho w ill not speculate or play cards with; out n - first touching his lucky coi or pocket piece, w ho o n the fisherman spits his bait for good luck, are all descendants o f the primitive savage w ho

' tried by some secret method to force nature to be good to him . On e reason w hy superstition has n ot yet died o ut among intelligent people is because it is con

io In S t ag us. colonial days in alem even the learned professo rs and lawyers believed in witch C It w a . craft . s in the very air hildren brought up in an atmosphere of credulity rarely rise above it . It is the hardest thing to shake o ff superstitious

e T o ur prejudic s . hey are sucked, as it were, with ’ so h mother s milk , and become interwoven wit o ur thoughts that a very strong mind is required ff T o f e o . to shak them hey become a sort religion, N o o the semisacred in their appeal . w nder that lower c lasseS ‘ c an no t abandon them an d that even men o f n to inte llect cli g them . ME ND 6 S I GNS , O NS A S UPERS TI TI ONS

It the object of this book to review the sub j ect o f superstition without prejudice o r c o ndem x nation, but to present the data and e plain their to origin wherever possible, leaving it the reader to reject such beliefs as seem absurd and ~ irrecon ~ c ila le medern c e b with ultur . C H AP TER II

WEDDIN G S UP E RS TITI ONS

In some countries it is customary to throw money over the heads o f the bride and groomas

o ut —it in sures ~ fo n they come of church, rt u e . In S candinavian countries a speech is usually t made at the wedding feas or a song is sung, T which winds up in an unexpected crash . his sets everybody laughing and is a signal for general an d congratulations good wishes . It w as formerly customary in Germany to carry o ld dishes outside of the door and break them in I f the street . a single piece escaped demolition, it was considered a bad sign . s1 n S prinkling the bride with wheat is a lucky g . f It takes the place o rice in some sections . Both f are considered emblems o fruitfulness . Among the S lavs a can o f beer is poured over the horse belonging to the bridegroom . Flinging the stocking w as an o ld custom o n the ’ The bridal eve . young men took the bride s stock ings and the girls those of the groom , and threw I f them over their heads . they fell upon the bride ME D 8 S I GNS , O NS AN S UPERS TI TI ONS o r groom to whom they belonged, the thrower was o sure t be married soon . In Y orkshire after the couple have gone away, the cook pours a kettle full o f hot w ater / o n the stone be fo re the front door in order that another wedding will soon occur from the same house . It is considered a sign o f good luck if the bride ’ n o t l does wa k into the groom s house , but is lifted the her over sill by nearest relatives . It is lucky for the bridesmaids to throw away o n e da to c a pin the w dding y, and unlucky be stu k n with o e . In Britta ny a girl w ho can secure the pins used ’ to o f fasten the bride s dress , is sure an early marriage . It is considered unlucky for a pair to be married in church if there is an open grave in the church yard .

It is unlucky to . be married in green . The wearing o f orange blossoms at a wedding ensures good luck . In the Middle A ges it was considered a bad o men if the couple met a cat, dog, lizard, serpent o r w as o r hare ; but to meet a wolf, spider toad a good sign . It is unlucky fo r a bride to look into a mirror I MENS AND S UPERS TI TI O S S GNS , O N 9

u after s\he is completely dressed . S ome article must h i be put on after s e s through admiring herself . The sneezing o f a cat on the eve o f a wedding is a lucky omen . m A an to , s e ; going be married who meet a mal in n hi ac c ua ta ce s to k. f , rubs elbow ensure good luc

In C bethro thal is it hina , if a being arranged , is postponed in case anything unlucky , such as the breaking o f a vase o r bowl o r the loss o f any

c . thing , o curs Among the Highlanders great care is taken that n o dog runs between the couple o n their w ay to be married . It was formerly considered unlucky if the bride I did no t weep at her wedding . t portended tears later on. A storm with thunder and lightning is a bad o men during a wedding ceremony . To marry a man whose name begins with the ’ same letter as one s ow n is sometimes considered unlucky . If a yo unger daughter chances to get married e before her older sisters , the old r girls should

" dance at her wedding barefoot . A clot o f soot c oming down a chimney at a

Wedding feast is a bad omen . 1 M ND PER I I 0 S I GNS , O ENS A S U S T T ONS

I f ~ the bride accidentally breaks a dish at the b wedding feast it is a ad sign . A bird dying in his cage o n the day after a A n the wedding is a bad sign . bird sitting o m window sill chirping is a good o en . To meet a funeral either in going o r coming l o f If from a wedding is a ways a sign ill fortune .

is an the funeral that of a male, it means early o f m the death for the groom ; if a wo an, bride i will soon d e . It is unlucky fo r a woman to read the marriage

he service entirely through . S will never get a

husband . Bees should be informed that a wedding is in It i progress and their hives decorated . br ngs

good luck .

- I f . at the wedding dinner an unmarried person sits between th e bride and groom it means that

there will soon be another wedding . Marriages on the last day o f the year are co n i s dered lucky .

E ‘ aster engagements are said to foretell money, at A T those scension, health, those at rinity, a big s family, tho e at, Whitsuntide , peace and comfort

at home .

2 I M D P R 1 S GNS , O ENS AN S U E S TI TI ONS

Getting married on S unday is a sure sign o f a fortunate union . Friday is a bad day o n which o f t get married . Other days o the week are about equal in their eff ect upon the destinies of a mar ried pair . A marriage during a heavy snow-storm is con sidered lucky ; although the contracting part1es may n w be a ever be wealthy, they ill h ppy

‘ An old astrological almanac gives the fo llow mg as lucky days on which to be married

2 1 1 1 2 1 January, 4 9 I 1 0 1 2 1 February, 3 9 h — 1 2 20 2 Marc , 3 5 3 A 1 2 20 22 pril, 2 4 2 4 12 23 1 1 1 1 2 1 June, 3 9 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 July, 3 9 3 A 2 1 1 1 8 20 0 ugust, 3 1 16 1 8 28 S eptember, 9 1 8 1 1 2 2 O ctober, 5 7 7 9

' N 1 1 1 22 2 ovember, 5 3 5 1 8 1 0 1 2 2 December, 9 3 9

B RIDA L CA KE S B RI DE S MAI D S

o r n Bride cakes , weddi g cakes , are a survival o f an ancient Roman custom . When a wedding S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI 1 , ONS 3 was solemnized the bride and groom ate a cake o f wheat o r barley in the presence o f ten wit The nesses . crumbs were carefully preserved by the unmarried women present to insure their getting husbands .

’ S lices o f cake passed thru the bride s wedding ring and eaten by the bridesmaids, will bring a husband within a year . A piece of w eddmg cake should be put under the

o f she o f pillow a maiden and if dreams a man, h s e will marry him within a year . In some countries a plain gold ring is baked in the wedding cake a n d the maiden w ho gets the s lice with the ring will have the privilege o f p ro f . o p osing t o a man her choice .

A - S It Bridesmaids date from nglo axon times . ’ w as to the bridesmaid s duty , to escort the bride

an d church , it was believed that the girl on whom this honor fell would be married within a year . A bridesmaid who stumbles 011 the w ay t o the altar will die an old maid . It is a custom for the groom to present his at t en dants with some gift as a souvenir o f the o c

If . o T u be v . casi n . his m st carefully preser ed ” lost the t o u . , loser is apt remain nmarried 1 I N ME S D 4 S G S , O N AN S UP ERS TI TI ON S

S HOE S A ND W E DDI N GS Throwing a shoe over o r ' at a newly married couple is a custom in many countries and is sup o d Th t posed t bring goo luck . e origin is nuce tain but the shoe has been considered a symbo l o f authority, and as the bride has just broken from her parent’s protection it is probable that the act

o ld symbolizes the breaking away from associates . It has also been explained that it is thrown at the bridegroom l n the spirit of retaliation for having o ff carried the bride . It is now looked upon as an augury of luck and o f In ld long life to the bride . an o book by Ford “ e ham we read, He would have b en content had his

' neighbors thrown his o ld shoes after himwhen he

Ben Went home, in sign of good luc Jonson “ ’ I K t o wrote m a letter, Would had emp s shoes w K thro after you, emp being a man remark

o H an able for his go d fortune . John eywood in o ld play says : No w for good luck cast an o ld e sa shoe after me . Beaumont and Fletch r y in “ o n e o f : r o ld their comedies You shoes are , pray ’ ’ put em off and let one fling em after us . In S can dinavia a shoe of the bride is thrown among the wedding guests and good luck o r a ho speedy marriage attends the o n e w catches it. S I GNS OMENS AND PER TI TI 1 , S U S ONS 5

In S cotland a volley o f o ld shoes o r slippers o t h is cast at the couple for luck , but true t S cot is e thrift, they are all collected again after the coupl has left . In the Isle o f Man a shoe is thrown after the groom as he leaves his home o n the way to be I f ‘ ’ married . by stratagem one of the bride s shoes can k off e o n to be ta en her fe t the way church , ” has to n o ho it be ra somed by the bridegro m, w must treat the entire crowd . Among the ancient Peruvians it used to be th e ’ custom fo r a prospect ive groom to go to the girl s ’ house and , after gaining her father s consent, put

o f s on I f she he a pair shoe her feet . consented,

t o on led her his home with the shoes . In Russia it is the custom to throw an o ld shoe o r broken crockery for luck at the door o f a newly — married couple, crockery being cheape r than leather . In parts o f Hungary it is customary o n the wedding night for the groom to drink a toast to f his fair lady out o her slipper . Among the Orthodox Jews the shoe has a dif ferent A l w marital function . child ess wido is to to her constrained, according the Bible , marry ’ If she a h u h . dece sed sband s brot er , however, de I ME AND E 16 S GNS , O NS S UP RS TI TI ONS

s a In c e . s cline , he my give her a release that a she fastens the laces o f his shoe and 1s free to s marry whom she plea es . The shoe as a symbol o f a fruitful marriage is celebrated in that well-known Mother Goose rhyme : “ There was an o ld woman who lived in a shoe ; ’ She had so many children she didn t know what ”

t o do . C HAPTER III RINGS

Rings set with certain precious stones o r en graved with mystic characters were in all times supposed to influence the character and conduct f T o people . here are many old legends about the ff o f wonderful e ect these charms . The ring wo rn by the Jewish H igh Priest was

to , supposed possess wonderful powers, given by Th h eaven . e ring worn by S olomon gave him divine powers by which he acquired the knowledge

o the o f f laws the universe . The wedding ring which Joseph was supposed to have given to the Virgin Mary was an object o f fo r s adoration many ages , and many miracle e It the w er accomplished by it . is still shown in C o f P athedral erugia, but it seems that other churches also make claim to p ossessing the orig i T b as nal . his ring, however , has been descri ed a c 1rclet n fit a very thick gold , large e ough to ’ man s thumb . The power o f making its wearer invisible w as

’ ascribed to the ring worn by K ing Gyges o f i s h Lydia, and t had also many other powers, uc I 7 1 8 I M D P R S GNS , O ENS AN S U E S TI TI ONS

as bringing together long separated friends, allay ing jealously, etc .

A are strological rings worn to the present day, the stone or metal being in conformity with the

s o f to igns the planets, and thus bringing luck the wearer . R A ings are often used for divination . number of rings, each inscribed with a name , are thrown The into a bag, and one drawn at random . answer to any question is thus given . Rin gs are considered a preventive of many

F o f diseases . or the cure croup an amber ring i is often worn . For cramp and abdom nal pains, a ring made o f a coffin nail i s supposed to be

f . s o r e ficacious For rheumati m , a copper ring, o n e t of copper and zinc welded together, is though o t have curative powers . M o ld R b arcellus, an oman physician , prescri ed f o r r1n 1n sc ribed a pain in the side , a gold g with certain Greek characters and worn o n the hand o f T an the side opposite the pain . rallian, another cient doctor, cured colic and bilious complaints by an octangular ring of iron on which he engraved a message to the disease to leave the body . Rings o n which were engraved the names o f

o f C f three kings , ologne were considered e ficacious

2 I MENS AND S PER TI I N 0 S GNS , O U S T O S

ENGAGEMENT A ND WEDDING RINGS Rings have figured prominently in marriages from prehistoric times, and many superstitions

t o It i n o cling them . s t strange that a rite that is fraught with such serious results to the con racting parties should have awakened a sense o f r t s ec u d ead and a desire o. foretell the future by p lation and divination . A mong some peoples instead of exchanging

e o f in a rings a pi ce gold or money is broken h lves, T ’ each party keeping a half . o lose one s half is considered very unlucky . A n engagement ring is supposed to be is a harbinger of luck and happiness . ’ A n engagement ring with the bride s birthstone “ A o f contract of eternal bond love, ” o f Confirmed by mutual joinder your hands . Formerly men wore engagement rings; as well o f o ff as women , but in the course time left them

o f as being a sign bondage . a A diamond engagement ring is especi lly lucky, as diamonds are considered the highest form o f o gift, and the sparkle is supposed t originate in h f t e fires o love .

A pearl in a ring is unlucky, as pearls signify tears. MENS AN D P ER TI I S I GNS , O S U S T ONS 2 1

To lose a stone o ut o f an engagement ring fore c tells bad lu k , unless it is replaced before the w ed ding t akes place . D C E uring the ommonwealth in ngland , the Puritans tried to abolish wedding rings as being t o f t a remnan hea hen practice .

The an d u ring, being round witho t end , is a sym bol of never-ending love and aff ection that should o continue t flow in an uninterrupted circle .

I f o f a wedding ring breaks, it is a sign marital trouble . A wedding ring that has been worn to a thin ’ thread is lucky an d brings luck to the wearer s children . The wedding ring is usually worn o n the fourth

The finger o f the left hand . probable reason is that the left hand is n o t used as much as the right and the fourth finger is rarely used alone . It was fo rrh erly believed that a special artery led from the heart to the fourth finger . Among Orientals the ring is usually worn on the

x o f is l inde finger the left hand, which cal ed the lucky finger . A wedding ring rubbed three times o n the eye is supposed to be a cure fo r styes . OMENS D S UFERS TI TI ONS

A wedding ring should be turned around three o u t o times if y want your wish come true . It is unlucky to take o ff your wedding ring o f cept in cases necessity . C HAPTER IV LUCK Y AND UNLUCKY DAYS AND S EA S ON S

The belief that some days bring luck and others is has the opposite, prevalent the world over and it s origin in astrology . Few intelligent people are free from this superstition . If o n e a person has had luck a certain day, thre

in ~ successio n to times , it is safe assume that it is his lucky day and any business undertaken o n that

. C day will prove successful onversely, if a day has o r shown itself unfortunate , business travel

o n ling should be avoided that day . A day that is good for o ne person may be co r o n in l o ne resp d g y unlucky for another . What is ’ ’ is man s food another man s poison . Religious persons believe that the last Monday

' in D unluizk s a ecember is y for erious m tters , as n Jesus was betrayed o that day . Friday is generally considered unlucky for any s new undertaking, because Je us was crucified on

If on o f Friday falls the thirteenth any month ,

it is doubly unlucky fo r business or sp eculation . 23 2 SI GNS OMENS A D S PER I 4 , N U S T TI ONS

G e e John ibbons , an eminent sci ntist consider d u He as n . w Friday an nusually . lucky day bor , christened an d married o n that day and w as fo r t n ate o f u in all his undertakings .

‘ To move into a new home on Friday i s nu r lucky . Monday and Wednesday a e particularly fortunate .

To on he 2 th o f u be born t 9 Febr ary , leap year, is con sidered lucky and the person will be success ful as a speculator .

An o ld verse says

“ T e o e h d h re are days f which the car ful ee , ” e When enterp rise will sure succ ed .

Books o n astrology give the following as un lucky days

I 2 1 0 1 1 2 January , 4 5 5 7 9 8 1 0 1 26 2 28 February, 7 7 1 20 March, 7 ” A 8 10 16 20 21 pril, 7 Ma 6 20 y, 3 7 15 8 10 22 June, 4 1 2 1 July, 5 A ust 1 20 2 0 ug , 9 9 3

' 6 2 1 2 S eptember, 7 3 I N ME S G S , O NS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS

O 6 1 6 2 ctober, 4 4 N 6 1 20 2 0 ovember, 5 5 9 3 D 6 1 22 ecember, 7 9 5

Never undertake any important business on a day that has brought you any m1sfo rtune o r calam

A to old six are ccording astrologers, days a d not to let perilous to sick persons , n it is safe T . 1 blood on these days hey are January 3, July , O 2 A A 1 0 I D . ctober , pril 3 , ugust , and ecember 3 Thursday in May was never t o be regarded as t a holy day, according to an ancient church au hor

No vines are to be planted during leap year, as they will not thrive . An o ld missal gives the following predictions regarding certain days o f the y ear : January Of this first month the opening day

n A d seventh like a sword will slay. February

‘ T b to he third day ringeth down death , ’ h The fourth will stop a strong man s breat . March

Th e first the greedy glutton slays , 2 6 S I GNS , OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS

April

The the l n o tenth day and e eve th t o , ’ A re t ready dea h s fell work to do .

The third to slay poor men had power, The seventh destroyeth in an hour . June The e t nth a pallid visage shows, No a n o r f ith truce the fifteenth knows . July The thirteenth is a fatal day ,

The t o ten h alike will m rtals slay . August The l first kills strong men at a b ow , h T e second lays a cohort low . S eptember The third day o f the month S eptember

An d tenth bring evil to each member . October—4 The third and tenth with poisoned breath

To men are foes as foul as death . November o f The fifth bears scorpion stings pain , ’

The w . third comes ith distraction s , train December m The seventh is bad for hu an life ,

I M R 28 S GNS , O ENS AND S UPE S TI TI ONS

A n Italian belief fixes Tuesday and Friday as

e f r unlucky days for a voyag and o a marriage . The Japanese have designated five days o f the o year as unlucky , and in rder to avert their bad influence have made them the days of great festi

It is n vals . customary to wish o e another happi ness o n those days in o rder to oppose their other wise unhappy effects . They never begin a jour ney on an inauspicious day and there is a printed table in all their roadhouses and inns, showing What days o f the month are unfavorable fo r travel . The French regard S unday as a very lucky day fo r all enterprises . A o ld d sun ccording to an Hebraic tra ition, the s on to the alway shines Wednesday , for according a T r w s . Bible , it created on that day herefo e, it is a good day for any enterprise . The 1 o f A 1 60 k 4th pril, 3 , was called Blac ” K E III his Monday . ing dward with army lay

P the ’ so before aris and day was dark, cold and unhealthy that many soldiers died from exposure

o f and were frozen on the backs their horses . This day w as commemorated in Englan d fo r many

T s 1 1 an d 1 th The urk consider the 3th , 4th s S I GNS OMENS AND S P RS TI TI ONS 2 ' , U E 9 o f each month as lucky days to transact business n and go o a voyage . It is considered unlucky to take a trip imme diatel f y after hearing of the death of a riend . In E T certain parts of ngland, uesday and I Wednesday are lucky days . t is thought unlucky o n t turn a feather bed or mattress on S u day . A S cotchman rarely begins anything on the day

f M rd o the week on which ay 3 falls . He calls “ D ” it the Dismal ay . A M mong the Hindoos, onday is considered a k fo r S luc y day a trip . unday is lucky for sowing T seed o r beginning a building . uesday is lucky fo r soldiers in battle . Wednesday is a lucky day f o r merchants and good for collecting debts .

Thursday is good for beginning a new business . Friday is lucky for the making of friends and i n the wearing of new garments . S aturday s u

as . lucky, it excites quarrels

’ NEW ' YE A R S S UP E RSTITI ONS

The first day o f the year is naturally a day o f

' importance as its events may have a tendency to ff ll ' M a ect a the days that are to follow . any a strange belief , therefore , centres about this day in all lands, and the symbols of future good or 0 S I GNS ME 3 , O NS AND S UPERS TI TIONS bad luck are eagerly sought in everything t hat

occurs . In many parts o f England it is believed that if

. i be a male person crosses the threshold first, t

tokens good luck, whereas, if a female be the

ad A first to cross , b luck is sure to follow . man o r bo y , therefore, is often hired to enter a house the a o f before occupants are up . Whole b nds e f o r ur males are mployed a small fee , for this p

pose .

' I f a clergyman be the first to enter a home on ’ New Y Da s ear s y the ignificance is good . ’ Chimneys used to be cleaned o n New Year s Da so y in England, that luck could descend and

remam all the year . — It was considered luckier for a dark haired man than for a fai r-haired man to be the first to enter A a a home . bachelor was luckier th n a married

A . man . widower brought bad luck It is cust o mary in some part s for the first V1s1to r

o f e o r o f to in to bring a gift a cak loaf bread , di c ate prosperity for the rest of the year . It is considered unlucky to remove anything ’ New Y Da from a house on ear s y , until something E has been brought in from w ithout . ach visitor

therefore brin gs a slight gift . I MENS AND S PERS TI TI ONS 1 S GNS , O U 3

‘ Eating a cake is con sidered a sure br1n ger o f o In k o n f . luc the first the year rural districts , special New Year cakes are baked fo r this pur pose . ’ To lend something to a friend is sure to bring. a good re turn .

" T0 put o n new clothes o n New Year is c on

sidered so . lucky , also to bathe ’ Money earned on New Year s Day will bring a hundredfold in its train . ’ Resolutions made o n New Year s day should be o ut re carried , if they are good, and will insu good luck . In It is good to give alms on the New Year . many parts poor folks are invited to partake o f ’ the family s cheer .

A P RI L FOOL’ S DA "

The first o f April was celebrated among the

' ancients as the beginning of the vernal equinox

“ e c amid g neral froli king, and from that is de ’ our A Da It rived own pril Fool s y . is custom ary to send people upo n foolish errands and make them appear ridiculous .

The a o f da r e celebr tion this y is wo ld w id . E 1n I in h ven pagan ndia the people join t e fun . 2 S IG S ME D 3 N , O NS AN S UPERS TI TI ONS

In - Mohammedan countries the highest castes vie with each other in playing practical jokes . To be fooled by a pretty girl denotes that yo u ou r will marry the girl if y are single, o befriend her if already married .

’ To lose your temper when sent on a fci>o l s er a r nd , means bad luck .

’ To get married o n April Fool s Day means that the lady Will wear the breeches and the man play s econd fiddle . Children born o n this day will be lucky in legi n timate busi ess but unlucky in speculation.

‘ A S CEN S I ON DA " This day commemorates the ascension of the S avior into heaven and is the occasion o f many superstitio ns .

To o n t work his day, especially in underground o r G quarries mines , is considered unlucky in atho E lic countries , and even in ngland underground k work is suspended from dawn t o rdus . Wells and reservoirs are decorated with flowers to insure pure water during the year .

To o r fall stumble is particularly unlucky, and f An means a loss o health or money . ancient way ME ND S PERS TI TI ONS S IGNS , O NS A U 33 o f preventing disaster if you have fallen is to lie flat o n the ground and say “

R A o f M . aise me up and comfort me, ngel ercy Alms given to a blind or lame man o n this day will come back a hundredfold .

Begin the day by giving away a coin , however I f e small . t will bring you an unexpected ortun within the year .

E A S TE R S UP E RS TITI ON S

Easter commemorates the resurrection o f the S is avior from the dead , and in all countries it celebrated with pec uliar rites an d ceremonies . “ ” Lifting is an o ld c ustdm that is supposed to Men illustrate the rising from the grave . and women would visit each other , and go through A the following practice . person would lie flat o f upon his back . Four others would take hold

o n e e him, at each leg and arm and lift him up thre T times . here is a belief that if the recumbent person holds his breath , he can be lifted by the f little finger o f each of the our lifters . Girls were often put into a chair and lift ed by boys who claimed a kiss fo r their trouble" This “ was also called heaving . Easter eggs had their origin in the belief that S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI O S 34 , N

o f R " S e the egg was a symbol the esurrection . ( om attribute their origin to their symbolizing Spring . " D k n o f o yeing eggs in lively colors was a to e / j y o r R d gayety . e dye was taken as a symbol o f C ’ hrist s blood . Eggs are often blessed o n Easter before being

T a . eaten . hey then keep away bodily ilments ”

I To win an egg by picking brings good luck . It is a popular game with boys . To find two yokes in an Easter egg foretells a great gain in wealth .

To E ff d a refuse to eat an aster egg, if o ere by f s o . friend, signifies a los friendship

R n E abbits are supposed to lay eggs o aster . T T o his is an o ld eut mc belief . A mon g the more popular East er pastimes are rolling eggs down hill and finding hidden eggs .

Both are considered lucky ceremonies . It is considered lucky to plant garden seed and potatoes on Good Friday . Good Friday 18 the best day in the year for weaning babies . It is a sign of luck to break pottery o n Good It s e Friday . will save the hou e from damag _ during the rest o f the year .

S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI O S 34 , N " o f R S e the egg was a symbol the esurrec tion . om attribute their origin to their symbolizing Spring .

D token o f o yeing eggs in lively colors was a / j y o r R d gayety . e dye was taken as a symbol o f C ’ hrist s blood . Eggs are often blessed on Easter before being T eaten . hey then keep away bodily ailments . ” To win an egg by picking brings good luck . It is a p opular game with boys . To find tw o yokes in an Easter egg foretells a great gain in wealth .

To E ff a refuse to eat an aster egg, if o ered by

s . friend, signifies a los of friendship

R n E abbits are supposed to lay eggs o aster . T n T his is a old eutonic belief . A mong the more popular Easter pastimes are rolling eggs down hill and finding hidden eggs .

Both are considered lucky ceremonies . It is considered lucky to plant garden seed and potatoes on Good Friday . Good Friday 15 the best day in the year for weaning babies . It is a sign of luck to break pottery o n Goo d It e Friday . will save the house from damag during the rest o f the year . S I GNS OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI N , O S 35

’

S T . O N E E " H S V .

This is a popular day in England an d Ireland

and many a superstition is connected with it . Bon fires are built in memory of the ancient To druids , and children dance around them . jump over a bonfire insures luck for the next

harvest . o While lo king into the fire , the men throw o f W p ieces heaten cake over their shoulders , saying 7 “ T I t o r his give hee to preserve my horses , T my sheep . his is supposed to propitiate the B Biblical idol, aal . When a S cotchman goes to bathe o r drink at

a , o n a fountain or well this day, he always p

‘ p ro aches by going around the spot from east to

o n west the south side , in imitation of the motion f “ o the sun . This is called going around the ” lucky way . Dancing around a fire propitiates the forces f It o evil . is also a demonstration of joy and

a plea for good luck . Watch the flames and if you see a familiar face

’ i o f there n , beware that person, as he will harm

yo u . 6 S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI N 3 , O S

CAN D LEMA S DA"

This day is celebrated in Christian countries as “ ” I o f P . t the day the urification of the Virgin \ had its origin in Ro man times in honor o f the

ebrua . goddess F , after whom February was named Every pious Catholic goes to church on that day “ with a lighted candle in Supplication to Our ” fo Lady r success in household affairs . In many parts of England the day is connected with the collection o f rents and leases are still a made o ut begmmn g with Candlemas D y . The agent o f an estate comes at m1dnight and f “ I o . knocks at the door his tenant come, he “ ’ n : cries, to dema d my lord s just dues eight

o f a groats and a penny, a loaf bread , a cheese, o e collar o f brawn and a j ack o f beer . G d sav

the K ing and the Lo rd o f the manor . To pay rent on Candlemas Day 1n sures freedom

from debt for the year . ’ a t e s s To light a candle dedic ted o on aint,

brings good luck .

A E NTI ’ A S T. V L NE S D " t n S . Vale tine was a Christian bishop who suf fered A 2 D . 0 . F 1 martyrdom in 7 on ebruary 4th . H e was later ordained the patron saint o f true I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI N S , O S 37

M be love . aids and youths were accustomed to come engaged o n that day in his ho n Or S ending verses and picture cards to one ’ s best beloved has become a popular pastime in England

r o n ho and Ame ica Valentine Day . A girl w fails to receive a remembrance from some swain is doomed to die an old maid .

S ays an old Valentine verse

“ I o o ut I see When g , the first swain ,

In o f s spite fortune hall my true love be .

’ On the eve o f Valentine s Day it was the cus o f to m fo r a man to get five bay leaves, pin four them to the corners o f his pillow and the fifth If he e . in the c ntre , and then go to sleep

o f d e dreamed a girl , he woul marry her befor the year was out . ’ Another custom was to write your friends f an d names on pieces o paper, roll them in clay The r throw them into a dish o f water . first pape

that floated up indicated the o n e you would marry . I f you expect a visit from your true love on If . that day, keep your eyes shut till he comes man a s o f you see another first, it may mean los ’ the other s love. s S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS 3 ,

( ’ To be married on Valentine s Day betokens hap pin ess and success .

HA LLOW E E N CUSTOMS Christian history has g1ven us this day as In sacred to all saints . most countries there are i t _ curious rites and ceremonies connected with . In Catho lic lands it is a day o f prayer and the people visit the churchyards and pray to the saints and to the departed of their families fo r

In P success and for forgiveness of sins . rotes n tant countries the day is given over to merrime t . ’ Hallowe en w as originally a day fo r remember e o ing the dead . Ghosts and sp irits are suppos d t wander abroad at night . ow n Witches and demons make the night their , an d woe to the person they catch after dark . S pectres made of pumpkins and Sheets are used both to frighten men and to scare o ff evil spirits . To see your shadow cast by the moon is dis

in l t c t y unlucky . It o f are is a time full portents, and there ’ various ways o f divinin g the name Of one s future sweetheart . ‘ If Place tw o nuts in the fire side by side . they burst and fly apart it betokens bad luck and S I GNS OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ONS , 39

If a . a separation they burn up together, it is

good omen , and means a happy marriage . Pare an apple so that the peel remains in one u long piece . S wing this aro nd your head three n The times and throw it o the floor . letter it ’ forms will be the initial o f your sweetheart s

Th . e Walk backwards, looking into a mirror

o r wh ou see first man maid ose reflection y , will marry yo u . To find two kernels in an almond on Hal ’ ’ lo w e en s night is particularly lucky and means marriage within a month .

HA RVE S T S UP E RS TITI ONS

In a o f ncient times, when the owners land had gathered in their harvest , they feasted with their servarit s T who helped till the ground . his idea has been perpetuated in our day in agricultural

is countries . Harvest Home celebrated in most

s In E o f agricultural countrie . ngland it partakes some of the aspects of Thanksgiving Day . ” The K ern Baby is much in evidence in these

I i n festivities . t s a image dressed up and deco rated with corn o r wheat and carried before the r s o f k eapers a a Sign luc . 0 I MENS AND S UP ER TI TI N 4 S GNS , O S O S

In some places a big doll dressed up in tinsel w ith a sheaf of wheat under its arm is placed o n

t e a pole and the harvest hands dance around it , i j o ic ng . S ometimes a real girl is dressed up in a robe o f is f r l wheat and paraded around the field o uck . A corn supper in which all partake winds up the festivities .

’ A special prayer to o ne s favorite saint is usual before the harvest , to insure good weather till the wheat is all garnered .

In C atholic countries , the first wheat garnered is shaped into a cross which is hung 1n front o f k the granary for good luc . A e fin red ear Of corn is consid red a lucky d .

It should be carefully preserved until the . next harvest . An ear o f corn with seven or fourteen rows is especially lucky and betokens a good harvest .

CHRI STMAS A festival corresponding to Christmas was held in R n o f ad ome in ho or Bacchus, but with the vent o i Christianity it changed its character and as ze to the i o f C w solemni d celebrate b rth hrist .

2 S I GNS OMENS AND S PER TI TI 4 , U S ONS

Christ mas candles probably hadfltheir or1g1u m i o f s Chanuc a the Jewish fest val light ( ) , which

occurs at the same time . Lights are lit for seven

‘ days to commemorate the victories o f the Macc ab» bees .

‘ Yule logs are large logs o f wood that are throw n into the grate to ' make the Christmas eve more Th o ut festive . e flame is supposed to keep evil C m nd influences . hrist as candles serve the same e . To see a familiar face in the blaz e o f a yule lo k ma t rs n g, beto ens an early rriage wi h the pe o thus seen . To on C a become engaged hristm s eve, is a sure sign o f a happy married life . A child born o n Christmas d ay will be free from care and very lucky . N o C o S t . r S n icholas , anta laus is the patr f to n saint o Christmas . He is supposed come dow the chimney with his pack o n his back and dis n Th tribute toys and gifts to Old a d young . e only w ay ‘ to secure his favor is to be good and obedient . K C ris K ringle is another name for S anta laus . ” It is derived from the Gerin an K rist K in dli o r

en term Christ Child . He is represented as g homes “ ” on th H and making children happy e oly Night . CH APTE R V

S IGNS OF GOOD OR B AD LUCK

G F hilo so ood and ill luck, says the rench p “ M n pher, ontaigne, are in my opinion sovereig It - powers . is absurd to think that human prudence ” is able to act the same part as Fortune will do . S hakespeare says

’ T e “ her s a divinity that shapes our ends, ” R - ough hew them how will will .

The belief in the power Of some object o r some act to produce a change in one’ s fortunes fo r o r o better for w rse , is inherent in the human T race . here are few words in our language that

um r l Th have such a ve sa application as LUCK . e w ho man believes in nothing else, believes in luck and performs some mummery to propitiate

o f r w ho the goddess Fo tune, moves in such mys riou t t e s ways o perform her deeds .

ma o r Luck y be defined as chance, if a man P A s as e. a be religious , rovidenc mong the ncient ,

‘ Fortuna w as depicted as a blindfolded woman W as em ith a horn of plenty, or with a wheel an blem Of instability and chance . 43 SI G S OMENS AN D S UP ERS TI TI 44 N , ONS

The Romans had a habit of casting into an o f urn a stone every day, the color the stone de noting whether the person w as in good o r bad A t luck . the end of the year the stones were counted and a balance cast to see whether goo d

o r bad preponderated . It is unlucky to be recalled after starting away A t o n a voyage . least a day should be allowed to

o elap se before starting ut again . To leave home and be compelled to come back e for some article which was forgott n, is unlucky , unless you sit down for a mo men t be fo re going o ut a second time . ’ Carrying a crust o f bread in one s pocket is i considered lucky and brings prosper ty . I f in eating you miss your mouth and the n food falls , it is unlucky and denotes ill ess . A o r bent coin one with a hole in it , are often i carried for good luck . A crooked Sixpence s popular fo r this purpose in England . In many rural districts it is customary to give back to a customer of corn or cattle a small part T i o f the money he has " ust paid . his s called ” “ n luck mo ey . In some countries the buyer gives the seller a small coin to insure his luck . S I GNS OME S AND S UPERS TI TI ONS , N 45

To count your gains is supposed to bring bad To luck . reckon on money you are to receive and out o f un lay plans spending it , is considered ’ n e lucky . O should never count one s chickens

before they are hatched . Burning tea leaves is supposed to bring good to luck , but burn the leaves Of a rose is a bad

omen . Finding a four- leaf clover is a sure sign o f It o r good luck . should be worn in the lapel ’ pinned t o one s coat .

There is a legend that Eve on being ejected P - h from aradise took a four leaf clover wit her . To pluck an ash leaf was considered lucky in

Olden times .

n o ut 1t O meeting a person on new business, is “ ” I o well to salute him with wish y u good luck .

It is bad luck to shake hands with any one

across the table .

It is a bad omen to find the bellows o n the

dining table . .

It is a sign o f ill luck to find money and not I o r . t , spend it n should be spent in a good cause

given in charity . 6 I I TI O S 4 S GNS , OMENS AND S UP ERS T N

“ ’ S ee in c the a p and pi k it up, all day you ll have

good luck .

S ee e a pin and leav it lay, you will have bad ll ” luck a the day .

It is lucky to throw a small coin into a well o f drinking water . To sit crosslegged is considered a sign of good ’ To o f luck . cross one s fingers is another way averting evil .

TH E S I GN OF TH E CROS S

The C C has ross, the emblem of hristianity, It o f served many superstitions . is a bringer

o ff good luck and wards evil . C the ontrary to the generally accepted belief,

Cross did not have its origin as a religious . em T I C C . e blem in hristianity h ndians, when olum bus . C z first landed, had similar devices orte Az found the cross universally adored by the tecs , and this led the S panish priests to claim that the

' devil had given it to them in order to damn them

The with a false religion . Hindoos , too , had a cross among their religious symbols . Making the sign of the cross at rising or lying

' Or o f down, at going out coming in , at lighting S I G S OMENS AND S UPER TI I N , S T ONS 47

o r o d . co candles closing of, wind ws, etc , is nsidere

a pious and profitable ceremony. An old church writer says : “ At the delivery of the bread and wine of

” the sacrament , the worshippers flourish with their T thumbs like making the sign o f the cross . hey also do it when coming to church o r saying their ” prayers . I n S no m s o r pain, wo an goe in a coach r It travels without crossing he self . keeps away ” evil and ensures a safe trip . In C s v atholic countries , ignposts and e en tav ern signs bear a cross as a sign Of good luck . In some countries when a woman milks a co w she d1ps her finger m the milk with which she T the . crosses cow, muttering a prayer his will make the milk flo w freely . Easter buns are marked with a cross as a sign f o faith . To x o r hold up a crucifi , anything resembling h f f a cross was t e surest way o de eating the devil . “ ” In o ff Me histo feles Faust , Valentine drives p by

- f holding up the cross shaped hilt o his sword . During a thunder storm o r in the face o f sud n o f s on den danger , make the Sig the cro s your forehead o r breast . 8 SI G S OME S AND S UPERS TI TI N 4 N , N O S

’ To o f cross one s fingers during a game chance , ’ brings luck , and the reverse to your opponent . To dream of a cross is a sign of good fortune to

follow shortly . To cross knives o r forks at table is a s ign o f bad luck . In S icily a bandit will not attack his victim without first crossing himself and praying to his favorite s aint for protection . K NOQK IN G ON W OOD One o f o in the m st prevalent customs, indulged by men o f science as well as the illiterate man in i the slums, is by touch ng or knocking on wood o I to ward ff evil o r prevent disappointment . t s

i in 18 S or g v ery much in doubt . ome attribute it t o the ancient religious rite o f touching a crucifix I when taking an oath . t is also ascribed to the a A beads of a ros ry touched in prayer . mong the ignorant peasants of Europe it may have had its beginning in the habit o f knocking loudly to keep

o u It . t evil spirits. s introduction into this country be seems to have been of recent date , but it has come well-nigh universal ; even a president of the t Uni ed S tates is accused of resorting to it . To u o r brag abo t good health success, accord

C H APTE R VI

LUCKY A ND UNLUCKY OMENS

S he that pricks bread with fork or knife, will ” never be a happy wife . “ M o end your clothes upon y ur back , sure you are to come to wrac It is unlucky to u se elder wood or evergreen to m ake a fire .

To fin Old a d an flint rrow is considered lucky . To find nine peas in a pod is a forerunner o f luck .

’ The o f an d extreme tip a calf s tongue, dried e e carried in the pocket, will insur having som money always in your purse . A k- i luc stone, with a hole in it , is sure to br ng luck . - Four persons shaking hands in crosswise fash r ion , foretell a coming marriage . Tw o bells ringing in the house at o ne time fore

o tell a parting . S also does a hollow cavity in a

fresh-cut cake " and a loaf that breaks in tw o while being cut . 50 SI GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI , ONS 51

To enter a h ouse with the left foot first brings

bad luck to the occupants .

CH RI S TE N I N G CUS TOMS C hristening, as the name indicates , is a cere mony which has for its object the consecrating o f a C child to the service of hrist, and starting him o n ' s C It his career a a hristian . had its origin

. O f B in the rites John the aptist, who belonged to a sect that believed that immersion in water would wash away all sins and prepare the neophyte for

K o f Go d be the ingdom , which was supposed to near at hand . In the middle ages a child w as usually presented

r A by its godparents With silver or gold spoons .

set rich sponsor often gave a of twelve spoons , o n e for each Of the disciples . Less wealthy peo

n T e p le gave o e o r more spoons . hese w re con sidered lucky and induced the child to lead a virtuous life . The phrase born with a silver spoon in its m mouth, arose from this custo . A silver cup is often given an d the child that drinks from it is supposed to drink happiness

' i l f during t s i e . The gift o f coral and amber in the form o f 2 SI G S OMENS AN S UPERS TI TI ON 5 N , D S a chain or charm to a new-born baby is also be lieved to bring good ‘ luck: Coral is supposed to “ ” Fasc ma i be a defense against t on o r witchcraft . A i mber keeps away nfectious diseases . A S unday christening 18 considered lucky “ and the child will grow up devout . A child should always be dressed in white at R ed . it s christening . ribbons should be avoided Three arit cles are frequently given a child when

: . it is taken to be christened egg, salt and a coin

T s a . hese will give it strength , happine s and we lth

Baptism in a church is luckier than in private . When a child gives a lusty yell during its a o christening, it is a sign that it will h ve str ng l i lungs through ife . If ba two children, a male and a female , are p tised r e together, the male should have the p ef r ence o r it will grow up to be effeminate .

B E LI E FS CON CE RNING CHI LDRE N It is unlucky to measure a baby with a string i o r . tape measure , as it may stop grow ng

" To step over a young child is unlucky and may stunt its growth . To hand a child through an open window will - ’ o stop the little one s gr wth . S I GNS OMENS AND S P ER , U S TI TI ONS 53

C e to hildren that cry a lot are sur be lucky . T hey will develop fine eyes and broad shoulders . This do es not apply where the crying is caused r by illness o pain . Women in pregnancy Often refuse to take an oath before an officer o f the court as it is sup posed to influence the unborn child . It is supposed to be unlucky fo r a child to walk backward when going on an errand .

In S o ut cotland , when a young baby is taken for it s i i o r first a r ng, the mother nurse gives some T thing to eat to the first person she meets . his ’ “ h It is e nsures t e baby s good luck . called the ’ bairn s piece . When a child is taken from its mother and car e o ut f o r ri d of the bedroom the first time, it is If luckier to take it upstairs than down . there

s ff l is no upstairs , the ame e ect can be accomp ished

t e a. o r by mounting a shor levation, p latform, the f rung o a ladder . to to When a baby is carried church be baptized , t b a w ho is t o i should be carried y woman known .

have had good luck . ’ When a baby is ca rried into a neighbor s house fo r fi the rst time, it should be carried there by

the o i e to . m ther herself, n ord r insure good luck S I GNS ME A D 54 , O NS N S UP ERS TI TI ONS

First -o f to all, however, the baby should be carried church . A creeping child will have better luck than o ne that does not creep .

When a very young baby smiles in its sleep , it is supposed to hold converse with the angels .

B E LI E FS CON CE RNI NG EGGS E h i O ggs ave many mystic mean ngs , and in lden z times were supposed to symboli e the world . The o ur w as yoke represented earth, the white its

fir m I w as ma ent . t atmosphere , and the shell the was believed that the universe had its origin in Go d an egg , and that brooded over it until it “ M o n D t t was hatched out . ilt says : ovelike sa s ’ ”

. brooding o er the vast abyss .

A an o ld e d ccording to theorist, the gg typifie M to the essiah , the seed that was bring forth T he o salvation . he Abyssinians portray t w rld as a great o strich egg . The S yrians used to speak o f their ancestors as

f The a the progeny o eggs . Hawaiians believe th t their i sland was produced by the bursting Of a h o n w huge egg w ich had been laid the ater by , a bird . S I GN S OMENS A ND S UPERS TI TI N , O S 55

“ The E r ancients often said , ve ything springs It N ’ from the egg . is ature s cradle .

E Cn e h o f gyptians worshipped p , the architect w ho the world , was represented with an egg com f ing o ut o his mouth . The druids used eggs in their religious festi l va s and considered it the symbol Of fecundity. E d n a very ruid wore an egg about his eck , enc sed

. o as o f his in g ld , a symbol priestly authority .

The Jews use an egg in their Passover service o f D P as a symbol ivine ower and help . Eggs laid o n Good Friday are revered in Cath olic countries as bringing good luck , and are care ll T fully kept a year as talismans . hey are sup

ed t o the pos keep house free from fire .

“ ’ ” In S e cotland an eirack s gg, that is , the first

“ is as egg that is laid by a young hen, gathered ’ At the principal ingredient of Hallowe en charm . midnight the egg is broken so that the white is o ut It sues drop by drop . is allowed to fall into

tw o - The a wine glass thirds full of water . palm o f is the o f the , hand placed over rim the glass set which is turned bottom up , and the albumen 1 It tles down near the hand . assumes vague, shadowy forms which foretell the occupation the I GNS OMENS AND S PER I I 56 S , U S T T ONS

T f s . i s per on will best thrive in hus, it look like a ship , the man should become a sailor . ’ ” Another custom in con nection with an eirack s ’ is to o out egg, take the white in one s mouth and g I f into the night without swallowing a drop . o ne hears the name o f a man o r woman called out o f o r aloud, it foretells the name the future wife husband . ’ A mong other curious H allowe en customs is the : T - following ake a hard boiled egg, remove some f T h o . t e the yoke , and fill it up with salt hen eat

Do o f egg, salt and shell . not drink a drop water

I f o f f h till morning . y u dream o a person o t e sex the opposite , it means a marriage, but if person you dream Of seems to offer you a glass Of e wat r, it means that you will be jilted . Birds ’ eggs have been believed to have many Th f o l mysterious qualities . e eggs o an w put into the cup o f a drunkard will cause a loathing o f liquor . ’ A stork s egg was also considered as a cure o f f the habit o drinking . Persons afflicted with agu e are instructed to visit the nearest crossroads five times in succes - T dis sion and there bury a new laid egg . heir i t ease will leave them by morn ng and never re urn .

8 S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS 5 ,

In o f is setting a litter eggs under a hen , it lucky to swing a lighted candle over the nest as a charm to prevent hawks o r other animals from s o r de troying the eggs the young chicks . In C some , atholic countries, the tenth egg laid by a fowl is supposed to be bigger than the rest , is ff and usually o ered to the priest . Breaking egg shells Over a child is supposed to keep him safe from witchcraft . The goose that lays a golden egg is a popular m T myth in any countries . o receive such a valu it is s able gift, nece sary to invoke the name and o f help the devil . In to some sections , it is considered unlucky It i let eggs go out of the house after sunset . s

‘ a ft r also considered unlucky to gather eggS e dark .

All eggs should be gathered in the forenoon . It is unlucky to gather eggs on S unday o r to set

a hen o n the S abbath . ’ D t sun uck s eggs , brough into the house after h set will never atch . E no t o r s gg shells should be burned , the hen

will ce ase to lay . Eggs brought into the house o r barn over run

ning water , will not hatch . fo e When a child vi si ts a house r the first tim , I N MENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS S G S , O 59

it is lucky to give him an egg that was laid that ” It “ morning . will give the child a start in life

that will bring success . To dream o f an egg IS lucky and means that

is a fortune at hand . S trings o f blown egg shells hung up in a dwell s ing are unlucky, but if hung up in an outhou e, bring good luck . Bats were suppo sed to come from eggs that o ut had been hatched by toads .

’ In as Java the bride, a sign of submission , s kneels before her ma ter, then treads upon an egg

and washes his feet with the yoke . The offering of an omelette to a newly married

—in - o f man by his mother law, as a sign devotion , is an o ld custom in Russia

CHA RMS A ND A MULETS

“ ” The A word amulet comes from the rab, ” I ' a w . a Ham la, hich means to carry about t is charm o r Object usually hung about the neck o r

on the wrist to ward o ff sickness and evil . A ff charm is similar in its e ect . People are spoken Of as having a charmed to be e to life, which means that they seem immun I M 60 S GNS , O ENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ON S

accidents or illness . Many wear charms to in sure this result . S ome charms are engraved with peculiar figures “ ” called talismans, which are supposed to have T the power to prevent loss or illness . hey are on often engraved some seal or precious stone, and worn o n the finger or on a chain about the n eck . The practice o f wearing charms or amulets is

a very ncient, and many of the objects found in E s gyptian tombs are amulets , intended to erve

-M the spirits of the dead . any charms have o b tain ed historic importance , as for instance the B famous S pan ish opal in the ritish museum . The czar was supposed to be fond of an an cient rin g in which is embedded a piece of the I true cross . t was supposed to shield its wearer e from death and danger, although it hardly help d im him to k eep his throne . He attached such

e o ut portance to it , that on one occasion h started o n s a journey without it, when uddenly discover ing his loss , he delayed the trip eight hours till a messenger went and got it . Oriental wrestlers will not go into the prize

n ring without weari g a charm about their necks . , Modern folks for the most part wear some sort I S ME S GN , O NS AN D S UP ERS TITI ONS 6 1 o f o r amulet , carry a charm in their pockets, but do be they it secretly . They may not actually "lieve in its efficacy but want to get the benefit Of it in case it should have some hidden virtue .

- c o n sid Horseshoe shaped pins , or charms , are

so - ered very lucky, is four leaved clover . Wish

. e bones , too , have come into favor in rec nt years as they are supposed to have the power o f mak

' ’ in g one s wishes come true .

’

Little pigs are popular as charms , as they are

I n Ger supposed to bring good luck . fact , the “ m sa I c h habe S c hw ein ans y , , when they want to signify that they are lucky . Lucky pennies or other coins are to be found in o T many p ckets . hey drive away evil influences in business Operations and bring luck in money mat T ’ ters . hey must be turned over in one s pocket

A at the time of the transaction . Horse chestnuts or a small potato are c o n sid T ered efficacious charms against rheumatism . hey must be carried in the pocket where they soon be to come hard and absorb all tendency disease .

The the relics of saints, such as particles of

o f . bones, bits hair, etc , or splinters from the ’ a C cross, h ve been revered in all hristian lands

- M fo r thei r miracle working powers . any churches 62 S I G S ME D N , O NS AN S UPERS TI TI ON S

“ have been erected and many shrines dedicated to house some such precious relic .

A nn P r At St . e C de Beau hurch near Q uebec ,

n d —a t t A n n C Ne Y a S . w hurch in ork, wonders are performed daily ’ and many cripples healed through touching the particle of bone o f the i ’ V rgin s mother .

' A charm with the figure of a fish o r the word I ” f , G o chthus formed by , the reek initials the O f Gr C r name Jesus , is worn by the eek h istians and brings success . Coins and bits of metal stamped with a cross are worn about the neck in many lands as a guarantee o f T good luck . hey are also looked upon as a

o f cure epilepsy . Rings with religious signs and symbols are often used to cure disease o r insure success of the crops .

In O the rient , jade or ornaments from this stone o r are used as charms against disease disaster . They usually have some symbolic figures carved upon them .

Jet was . and in some countries is still supposed to exert a remarkable power over the brain and h nerves, and is t erefore much prized for jewelry S I GNS OMENS AND PER TI TI S 6 , S U S ON 3

It a to and charms . w s supposed in Olden days

drive away devils and serpents . Amber is a favorite substance fo r charms in It countries adjoining the Mediterranean . is sup Off posed to keep infectious disease , epilepsy and It other evils . is frequently made into necklaces f o r babies .

M a any other stones, gems or natural subst nces are used the wo rld over for their supposed cura iv e a t e powers , and hug volumes h ve been written

concerning them . Adder stones are supposed to be eflic ac ious against disease of cattle . Carrying a human molar tooth as a charm is f Often considered a remedy o r toothache . A f mulets to insure victory are requent , and many a soldier goes into battle in the firm belief that the amulet he wears about his neck o r on

w . his arm ill see him safely , through Bibles car ried about the person are supposed to be the most efficac w us o f of these , and in point fact many a bullet has been stopped by a Bible placed near the heart .

During - a plague in England red tape was in o ff It great demand to ward the evil . was cut 6 S I GNS M NS AND S UPERS TI TI 4 , O E ONS

into half -yard lengths and worn about the neck s until all danger was pa t . Amber and coral necklaces are often placed o n children to give them relief from teething . Rings and nipples of these substances are p ro

vided t r similar purposes . A cha'rm consisting o f laurel leaves is Often n wor as a protection against lightning . f S s 1eces . o r W are capular , p b own cloth in hich New T stitched certain verses from the estament,

“ are worn to a great extent by Catholics as a p re

e i v nt ve against perils of flood and sickness .

MA S COTS

” The word mascot is o f French o rigin and d esignates anything from a piece of string t o a , human being that is supposed to influence the ”

Fates for the benefit o f the possessor . A comid

opera has been built around the idea, in which a

1rl t king has very bad luck, until a pretty g is sen to him as a mascot, when his fortune begins . S hips often take a mascot on boa rd before T s o r they sail . hi is usually a dog, monkey

v . goat, and insures a pleasant oyage R egiments Of soldiers usually adopt a mascot, a s n animal that accompanies them on their marche .

ME D E S TI TI O 66 S I GNS , O NS AN S UP R NS

The, Moors believed in the horseshoe to such T an extent that their architecture reflects it . heir mosque and temples all show an arch formation that had its origin in the form Of a shoe , and they believed that this would insure stability . The its f druids also believed in e ficacy, and

“ e many Of their religious places , like S toneheng

' E - o o i a in ngland , have the semi circular f rm horseshoe . A n Old Roman general ascribed his defeat to B i F the loss of a horseshoe . enj am n ranklin para “ phrased this by writing : Through the loss o f w as o f a a nail a shoe lost , through the loss w as o f shoe a horse lost, through the loss a horse as a battle w lost .

To It find a horseshoe is considered lucky . should be hung over the door of the house o r It barn . will ensure a good harvest if suspended over the barn. A horseshoe should be hung with the open If ends upwards, so that it will hold luck . “

e u k . hung the oth r way , it will spill l c

o n n When going a long voyage , it will bri g luck to carry a horseshoe in your baggage . A scarfpin or watch charm in the s hape of a k horseshoe is luc y . S I NS OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI NS 6 G , O 7

The o r wishbone, collar bone of a chicken , is conside red lucky on account o f its resemblance in T . w o shape to a horseshoe people , each pulling

' o ne w ho at end , can determine will get married

Th n . e first longer piece is the lucky o e . A l horseshoe shou d have seven holes for nails , three o n o ne side and four on the other side of T the center heel . his will ensure double luck ,

as seven is a number of good fortune . Rings made of horseshoe nails are sovereign

remedies against bad luck , disease and trouble .

PIN S UP E RS TITI ON S

To it pick up a pin is lucky ; let lie, is bad

luck . If a pin lies with its head toward you it is

o f a good sign , but beware trouble if the point

is towards you .

’ To prick yourself with a pin o n starting o n a

trip is a bad omen . It will break friendship t o present any one with

. S a pin , such as a scarfpin or the like uch a gift A c im should be bought . cent or arti le of minor r n n po tance must be given i excha ge. C HAPTER VII TH E IN FLUE NCE S OF MYTHI CA L B EINGS

The belief in fairies and other supernatural b t beings is universal, not only among children u w a among gro n people as well, and m ny a quaint

“ and interesting legend has been spun about these

m s the fascinating individuals . Fairy lore co prise greater part of our books for young people , and without fairy tales the lives of children would be

. S o o barren indeed , als , have many superstitions

n in t grow up, about fairies, and they are believed by folks that are intelligent as well as by those that are ignorant . r s Fai ies are supposed to be supernatural being , m n h hu a in form but very often diminutive, wit T superior powers for good or evil . hey have the power of invisibility, but can become visible T fo r when they wish . hey are often invoked the od aid, but are never worshipped as were g

T the a esses of the pagan world . hey enter habit tions of mortals and spread their gift s . S ome It to ke the times they do mischief . is well ep in o f good graces fairies . 68 N OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI N 6 S I G S , O S 9

Th e Hindoos believe in a kind of fairy that “ ” in T i they call A cv s. hese assist in br nging lovers together, give succor in trouble and bring

e deser m w alth to the v g . P P e fe ersians believe in eris, delicate thereal males, who while not immortal , live very long . To assist o r otherwise get into the good graces o f P f one a eri means good luck, but to o fend , brings bad luck . The A rabian Jinns are fairies o f a more

in T w o austere k d . hey are males h can do great damage if offended and whom it is therefore

T o well to placate . hey are supp sed to have lived

A an d e before dam w re once a mighty race, but r wa and accident have slain many . Every time a star shoots across the sky it means the death o f T a jinn . hey have the power to make them

o r selves visible invisible . The S o f Jews believed in hedim , a species T e fairy that Was the offspring of Adam . hes beings have wings , are similar to angels , eat , drink, make merry, and help any mortal who is kind to them . The Greeks and Romans had their o w n con ti n f c e o o r . T p s fai ies hey called them dryads, T a etc . n iads, fauns, satyrs, hey mingled with 0 S I GNS OMENS A ND S UP ERS TI TI N 7 , O S

t T mortals and of en intermarried with them . hey brought luck or the reverse as they were favor T ably inclined . hey rewarded any kindness and punished transgressions . Fata Morgana is the Italian conception o f a

F . fairy, the personification of ortune Happy the

ho person w wins her favor . In f France, fairies have di ferent names and “ ” T o llets w ho al characteristics . here are f are ways invisible but whose voices are often heard . They are mischievous and pelt the peasants w 1th T stones . hey Often enter a house and throw about the utensils and create disorder from a sense o f

n e humor that is Often hard to understa d . Wh re

a man is in their good graces , however, they I i do good and reward virtues . t s considered lucky to come across the1r tracks o r circles in the

grass .

The F o ees lu tins rench als believe in f , and T o r goblins . hese dance in circles, fairy rings by n night , hau t solitary springs and grottoes, ride horses and ' tie up the horses manes to form stir r T e u s. p hey preside at births, bring luck to babi s

' t v in whom they take an interes , gi e presents, help

. n T along the lovelorn, and do other stu ts . hey often take a child out o f its cradle and leave one S I GN S OMENS A ND S UP ERS TI TI ON S 1 , 7

o f o w n T their brood in its p lace . his is called “ e to a chang ling, and while such child is apt f o r . be beautiful , its propensities are evil S candinavians believe in elves, playful , ma lic io us o f beings that are up to all sorts mischief .

T d o f hey elight in perplexing people , tie the hair a l sleeping children into knots, steal aw y artic es,

f I o and cause no end o trouble . t is well to p r itiate p them by kindness , and by leaving some thing for them t o eat in the grottoes where they

are supposed to dwell . T eutonic races have their fairies , trolls , gnomes,

a . a dwarfs, who do all m nner of mischief M ny e are the strange tales told about th m, and many

o are the rites and cerem nies . resorted to by the peasantry to get into their good graces . The I rish are great believers in fairies , and

1 the r literature is filled with tales Of their deeds . Their superstitions concerning them would fill a

- z T k . good si ed boo hey dress in green, are very s pretty and benevolent , help the peasant , bring

' do lovers together , avoid law suits , good by

stealth, etc . Brownies and kelpies are the S cotch brand of fairies" They Often appear in the form of or nd On cattle horses, a when people ride them, 2 I N M 7 S G S , O ENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ONS

h T t ey t hrow them o ff and play other tricks . hey as are mischievous as children, but do nothing l particu arly praiseworthy . E R i nglish have their fairies , hobgoblins, ob n

G P - oodfellow, uck, and other well known char acters . S hakespe are assembled them in one large O as an d T clan , with beron their king itania as

u T - their q een . hey are a well behaved crew , full o f mischief but with good traits as well . S ome o f the more prominent superstitions con cerning fairies are the following : A mole or defect on a person is supposed to s be cau ed by a fairy nipping him before birth . A matted lock near the neck o f a sleeping child is called an elflock and i s the deed of a h misc ievous fairy . To throw away a peach stone out of a window is dangerous as it might strike a fairy and kill T it . his would bring bad luck for seven years .

' Four- leaved clover usually marks the spot where n fairies congregate a d bring good luck . Round circles often found in the grass indi “ ) T o i ' i cate the place wh ere fairies dance . s t n

o n e o f sex such a circle with the Opposite , is sure to bring about a marriage; When a child is lucky it is a sure proof that

S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS 74 ,

D and l the devil . octors judges as wel as igno r e The h ant people beli ved in this nonsense . witc w as supposed to be a woman w ho had sold her ’ to and D v S ab soul the devil, frequented the e il s In t on . l ba h , riding thither a broomstick rura

" districts the belief still prevails t o some ex tent .

When horses break out . in a sweat in the i s a e n stable, it believed th t a witch has b e riding them . ’ s Wl tCh is When a horse mane is tangled , a supposed to have tied the knot to use as a stir rup . S houlder bones of sheep ‘ are called hag ” bones because witches are believed to ride on them . Eggshells must be broken an d not left t o lie s o r s about the hou e, they may be used by witche as boats . i When sick people go nto a decline, they are “ ” o r an d t said to be overlooked bewitched, here is little hope for t heir recovery . A white witch is one who has the pow er to re f T move the spell o a bad witch . here are vari ous incantations by which this is done .

‘ s To p revent a witch from Inj uring a per on, I NS OMENS A ND S UP E S G , RS TI TI ONS 75 he must make an image of wax of the witch and f T the stick it full o p ms. his will cause witch to become impotent and die . the out Wearing left stocking inside , horse ha n ” sto es . shoes, spittle , g , etc , are good anti ’ o dotes to a witch s power . The Sign f the cross i also prevents their ev l . C HAPTER VIII

I NS NN E CTE D W IT TH E B S G CO H ODY .

S N E E ZI N G

The custom o f muttering a prayer or a pious I s wish after sneezing Is as Old as history . t wa n the A accounted very a cient in time of ristotle, “ ” wh o in his Problems endeavored to account fo r w A to it , but kne nothing of its origin . ccording him the anc ients believed that the head w as t he s eat o f the sOul and that sneezing in some w ay ff f a ected the spirit . H enc e the necessity o utter ing an invocation to preserve the soul from harm . The Greeks and Romans had a number o f

z L o u formulas for snee ing, such as, ong may y ” “ ” “ live " May you enjoy good health " Jupiter preserve you " S neezing was often considered a lucky omen T i f o among the ancients . heir h story is ull f events of importance which were ushered in by “ ” “ Th o f a sneeze . e Odyssey tells the lucky sneeze o f Telemachus History tells of the ’ soldiers sneezing in adoration o f a god that ro se 76 MENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ONS S IGNS , O 77

o e " bef re them in the ranks , an ev nt which eno phon regarded as a favorable omen . A e z ristotle consider d a snee e as divine, but a P cough as vulgar . etronius mentions the . custom “ o f S alve z . saying, ( hail ) , when a soldier snee ed Tiberius Caesar never neglected t o observe this formula .

z sa L " When a Hindoo snee es , bystanders y, ive “ ” e " The Z and he repli s , With you ulus believe that an angry spirit enters the body and that a sneeze is an effort of nature to expel it . A ristotle believed that sneezing from noon till

w as midnight a good omen , but from midnight till the next noon w as a sign of bad luck .

A ll nations have some formula for sneezing . “ ” The G a Zm' Gesu n dheit " The E erm ns say , nglish ” “ sa Go d o u " The F sa A y , bless y rench y , ” s o haits u .

I f some o n e sneezes after you have made a

u statement, it places the seal of truth p on it and the statement may not be doubted . A ccording to mythology Prometheus made an th artificial man, and e first sign of life he gave to z It was snee e . was through the nostril that life entered into his body . G In P e t . the time of op S Gregory the reat, 8 I GNS OME D UPERS TI TI ONS 7 S , NS AN S th wa s o f ere an epidemic sneezing, and many f f Th o the a flicted died . e pope thereupon de clared that a certain prayer should be uttered ev a ery time a person sneezed, to avert the cal m ity. To sneeze three times in rapid succession is considered a good omen . P hysiologically considered in the light o f mod

It ern science , sneezing is bad , as spreads the germs o f many diseases by spraying them into n e a the air . O should always sneeze into a h nd kerchief .

S P ITT I N G

In ancient times spitting w as considered as v o f r having the irtue ave ting witchcraft , and even in our time many superstitions cling to the habit . S pit w as considered as a charm against all T kinds of fascination . heocritus says “ Thrice o n my breast I spit to guard me safe a from f scinating charms . S uperstitious nurses will Spit on their children

' t o keep them from harm . A lluding to this custom an ancient writer says “ et His lips are w with lustral spittle , thus I GNS OME S ND S P ER TI TI N S , N A U S O S 79

They think to make the gods propitious. Bruisers and boxers before attacking their ad

ersar on s . v y, spit their hands to insure succe s n Boys, when making a pledge or asserting a thi g “ t o be e o n to honor bright, oft n spit the ground give emphasis to their good faith . Coal miners in England when they form a u fo r sit on a nion any purpose, in a circle and Spit O stone, by way f cementing their friendship and loyalty . Devout people Often Spit at the mention o f the ff o to name of his satanic majesty , in an e rt keep away evil influences . Mohammedans are said to spit at the mention f o f the name o Jesus .

’ To spit on one s hands before undertaking a f piece o manual work insures a successful result . S ittin hree s con p g t time into their bosoms, was sidered by the Greeks as preventive o f danger

o f o r . when in the presence a madman an . epileptic When a man hit another and felt remorse for the o f blow, he spit into the hollow his hand , and T w s thus freed the other from pain . his as a u er ti p s tion of the Middle Ages . Spitting to avert evil influences is st ill resorted M D I 80 S I GNS , O ENS AN S UPERS T TI ONS to I s is among country folks , and n some countrie almost considered a religious act In Ireland it is considered unlucky to p raise a ho rse or other animal unless you spit o n him “ an d sa Go d . y, save him, or other similar prayer If t ‘ af er three days, any bad luck befalls the ani mal it is necessary to fin d the person w ho praised ’ him so that he may whisper the Lo rd s Prayer into ’ the animal s right ear .

' ‘ and Hucksters, peddlers, other tradespeople , have a habit o f spitting for good luck when mak h h mg a sale . T e first money t ey receive in the morning 18 spat upon to insure good luck fo r the

It is customary in some parts when a rainbow ap pears , to make a cross o n the ground and spit o n each of the four corners .

MOLE S , TEETH , W ART S , ET C .

Moles may denote good or bad fortune ac cording to where they are found . On u th e the throat they are l cky ; on lower jaw , 7 e . especially of a woman, they denot the opposite On the back of the neck they are said to pre a dict hanging. R r ed o black moles are considered unlucky,

2 GNS ME D 8 SI , O NS AN S UPERS TI TIONS

If the teeth are very irregular it is a S ign o f k bad luc . If there is a gap between the tw o upper middle te h to com et large enough pass a through , it

foretells wealth . The Greeks believed that It was unlucky to

‘ ’ c ount one s warts as they would increase in n umber .

TO o s charm away a wart, buy it from the p sesso r fo r a pin , and it will disappear within a week . A nother w ay to charm away a wart is to rub i f l Ti to t with half an app e . e the tw o halves e r o f gether with a thr ad , and bu y it at the foot e a tree . Within a week the wart will hav dis appeared .

‘ in If the S pots the nails foretell riches . many, e person showing them will gain a fortune . Whit Specks often foretell happenings without wealth.

- n b s. O the thum nail, they indicate honor

YAW NI NG

n i 18 a Amo g many peoples , yawn ng considered sign o f possession o r obsession by an evil spirit . n s When the Hi doo yawns, he snap his thumb MENS ND P R I TI 8 S I GNS , O A S U E S T ONS 3 and finger and repeats the name o f on e o f his

To . deities . neglect this brings misfortune When a Moslem yawns he puts the back o f his “ I left hand to his mouth and says , seek refuge ” with Allah from S atan . There is an old belief that when one yawns the devil may leap into the open mouth ; hence the necessity o f holding a hand over the mouth .

’ To o f yawn in the midst saying one s prayers, It is a bad omen . is better to say the prayer from the beginning again .

TI NGLING AND ITCHING

’ It is a common superstition that when one s ears tingle some one is talking about him .

“ S hakespeare says In Much Ado About Noth ” “ a fir ing, Wh t e is in mine ears Beatrice de duces from this that a friend is talking about her .

E R an P ven the old oman histori , liny, says It is an opinion generally received that when o ur ears do glow and tingle , there be s ome that ” o ur l in absence do ta k of us . The tingling o f the right ear is taken to mean that good is spoken; while, that of the left e t ear is a tok n of the fac that evil is spoken . 8 I ME A D ER TI TI 4 S GNS , O NS N S UP S ONS

H errick writes “ M o be y ear tingles , S me there ” T n hat are snarling ow at me .

The itching of the palm is considered an indi cation that the person will get so me unexpected If f . an o a money continued for y length time , him fortune will come to . The itching of the thumb or nose denotes a i e i . v sitor, sometimes an unwelcom ntruder

“ ” On e O f the witches in Macbeth says “ B y the pricking of my thumbs ,

S omething wicked this w ay comes .

S TUMB LI NG A ND FA LLI NG

Falling has always been associated with the o f ff t idea evil, and its e ects can only be aver ed by a quick -witted remark o r a muttered invoca tion .

Cae d A dru etum A When sar lande at m in frica, it is related that he tripped and fell upon his face . This w as considered as an ill omen by h l S sol

s o f dier , but with great presence mind he ex “ : T I o f claimed hus do take possession thee ,

O A T s a S n t o frica . hu he ch nged a ig of bad o ne of good fortune . S I GNS OMENS A ND S PER TI I , U S T ONS 85

'When William the Conqueror landed In E n g the A land , he fell prone upon ground . great cry

w u he of despair ent p from his army, but raised “ himself smilingly and said : I have seized the

country with both my hands . To fall while going upstairs is a sure sign that n ot the victim will marry within a year . The falling o f a picture from the wall 13 uni versally regarded as a bad omen and frequently foretells the death o f the original o f the picture f in the case o a portrait . It is related that a well- known English arch

On en erm o n e his bishop t g his study day, found r it po trait lying on the floor, the cord that held Th o n . e so un the hook , having snapped Sight nerved the prelate that he became ill , and died

Shortly after . The Duke of Buckingham had a similar mis

n he adventure . O entering the council chamber, found his portrait lying at full length o n the

floor . He died soon after . A f inco n fall rom a horse, besides being very ven ien t n d f is l a often pain ul , supposed to bring evi f o n consequences . I two persons part horseback,

o n e Of Off his tw o ll and them falls mount , the wi ne ver meet again . I M R 86 S GNS , O ENS AND S UPE S TI TI ONS

The fall o f a window blind is accounted " nu lucky, but the evil can be averted by at once t e i placing t in its sockets . The fall o f aknife or fork to the floor i s usu ally considered a good omen and foretells a visa the o f a knife ‘ or from a friend ; a female in case , f a male in the case o a fork . To fall downstairs is a very bad Sign and f o signifies loss o health r money . To stumble in the morning on coming down s o f tairs is a Sign ill luck during the day . A horse stumbling o n the highway brings bad o luck t his owner . S tumbling at a grave is considered a bad omen . S hakespeare says “ How oft to - night ” Have my. old feet stumbled at graves " For many men that stumble at the threshold

A r e well foretold that danger lurks within .

If ou o r k y stumble over a stick stone , turn bac an d c o ut o f ki k it the way to avert trouble .

CUTTING N AILS AND H AI R

‘ The paring of nails has given rise to some “ h f s . S o t e o a trange beliefs also has cutting h ir. S I GNS OMENS AND S UP ER I , S T TI ONS 87

T ’ his is natural , as the clipping away of one s body is in itself uncanny and apt to give rise to super i i st t o us conjectures . S ailo rs believe that to cut the nails o r hair

. T during a calm will provoke contrary winds hey, t herefore, only cut them in a storm . The ancients declared that nails and hair should no t be pared o r cut when in the presence o f the ’ o f gods, but in the secrecy one s home . Among the A rabians it is considered lucky to n cut the nails and hair o Friday . In some countries it is considered unlucky to ’ l T cut a child s nails till it is a year o d . hey have to be bitten Off . ’ In S cotland it is believed that if a child s nails are o ld to cut before it is a year , it will grow up

In h . t e be a thief other lands, it is thought child will stammer . The Jews burn their nail parings with a piece o f o e o f f w o d, as a speci s o fering to insure good luck .

PE RS ONA L APPEARANCE

’ When a woman s eyebrows meet across her h h r n is s n . S e ose , it a good ig will be appy whethe h not s e marries or . M D R 88 S I GN S , O ENS AN S UP E S TI TI ONS

A woman whose hair grows down over her

“ forehead in the shape of a peak, will never marry .

CLOTHE S S UP E RS TITI ON S

On rising in the morning, great care must be t o e n given the way one dresses , as accid nts ofte w i foretell trouble dur ng the day . A ugustus Caesar put o n his left sandal awry and A - n nearly lost his life in a mutiny . well know writer says “ Augustus by an oversight P ut o n his left shoe before his right Had like to have been slain that day

By sold iers mutinying for pay .

T0 o ut put your shirt inside is a good omen,

n - providing you d iscover it i time and change it .

If n . left on all day, beware of accide ts To button your vest so that the buttons and holes o t come u uneven is a good Sign . It is well to put o n the stocking o f your right

foot first and the Shoe o f your left foot .

To tear o ff a button while dressing is a bad Sign . It should be remedied at once befo re going o ut o f the house . ’ A hole in one s stocking is a good Sign on

‘ the da but o n the se d. first y, brings bad luck con

0 S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS 9 ,

" o u W l ll be successful only as long as the clothes remain fresh — T is S aturday Beware o f catching cold . here

o n a an element of bad luck in a new suit this d y. S unday— Happiness and good luck will follow i

him w ho puts o n a ncw suit on the S abbath .

ON A RI S I NG

‘ To get o ut o f bed with the left foot is c on

'

sider d a o f , e forecast bad luck . When a person “ is sa Out cross or irritable, we often y, He got f ” o bed with the wrong foot .

To on a on put your foot a soft c rpet or rug,

arising, foretells a successful day .

To i " s . ou o stumble on getting up , bad sh uld

e go back to b d and try it again .

“ ” To sa G l o n su y ood uck arising, will insure c

cess during the day . It is considered unlucky to sing before break

s . fast . You may cry before upper It is unlucky to relate a bad dream before break I . t fast may come true . To find a coin early in the morning is a Sign fo r you t o beware ‘ lest yo u lose money before the 18 day spent . I S MENS AND S UPERS TI TI ON : S GN , O S é

I NTING CRIP P LE D A ND S Q U , HUN CH B A CK P E RS ON S

To meet a squinting or cross- eyed person on It going out in the morning is a sign of trouble.

n is well to go back a block or tw o a d start over . To walk with a cross - eyed person is Sure to bring bad luck . ’ To touch a hunchback s hump brings good G i luck . amblers, espec ally, often resort to this method to change their luck from bad to good . To have a hunchback abo ut the premises brings In o good fortune . former years kings used t have

w as a court fool who usually a hunchback, not

fo r e only to make merriment them, but to insur

good fortune . To shake hands with a left-handed person is

often regarded as unlucky .

’ To touch a blind man s garment o r brush past To him is a Sign of ill fortune . help a blind man f o n w a o . his y, is an omen good luck T0 be baptized by a left-handed pr1est is con sidered unlucky .

‘ To meet a priest the first thing in the morn

In IS bad . T i a b g a omen h s may be verted , y him throwing a pin at . 2 S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS 9 ,

To have a cripple tread on your toes is a very bad omen . To meet a beggar as you leave your house in \ he mo rn in e t g, is a bad Sign , and you should at onc return and start over . c To give a coin to a ripple insures good luck .

DEATH AND CORP S E S Feathers or a bird in the room of a sick person T e are supposed to delay death . his idea is Often t sorted to where it is advisable to delay the last breadth till some absent friend arrives . At the moment o f death the doors and windows are to often opened allow the spirit free egress . Looking- glasses and pictures are covered as the long as the corpse is in the house , to prevent

Spirit from seeing its reflection . In S cotland a piece o f iron is thrust into all to e eatables right after a death , prevent the attra o f tion other spirits . A plate o f salt is put upon the breast o f a new corpse in Wales to purge o ut all the Sins o f the defunct . e o f to Candles are lit at the h ad the corpse, w ard o ff evil spirits . A Watch is usually kept by the side o f the body

S I NS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI 94 G , ONS

’ r h enna s f om a y forehead , madwort hung up in Cato chites n the home ; , a species Of sto e, worn in a ring or about the neck ; spitting on the right Shoe f f o . be ore putting it on ; a necklace jacinth, etc

’ S weeping a child s face with the bough o f a pine tree, is considered a very successful preventive ;

‘ so is hanging up the key o f the house over a ’ r child s c adle . Other means of preventing the blasting effects o f

: the evil eye are Laying turf , dug from a grave, upon the cradle o f a child ; laying crumbs on the cradle ; giving the child a piece of coral that w as dipped i n the font in which the child w as bap

iz t ed .

Hindoos decorate their children with a p ro fu

h e MO sion of jewels to antagonize t e evil ey . hammedan s suspend articles from the c eiling ovei' the cradle for the same purpose . In Roumania a child o r grown person decorated with red ribbons is supposed to be impervious to e this terrible influence , and henc most people wear n something scarlet about their bodies, and eve the oxen in the field have something red tied about their horns . C H APTER I" HOUS EHOLD B E LIE FS

If the keys o f a careful housewife get rusty in o f a s spite her care, it me ns that some one is aving fo rh money er. A ho t cinder jumping o ut o f the grate signifies o f the coming good fortune .

I f o t meat shrinks while being boiled in a p , it I S a bad Sign , but if it swells , it means that pros

eri p ty is in store . The first cake taken o ut of an oven should be

' e Of the broken, not cut ; otherwise all the r st c akes b ak ed that day will be soggy. Do f not sweep the dust o ut o the front door. It indicates that your good luck will be swept out

with it . If o f a a leaf soot hangs in the grate, it nnounces

the co ming o f a guest . I f a rooster stands upon the threshold o f your r an d . house crows, a st anger may be expected I f you neglect to close down the lid o f your

an d e . teapot , a guest will come hav tea with you

If - is a i o f your tea kettle sings, it S gn content h ment in t e home .

- 95 6 S I GNS MENS I 9 , O AND S UPERS T TI ONS

In S b w re to weeping, e a not sweep the dirt over ’ a l e . girl s feet, as it wil pr vent her from marrying t tha year . If yo u wash your hands and face in a bowl Of s r water that has been used by ome one else, it fo e

» tells a quarrel with that other person . Trousers made o n Friday are unlucky and will soon tear . To break up your bread into crumbs at the f table is an omen o coming poverty . To drop a coarse comb foretells a visit by a

' — a fine- o - a s i i a man, to th comb me n a v s t from

To throw away a piece Of bread is an indication n d k Of carelessness a d brings ba luc .

LOO KI N G -GLA S S OMEN S Mirrors have always been regarded as d ivine i s n nstruments and used a objects of divinatio , hence a certain amount o f superstition attaches ’ to I b e . t them is wonderful , indeed, that y natur s o f t o ne o f t law reflec ion , can see the image tha o f it has which is outside the glass, and been c onsidered unlucky to destroy in any way that power to reflect . To - is break a looking glass considered unlucky,

8 S I GNS OMENS AND S PERS TI TI ONS 9 , U o f ” a R a sacrifici l element . Greeks and omans mixed it with their cakes that were offered up o n o f I e the altars their deities . t w as a nec ssary f n part o the sacrifice . Hence any accide t to the salt on a table was considered unlucky .

' Among pagans salt was regarded as having re

‘ demp tive power and was used when doing any I important business as a preventive o f ill luck . t was thrown on the ground With an invocation that ff was supposed to Ward O unfriendly spirits .

A o f ho s ital mong the Jews, it is still a mark p ity to break bread with a stranger, and the bread “ ’ i is first dipped into salt . S haring one s salt w th ” n ho s a stranger, has become sy onymous with l p ita ity . S alt has been regarded as the symbol Of friend s th o f a - hip, therefore e overturning a s lt cellar is looked upo n as the breaking of friendship .

To o d spill salt at table is c nsidere unlucky . To O s change the spell, however, it is nly neces ary to take a pinch Of the salt and t hrow it over the

‘ left shoulder .

’ In Da i o f S e Vinci s p cture the Last upp r, Judas I n h It scariot is represented as overturni g t e salt . is evident fromthis that the spilling o f salt was S I GNS OMENS AND S UPER TI I , S T ONS 99 considered a bad omen in the epoch when this pic ture was painted .

In E o f some astern countries , the spilling flour is viewed w ith o the same feeling o f aw e as in the case of Salt .

To p ut too much salt into the food when cook ~ o ing, is supp sed to be proof that the cook is in

‘ a love .

KNI FE S UP ERS TITI ON S It is con sidered unlucky to accept a knife from

n a friend without giving something I return . You “ therefore buy the knife and avert th e cutting of ” friendship . A penny is usually Offered in exchange for a n but e k ife, among some b lievers , a pin is all that is necessary

To o n com , drop a knife the floor, means the ing of a visitor . K nife and fork should never be crossed at the

‘ ' : T table , as this would presage bad luck hey sho uld be laid Side by side . ’ ‘ To cross knives is to invite a cross or mis

The e fortune . origin of this beli f probably lay in the disinclination to make the Sign o f the

li io l cross sac re g us y . 19 9 MENS AND S UPER I S I GNS , O S T TI ONS

To l eave a penknife open after you are through ’ it o f n with is a Sign da ger and is unlucky . To drop a knife accidentally so that the point penetrates into the ground and it stands upright s i a Sign of coming success . To place an open knife near a Sleeping child is co o o nsidered a go d men .

CANDLE S UPE RS TITIONS

Candles " have always had a peculiarly religious character, and have from time immemorial been used in the service of churches and fo r sacred ’ M rites . any queer superstitions attach to them . In Catholic countries it is customary to bring ’ candles t o church in honor Of one s favorite saint o r o f M The o f it the adonna . size the candle and s ’ decoration gave evidence o f the donor s religious enthusiasm . Many o f the saints had their o w n peculiar pref f n erences as to the color o the ca dles . A birthday cake Should have as many candles ’ T o n it as there are years in the person s age . his f will ensure another year o happiness . When the wax o f a candle forms a loop like a “ ” a c f n r s handle, it is called o fi handle, and po tend bad luck .

C H APTER x

DIVI NATI ON

TH E MYS TE RY OF NUMB ERS

That there is virtue in numbers and that every person is under the influence o f certain numbers was ta a P ught as far back as the d ys of ythagoras, and a vast collection o f books have been written r n conce ning this phase of superstitio . A ny clairvoyant to Whom you may go to have fortune will ask you on what day o f the month your fortune told Will ask you on what day o f the

» o u , month y were born and in what year . From this she will tell yo u whether to expect good o r evil

he c o mm Th fo r e fortune in t g year . e basis thes calculations has been handed down from very ancient times. ’ A e in e s ccording to astrolog rs , every letter on a ou name corresponds to a number, so th t if y understand ho w to calculate the numerical value o f your name you can foretell your future . ' The r the influence planets have numbe s, and they exert on you depends in how far . their numbers 102 MENS ND S PERS TI I NS 1 0 S I GNS , O A U T O 3

c o rresp o n d o a i with those in y ur name and d tes of 1m o rtant p events in your life . In t k horse racing, the names of the horses, a en n ct according to their numerical value , ofte predi

the result of the race . Every nation had its lucky and unlucky num u or bers that occ r in their mythology and hist y . The Greeks believed in the sacredness of the num T ber nine . hey had nine muses , nine principal e deities, nin oracles, etc . The R omans believed in the mystic three, the ‘ E n gyptia s in twelve, etc . The re Jews revered the number seven, and its u B re : S c rrence throughout the ible is markable even, a d ys of creation , seven lean years , seven fat years , n s i seve stars, seven time bath ng in the Jordan ,

o f . seven years followed by a year jubilee, etc

T r to K l w as his numbe , according aba a obtained

n o by adding the letters o f Ma and G d together . T d hirteen, as we know, has been regarde by Christians as a very unlucky number on account

o f the events following the Last S upper . Divination by numbers is a favorite pastime M and leads to some remarkable results . any historical events have been prophesied by this III w as 1808 and method . Thus Napoleo n born in 1 0 S I NS OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI 4 G , ONS

1 2 - — - assume d the empire in 8 5 . Add 1 8 0 8 to 18 52

’ 1 86 o f and you have 9, which foretold the end the empire about that time . The French Revolution occurred in 1 789 ; add this date to the sum o f its numbers and you have ’

1 8 1 f o f N n s . 4 , which oretells the end apoleo reign The dates of other personalities can be worked o ut the same way and the result is often remark ably correct . K o f s o f abala, or the occult science the Jew the M A o iddle ges, dep ended almost entirely up n the f mystic powers o numbers . Many problems in modern mathematics depend o n the mystic number n ine and both nine and seven are used by fortune tellers in divining the future .

LOTTE RY N UMB E RS AND USAGES

Lotteries are practically a thing of the past in A ‘ fl merica, but there was a time when they our ish ed and when everybody from the wage earner to the millionaire wagered his pile on some l ucky

In ‘ . S artic u number the outh , the fever raged p larl 1 1 y strong, and the Lou s ana Lottery and the Dismal S wamp Lottery counted their victims by P . , , w s re al nt is the million olicy too a very p v s , and

1 06 I GNS MENS AND SUPERS TI TI N S , O O S

In s not uc buying several lottery ticket , it is l ky to have , them all follow each other consecutively.

An interval should separate them . Odd numbers are more apt to bring prizes than N v . e en numbers umbers ending in three, nine, twelve or seven are the most likely to strike luck . A number g1ven yo u by a cripple is sure to be s f a - man or uccess ul , but that given by cross eyed to Woman is bound lose .

P REDI CTI ONS OF WEALTH

To have lots of hair o n your arms and fi ngers s n o f c i a sig oming wealth . When you throw a lump o f sugar into your co f fee o f i are or tea , the number bubbles that ar se f an indication o your future wealth . Many moles over your body indicate that you w ill be wealthy . To be born with a caul indicates that you will have luck and amass wealth . A birthmark in the “ middle o f the back indi m cates a wealthy arriage . T o be born during an eclipse, denotes hardship

n d a poverty. S ME N IGNS , O NS A D S UPERS TI TI ONS 107

DIVI NATI ON B " LETTE RS The most celebrated arrangement o f letters by which fortunes were f t o ld or cures effected was ' BR I the A BRA CA DA A . t is attributed to S ere

S r . nus, a celebrated physician of the econd centu y It is often written so that reading from the apex v r t the like an in erted py amid up to the righ side, T Same word will be spelled as at the top . hus

’ A B R A C A D A B R A . A B R A C A D A B R A B R A C A D A B A B R A C A D A A B R A C A D A B R A C A A B R A G A B R A

A B A

The belief 111 the wonderful p ow ers of this

- B word are well nigh universal . y writing it on a parchment and hanging it about the neck o f a s sick person , it would taunch blood , heal dis

r . orders , cu e toothache, etc Abracalam The Jews used a similar word, , D P 1 08 S I GNS , OMENS AN S U ERS TI TI ONS

I M to cur s . n A e disorder the iddle ges the word , ’ A n amaz a tas as p , if whispered into a man s ear, w supposed to cure epilepsy .

“ ” The word Bedo o h inscribed on rings and charms or o n helmets o r sabres is supposed to It bring good luck . comes from an A rab word “ ” Which means he has walked well .

“ ” The word Osy was used as a charm against s serpent , and caused them to lie still as the dead . Pythagoras considered the letter " a symbol o f life , and used it in his divinations . Anagrams are often used t o tell fortunes an d t o o f E decide the career a person . Thus leanor

D - E the avies, a well known nglish woman and

o f she wife a poet , became a prophetess because found that the letters o f her name could be trans “ ”

R O D . posed to read , eveal aniel

In t many countries , charms worn abou the neck and engraved with mystic letters have the power to keep away evil and cure disease .

D IVINATI ON B " B OO K S

In G ancient reece, when people wanted counsel o n a o f import nt matters, they Opened a scroll Homer at random and noted the lines covered

I ME AND PER TI 1 10 S GNS , O NS S U S TI ONS

k ’ la m ca e, a crust of bread and a pack of p y g cards . t n o n Wrap these up in a hin ha dkerchief and, n m getting i to bed , cross your thu bs and say

‘ ’ a r Lun , every woman s f iend, To me thy goodness condescend Let me this night m v1310ns see ’ Emblems of my destiny .

’ ’ On New Da is a the table Year s y a Bible l id on , o f E o f in some parts ngland, and each member the family opens it at random and from the contents o f the two open pages reads his destiny fo r the i ensu ng year .

’ The last chapter o f the Book o f Proverbs c on

- s o f tains thirty one ver es, each which is supposed

c on to have reference to one dayof a month . By sultin g these for the day of the month o n which you were born , you will have an indication as to which kind of occupation y o u will be most suc

" c e sf l T s - s u in . hu , the twenty fourth verse speaks

“ ” ‘ h a that the n of fine linen, w ich indic tes perso born o n that day will be successful as a manufacturer f o r seller o linen .

P RE CIOUS S TONE S Precious stones are supposed in all countries to have a special province in inducing fortunate M D P I 1 S IGNS , O ENS AN S U ERS TI T ONS 1 1

n Th i o r u lucky occurrences . e proper stone s ’ chosen according to the month of one s birth , each month being governed by a different gem . The following is the list of birth stones accord ing to the generally accepted belief

January, Garnet u Febr ary, Amethyst

M e arch , Bloodston A Dia pril, mond Ma E y, merald A June, gate R July, uby A x ugust, S ardony b S eptem er, S apphire Oc t O a ober, p l N T ovember, opaz D T ecember, urquoise

” In o f P the dictionary hrase and Fable , we find a different arrangement based o n astrological It : lore . is as follows

S ign of z odl ac A ries, the ram , T s auru , the bull, G t emini , the wins, C ancer . the crab . 1 12 I N M ’ D S G S , O ENS AN S UPERS TI TI ONS

S ign o f Zodiac Month S tone

v1r 1n R Leo, the g , August uby the Libra, balance, S eptember Jasper S D corpio, the scorpion , October iamond S N T agittarius, archer, ovember opaz C o O x apricorn , the g at, January ny A S quarius , waterman, February apphire P M C isces , the fishes, arch hrysolite

A ring presented to a person with his o r her birthstone is sure to bring good fortune .

’ o r n One s birthstone in a charm locket, wor o r about the neck, will bring luck in business spec

l n u atio .

COLOR S UPERSTITIONS

There has always been a disposition to co nnect ’ d one s personality with colors . People are suppose n ot only to have a fortunate 1 number but a lucky P n hue as well . la ets have a c ertain hue, and a per ’ o son s col r chart agrees with that of his star . Modern scientific research has proved the im f No e portance o color in a curative sense . matt r o r whether your native color is red blue , it is a fact that the color o f your wall paper may have a beneficial o r harmful effect o n you if you are ill .

11 I 4 S GNS , OMENS A ND S UP ERS TI TI ONS

The in carn at 1o n sin devil , as the of , is always represen ted as dressed ‘ in scarlet Y ellow and gold , according to some philosophers , c o es o nd to g p to the intellectual , red the sensual , t o and blue the spiritual , moral and religious na ture of man ;

o o f n White is the c lor i nocence , hence brides in dress white . Black is the color; of mourning i n European A o and merican nations , but white is the m urning

n l hue in o r1e t a countries .

Purple - w as considered the color o f rbyalty in

c o r an ient days , p robably on account f its fo mer x It fo r scarcity and e pensiveness . is also used e s econd mourning, as being a compromise betwe n black and gay colors . There is abelief that every jealous person had

r T i r e g een eyes . his dea no doubt was fo m d by the ’ fact that some people s eyes become phosphorescent n under great emotio . CH APTER " I

P LANT S UP E R S TITI ONS

k Q ua ing grass, also called maidenhair, if the brought into house brings bad luck . If mandrake is turned up in one ’ s garden it M should be burnt at once . any strange beliefs centre about this root . S ome believe it will cause e blindn ss if looked at too long .

To pick flowers before they are full blown , is said to cause a stye . March marigolds will cause drinking habits

’ if looked at too long . If poppies are held to the eyes , it is believed they will blind one . Primroses should not be brought into a house or the c where there are laying hens, chi kens will

not out .

‘ 1 15 CHAPTE R x11

BIRD AND I NS E CT S UP E RSTITI ONS

Ow n T ls are considered u lucky birds . heir hoarse and repellent voice is a bad omen and o means c ming disaster . “ Chaucer says : The owl brings tidings o f d ” eath . History tells that an owl once flew into the city of Rome and as a result the place was purified and sacrifices offered to propitiate the gods and avert trouble . e R A Befor the death of the oman emperor , nto

sit v ninus , an owl was observed to o er his chamber door. The Actian War w as foretold by owls flying ( R into the Temple of Concord in ome . In the Middle A ges the screeching of owls w as

“ supposed to foretell plague or other calamities .

R k . TO avens were considered equally unluc y A have a raven fly into one’ s bedroom f oretold dis “ ” The Po e The R aster . celebrated poem by , aven , h a fo r i s this belief its mot ve. Robins are considered lucky birds and it is 1 16

for cross with the foot every one in sight . It un ’ is lucky to look into an owl s nest . It isa bad omen to kill a swallow o r a Wren o r take their eggs . ’ Martins and swallows are God s teachers and c s holars and must not be annoyed .

I N S E CT OME N S

It If s o is unlucky to kill a spider . you wi h t the thrive , let spider stay alive . ’ A w eb spider s , encountered on the road should

not be , disturbed . \ A it t ram o little red ant , if s into the p cket, o brings m ney . " Crickets are considered harbingers of lack but in some countries the contrary holds good .

To a n t . kill a red , brings rain Bees swarming on a house means that some o n e will die there . If you see a black snail , throw it over your head for luck .

To kill a toad will make the bees swarm .

B EE S

b n o ne s When putting ees i to a new hive, mu t knock three times on top of the old hive and tell o them ; otherwise they will sting y u . S I GN S OMEN S A N D S UP ERS TI TI ON S 1 1 , 9

I f o n e r b any dies in a house whe e ees are kept , they must be told , otherwise they will stop gather ing honey and die too . In some country hives are turned around when a member of the family dies, otherwise the bees will also die . Bees are supposed to have a religious nature t t and to be subject o the emo ions of their owners . In Yorkshire there is a custom of watching the E T h hives on Christmas ve . e people profess to be able to tell by the humming noise the bees make ’ whether the holiday is to be a joyful one or not .

’ Bees have often been used for divination and the size of the swarm and the general behavior o f the bees prophesies good or bad crops. I f a hive of bees dies out , it is a sign of a com ing bad harvest and the farmer looks for another place to ply his profession . To be stung by a bee I f not followed by a

c o mm . swelling, is a sign of g fortune o If three bees alight upon y u at one time , it is a si n a s m e t suc s. . g th t your plan will e t wi h ces C H APTER " III

ANI MA L P ORTE NTS

The fo llo w mg are believed to foretell death Rats leaving a house ; a hare or white rabbit crossing your path ; a cow lowing th ree times in your face ; a shrewmouse running over your foot .

It to Ma I is unlucky keep a kitten born in y . t Ma c at should be drowned , as a y is supposed to ’ suck a child s breath . Goslings hatched in May bring no luck to the owner . It is unl ucky to bid a p r1c e for an animal that

The W t is not for sale . animal is apt to die i hin a month . ’ T o o covet another s beast will bring y u bad luck . If a pig is killed while the moon is waning, it will be unprofitable and the bacon will shrink in t he pot .

A gray horse brings good luck . S pit on the little finger and rub it on the horse , and money will come t o you . I f you see a young spring lamb with the head

o u . towards y , it means good fortune 1 20

£22 S I N ME D PERS TI TI G S , O NS AN S U ONS

To meet a goat unexpectedly 1s bad luck ; to

meet a sheep is a good sign .

HOW LI N G OF D OGS

The howling of dogs has always been c on sid

D su ered a Sign of coming disaster . ogs are p p osed to have a peculiar sense of coming trouble .

In n case of sick ess, a dog is supposed to foretell the outcome .

A n o ld writer says : A s o dd and un ac c o un t it c able as may seem , dogs s ent death even before

' it seiz es a person

“ In O E ma are the dyssey, the dogs of u eus de scribed as terrified at the sight of Minerva though

she was invisible to human eyes . The howling of dogs is believed to presage

e s e d ath, especially in houses where om one is lying ill . When dogs tremble and wallow upon the earth

it is a Sign of wind and storm . Horses and cattle are often supposed to have T this trait in common with dogs . heir keen sense o f al smell , or perhaps some sense which mort s do no t o s s n p s ess , enables them to di cover ill ess and

danger. S I GNS OMENS A N D S UP ER I 1 2 , S T TI ONS 3

B LA C K CA TS There are conflicting beliefs regarding the ih fluenc e of black cats . S ome consider them a sure t Sign of good luck, o hers regard them With dread an d aw e . A black cat without a Single white hair is l ucky, particularly if it comes to you unsolicited . I f you start out to undertake any new work or to hunt and a black cat crosses your path , you will

" c be very lu ky in your undertaking .

If yo u t ry to coax a black c at » to come and he

re runs away, you will be disappointed in your sultsi

‘ To s kill a black cat is very unlucky, and mean r misfo tune for a year . A m E re ong gyptians, cats were regarded with

i i T e l g o us aw e . hey wer mummified and buried in

n bem the graves with huma gs .

Witches had a fondness for black cats , and used

In c h t o . t em in their divina i ns soothsaying, ats have always played an important role . The brain of a bla ck c at w as considered an important ingredient in the recipes and p resc rip tionso f the witches in the Middle Ages . The meowing o f a black cat at midnight is a bad omen , and foretells a death . C HAP TER " IV

METEORO LOGI CA L B E LIE FS To walk under a rainbow is supposed to be un o f lucky, as the light a rainbow , while good in itself, harms the one it shines on . / To be sun sho w er out in a is good luck , and whatever you venture in that hour will be success ful . Thunder and lightning are both lucky and uh lucky according to the direction from which they come . A n even number of thunder reports in quick f succession have no e fect , but an uneven number will bring luck . The ancients considered thunder as an indica

as tion that Jove w angry .

T 1 a sk hunder from cloudless y, is considered an indication of luck . To see a new moon for the first time after a change o n the right- hand side or directly in front

see of you betokens good luck , but to it behind you on your left, is a bad omen . To begin a jo urney or other important work in 124

1 26 I M N A ND P S GNS , O E S S U ERS TI TI ONS of season and foretells bad weather in the ‘ near future . S treaks of light radiating out of clouds behind

- n Th the su foretell rain . e sun is sa1d to be suck ing up moisture .

The moon on her back holds water in her lap .

‘ A The halo around the moon indicates rain . bigger the wheel , the nearer the moisture .

I f even m 1s o f the g star m front the moon,

fo r look out rain .

a s . When a guine fowl or peacock call , prepare f o r rain . The call of the green woodpecker is a Sign of rain Rooks gathering in large numbers and flying

c 1rcle . in a , foretell rain I f o n the it rains on Friday, it will surely rain

n next S u day. S hooting of corns or the aching of an o ld wound foretell rain . If during the harvest a rake is carried with it s

w et teeth up , it will be a harvest

When the cat scratches the leg of the table,

z aw in snee es , draws her p over her forehead washing her face or frisks about the house, it is a sure Sign of rain . S I GNS OMENS AND S UP RS I TI N 1 2 , E T O S 7

The following are indications o f rain : When t r cricke s chirp louder than usually , when a rooste an d flies on the gate crows , when a dog eats grass , and when snails are abundant . Wind in the east is good neither for man or beast . b Wind in the west suits every ody best . i When the rob ns sing high in the tree, the weather will be fine , but if they sing low down, it will rain soon .

S ea l o n gu ls land bring rain . “ k ’ Red s . y at night , Shepherd s delight ’

Red . sky in the morning, shepherd s warning

Early mist indicates a fine day . If C ice will bear a man before hristmas , it will not bear a mouse afterwards . If the sun shines through the apple trees on

C f o f . hristmas , it oretells a fine crop apples “ If F r in eb uary there be no rain , ’ The hay won t prosp er nor the grain . " All other months o f the year curse a fine Feb ruar y . I f the sun she a cat lies in in February, will creep under the grate in March . “ the ash um When oak comes before the , s mer. Wl ll be dry and mas 2 I MENS AND S PERS TI TI 1 8 S GNS , O U ONS

R o n G E Da brifn s ain ood Friday and aster y , g l l ” ots of grass but litt e hay . Co Ma " k u t ld y , short hay Lea y J ne, plen y of corn " n t S ithm s Da I f o S . w it rains y, the apples are christened and the early kind may be picked .

Warm October means a cold February .

S now that lingers will bring more snow .

COMET S A N D METE ORS

That the sudden appearance of a big star with a long tail should cause fear and apprehension is P f n . ew but atural rimitive man, in fact until a a saw dec des ago , in the fiery celestial visitor a

o f In reli l o sure omen disaster . g us countries in

M A a e m w as the iddle ges, the app ear nc of a co et

associated with the second coming of Christ . In 1 1 2 the year 7 , Whiston , a clergyman and

e astronomer, predicted the appearance of a com t and stated that the world would be destroyed by The fire a few days thereafter . comet appeared

punctually according to his calculations, and the inhabitants o f England began to prepare for the

o f P believ end the world . eople got into boats

ing that the water was the safest place . Divine . r w as se vice held in all churches, and rich men

OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS

Lovers seeing shooting stars and wishing for l e w health , wealth wil hav their ish gratified . C HAPTE R " V .

VOCATI O N A L S UP E R S TITI ONS

S UP E RS TITI ONS OF KI N GS

K ing Harold of England considered S aturday his lucky day . c C A cording to eltic chronicles , each king of

S e a w as cotland had som f vorite day, and . forbid den by the astrologers o f his reign from doing certain things on designated days . The kings o f Ireland were not allowed to have

sun o n the fall their beds at Tara Castle . The K ing o f Munster was forbidden to have a feast at K illarney from Monday to the e n d of the week . The K ing o f Connaught believed it ill luck to wear a speckled garment o r to ride a speckled o h rse . The K ing o f Ulster would not go to certain parts o f his kingdom during March for fear o f disaster . October 1 4th was supposed t o be a lucky day fo r the kings of England . 1 31 1 2 S I NS ME D 3 G , O NS AN S UP ERS TI TI ONS

The sixth of April w as a lucky day for Alexan n der the Great . O that d ay he conquered Darius and won a great sea battle . The sixth o f April was also lucky for Alexan ’ P o f M h - . h der s father , hillip acedon O that day e d P ae his II capture otid a, general overthrew the l ri n s and his e h n y a , hors w on at t e Olympia games . The month o f January has been unlucky for I kings . Charles was beheaded tha t month .

" Napoleon III and K ing Victor Emmanuel o f Italy died in January . K ing Louis " VI of France found the Z I st an

n A 2 I i 0 as . O st w important day pril , 77 , he

o f . o c married, and every great event his reign o n 2 1 t 1 he . On s curred that day January , 793, was beheaded . Cromwell considered the 3rd of S eptember as his lucky day . He gained several great victories o n that date . The Duke of Monmouth was told by a fortu ne ’ rv —i hin s D he teller that if he su ived S t . S w t ay a H e Ha . on a would be great man died th t y. Nap oleon Bona parte considered Friday his um lucky day and Monday his fortunate day . Henry IV o f France considered Friday lucky

1 S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI NS 34 , O

1 T play s unlucky . o bo rrow money during a game is lucky . In Monte Carlo and other gambling places there is a belief that after a suicide of an unlucky player, ll a those playing against the bank will win . When k the news of a suicide becomes nown, therefore, the Card rooms at once fill with eager players .

I f o u s at y wi h a friend to win cards , stick a pin in the lapel of his coat . To drop a card o n the floor during a game is

a o s o f a . a bad sign , and me ns the l s th t game

S in m la m a o g g , while p y g, is a sign th t y ur side will lose . To have another person look over your shoul der t e while playing, or put his foot on h rung of your chair, is a forerunner of bad luck . To play at the same table with a cross- eyed man is a Sign that you will lose . To lose your temper or get into a passion over the game is a Sign of a loss . ar It The four of clubs is an unlucky c d to get . ’ is called the devil s be dstead . It helps your luck to keep the chips carefully stacked up before you . Most players have their ow n private sup erst i A e tions based on past experiences . c rtain hand S I GNS OME NS AND S UP ERS TI TI NS 1 , O 35

al ways foretells good luck , while the cards com m ing in a certam order ay mean the reverse . Winning the first game often means that you

will win the third . Holding your cards in a

certa in w ay brings success .

P o n laying certain days is unlucky for some , f T P 6 . . lucky o r others . o play before M on

Fridays is unlucky .

’ Turning one s chair around three times is ’ often resorted to t o change one s luck . Playing with a fresh deck of cards is another w ay o f forcing the goddess o f fortune to be

propitious . Most players have a lucky card which they touch with the index finger before sitting down

T . to play . his insures good fortune

A CTORS ’ S UPE R STITI ON S A r cto s may be counted among , the most super stitio us T people in the world . heir success de n so a pe ds upon m ny unforeseen contingencies, an d so e , many el ments enter into their enter prises, that they look with awe and misgiving .

i a . In f e n up o n every trivial incident . di f re t conn ff th tries they have di erent rites and beliefs, but e 1 6 S I GNS MENS A D S UP ERS TI TI ON S 3 , O N

following seem to be the most prevalent in Eng lish- speaking lands

is o f Whistling in a theatre a sign very bad lucky and there is no offense that is more quickly It frowned upon by the manager . was formerly ’ difii cult for a vaudeville artist w ho made a specialty of whistling in his act to get an engage n ient . It is considered bad luck to change the costume in which an actor first made his success in a

In piece . cases of a long run the garment is often worn until it becomes threadbare . ’ The witches song in Macbeth is believed ~ to have an uncanny power for evil , and many actors d cannot be in uced to play in that tragedy . To repeat the last lines o f a play at rehearsals is considered an ill omen . The pictures of an ostrich o r peacock are con sidered unlucky . To turn the handle of the wrong door in seeking a manager o r play—broker is considered very un

To lucky . ward against failure , the applicant o ut must return home and start afresh next day . The Yellow is an unlucky color for an actor . ’ color o f one s costume often creates a loss o f memory while learning a part

1 8 S I NS MENS AND PERS TI TI N 3 G , O S U O S

THEATRE S UP E RSTITI ON S Managers have their pet superstitions as well as actors . To accept a play that has not been refused by at least one manager is considered by some as a

‘ Sign of failure . I f the first purchaser of seats for a performance is an old man or o ld woman it means that the A play will have a long run . young person means the reverse . To receive a torn bank note for a ticket is a

s1 n x f bad g for the bo o fice man , and means a loss o f A position . big bill for which he must make change is a good omen . If an usher seats a person in seat thirteen or a multiple thereof , he will have bad luck . A n usher considers it bad luck to have a lady e ’ tip him for a program , but a g ntleman s tip

' insures good luck . The first tip o f the season is briskly rubbed on ’ the leg of the usher s trousers an d then kept in his pocket as a lucky piece . To receive a smile from an actor over the footlights is a good omen . A woman fainting in a theatre is considered a S I GNS OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ONS 1 , 39

bad sign and means that the play will come to a en speedy d.

A death in a playhouse - during a performance

a un ex is a cert in hoodoo , and usually ends in an

ected o f p termination of the run the play .

COMME RC IA L TRAVE LLE RS ’ S UP E RS TITI ON S

T e rav lling men, whose lives are a constant s t rifles truggle after orders, are apt to consider as

o f o r an index coming fortune , the reverse, and

many are their peculiar beliefs . o n o ut When, starting , a drummer finds he

n o has forgotten his order book , he will take i orders till it s sent after him . A necktie worn when the first order is taken

18 often worn till the end of the trip , as it brings good luck . With some , the suit takes the place f o the tie . A salesman often goes into a stranger’ s store and tries to sell a bill before tackling his o w n

regular customer . He believes that if he is turned l down by one , he wi l be sure to sell the right man . A flock o f sheep seen o n starting out is a good

o r o f . Sign . A pig drove pigs is even better 1 0 S I GNS OMEN A ND P ER I 4 , S S U S T TI ON S

If no order has been taken for several days , the r conscientious travelle will rest up for a day, take a bath and change his clothes for a change o f luck . Muttering some incantation o r wish while a diffit customer is making up his m1n d is often resorted to . A lucky pocket- piece twirled in the left hand is supposed to insure an order where the customer is undecided . A horseshoe carried in the bottom o f a sample trunk is supposed to insure success during the trip .

DRE S S MA KERS AND S E AMS TRE S S ES S eamstresses have a code of beliefs of their

o w n . , many of which are curious To prick a finger and draw blood while sewing a bride’ s dress bodes ill for the bride’ s married

To life . stain the dress with blood means an ea rly death for the wearer . ’ To try o n a bride s dress by the seamstress and wear it for an hour be fore the bride wears it

f r h e betokens an engagement o t e seamstr ss . ’ To lose a thimble while making a bride s dress means exceptionally good luck for the bride

1 2 S I GNS MENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS 4 , O natural that sailors should attach a meaning to everything that promises a safe voyage . The sea is supposed to be filled with monsters n ot p ro that cause no end of trouble if they are _ A n p itiat ed by some rite . fleet o the sea drives away these monsters . A sailing vessel is supposed to sail faster when run mn g from an enemy than otherwise . By speaking to his sailing vessel as he would

to a horse , many an old salt believes he gets greater

speed . A kingfisher hanged by a nail to the mast is

used to prophesy the direction o f the wind .

When a great auk, an aquatic bird , appears ,

sailors believe they will have a speedy voyage .

I f n the bird settles o deck it is a good omen .

S eeing three magpies predicts a successful voy: f . One is o age magpie, however, a Sign bad

luck .

A ' seal is considered a lucky omen , and it is

n wicked to kill o e . " A n albatross brings good luck and creates

To f avorable winds . kill an albatross is an omen o f T very bad luck . his is portrayed in the “ M ” Rime of the Ancient ariner . S I GN S OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ON 1 , S 43

A dove alighting o n a ship is a sign o f favor

able winds . Dolphins and porpoises playing about a ship

presage a storm . A n eight - arm cuttlefish is regarded by sailors

as a bad omen . Barnacles that cling to a ship are believed to change into birds after the vessel has been on a ix cruise for s months . French sailors dread the nocturn al visits of a sort of mischievous Puck or sprite who is sup

posed to play pranks while they sleep . A n appeal to the Virgin is supposed by Latin

sailors to calm a storm at sea .

S ailing on Friday is considered bad luck . S teamers do not now fear this day as much as

formerly . t o When a Chinese junk is ready to go sea , priests are invited to go on board to chant a ff T1en H o w prayer and o er a sacrifice to , the

god of the sea . Gongs and drums are beaten . . A shark following a ship is looked upon as a sure sign o f death o f o n e o f the passengers o r c rew . When a storm arises and a vessel is in danger it is supposed that a sinful person is on board 1 SI GNS MENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS 44 , O

T and causes the trouble . his belief grew out of the f story o Jonah . Most sailors make the Sign o f the cross before a l unching a boat in an an gry sea . Christening new ships is a relic of an ancient rite when wine w as offere d to Neptune as a pro i i r p t ato ry sacrifice to insu e his favor . The custom of blessing a ship is an old one and

is supposed to keep a ship from harm . Carrying dead bodies o n shipboard is regarded

“ with superstitious dread by sailors , and those that die during a voyage are usually buried at

sea.

FI S HE RME N ’ S S UP E RS TITI ONS

D e uring oyster dredging, fishermen often ke p

' up a monotonous c hant to charm the oysters into f ll m their net . This has given rise to the o o w g

o ld o n fisher verse , reprinted from an book men’ s lore “ The o n herring loves the merry m o light, The mackerel loves the wind ;

’ ‘ o But the oyster l ves the dredger s song,

he comes of gentle kind . “ For Norwegian fishermen perform a sort o f sacred i T rite before going o n the hunt for herr ng . hey

1 6 I . ME I I N 4 S GNS , O NS AND S UPERS T T O S some mysterious meaning and believe that certain S signs or omens will bring good o r bad luck . ome o f their superstitions are childish , but their belief in them often brings the desired results .

On w a the y to the races, if a turfman sees a

is t da name like that of the horse that run tha y, he takes it for an omen that the horse will win . The initials o f names on signboards o r the headlines in the paper he is reading are all made t o do service in spelling the name of the horse that is to be victorious . To meet a funeral on the w ay to the track is e a bad omen, although an empty hearse denot s good luck . To dream of a horse that is entered for a race n o t r is lucky, but it will win the fi st time it is It ho . w run is sure to win the second time,

an d . ever, it is safe to bet on it then To meet a cross- eyed man o n the way to the

- track is very bad , but to meet a cross eyed woman A - is lucky . cross eyed negro foretells the best kind of luc k .

To c at meet a black brings bad luck , while T a white cat is excellent . o be followed by a

'

- To s e a strange dog is a good Sign . e a pieb ld horse means success . I MENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS 1 S GNS , O 47

To give alms to a blind beggar brings good luck and to touch the hump of a hunchback man is a f sure Sign o success . When the saddle girth of a horse gets loose and

o ff the jockey is obliged to get and tighten it , it

in is a sure bet that the horse will w . Money that is w o n should be carried loose in It the pocket , and not in a purse or wallet . will then pave the w ay for more .

To find money on the track is a bad thing .

It should be given away in charity .

B A S E B A LL S UP E R S TITI ON S

Baseball players have a curious code of beliefs, ff T which di er with nearly every team . hey have

their mascots, that are supposed to. bring them “ ” aw e good luck, and stand in of the jinx that _ often defeats their best plans . When a team runs behind in its score a change o f pitcher or catcher often retrieves their chances .

It n is u lucky to play with a bat that is split , A even if the damage is slight . new bat must

be procured . If o n the way to the game any name is en co un

tered t u m o f tha s ggests the na e of one the teams,

that team will be successful . 1 s I NS OMENS AND S PERS I I N 4 S G , U T T O S

’ If any part of a player s uniform is missing

o r . torn , it means bad luck for the team

- A cross eyed umpire is tabooed as a hoodoo . ” To o r - n have a southpaw , left ha ded pitcher, brings good luck to the team . It is a common belief that the team losing the in first innings will w the game at the en d .

W A ITE R S ’ S UP E R STITI ONS

Waiters , depending as they must upon chance tips, are very prone to be superstitious, and have developed a series o f rites and ceremonies that c are supposed to bring them the oveted fee .

Drawing out A a chair for the customer to seat

- If th h imself is sure to bring a good sized fee . e customer for any reaso n takes a different seat

1 from that indicated it 5 a bad omen .

- A certain arrangement of knife and fork is

The sure to produce a good result . fork must lie near the plate and the knife o n the outside

A n . and parallel . y other arrangement is bad Opening up the napkin for the customer is a good Sign . To bring a customer a second portion of but If ter before he asks for it is good . a c ustomer

C HAPTER " VI

MI S CE LLA NE OUS

P ORTE NTS OF EVI L

Furniture creaking at night without visible cause , is a Sign of death or illness . Letters c ro ssmg in the mail betoken evil for tune . When the church bell strikes while the parson is giving out his text, some one in the congrega tion will die .

Ringing sounds in the ear foretell trouble .

Three people making up a bed is a bad Sign, and foretells illness to one o f them . “ ” i Th a. e ticking of a death tick, minute nsect

o is . that lives in wo d, a Sign of coming trouble

B REA KI N G FRI EN D S HI P

When poker an d tongs hang both on the same side of the fireplace it betokens a breaking o f friendship . P on assing a friend the stairs , foretells a rupture . 1 50 S I GNS OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ONS 1 1 , 5

When two persons kindle a fire together, it fore tells that they will soon quarrel . Tw o persons washing their hands in the same

o r basin using the same towel at the same time , had better beware, for their friendship will be of short duration . In o f Wi all the above cases, making a cross th the thumb will prevent the evil from being carried

o ut .

D RI N KI NG TOA S TS Drinking to the health of a friend is a very old custom and goes back to the beginning o f civil iz atio n The Roman gallant would drink as many glasses as there were letters in the name f o his sweetheart .

The origin of the word toast is uncert ain .

' A n old writer claims that in the reign of Charles S the econd , a piece of toasted bread was dropped l n W w it the ine, and that a , seeing that the wine “ ’ ff : If I had all been qua ed , remarked can t drink I ” the wine , can at least have the toast . To give o r drink a toast sign ifies to offer a sen timent o f in honor some dear person, and wish

o r o It to be him her g od health . is supposed

efficacious . 1 2 S I GNS OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ON 5 , S

The ancients poured w ine upon the ground in Th n honor of the gods . e mo der feaster prefers to

o h e in Of his pour it int ims lf honor friends .

" Many a man drinks to the health o f others an d forgets about his o w n health . To break a glass while drinking a toast is a bad

ma in the r o f the omen, and y result ea ly death p erson toasted . To spill w 1h e w hile udrinkin g a toast is a good an d to the omen, and brings health happiness on e concerned .

P I OUS E " A CULATIONS

The custom of qualifying an assertion o r a wish w it so me hu pious remark in order to avert trouble, is well-nigh universal and was as prevalent among s the ancients a with us .

The R o f ih omans, whenever they told t heir tended movemen ts o r o f anything they expected to

accomplish in the future, always prefixed their I “ ?’ remarks with D eo Vo len tej or some similar words .

The r A Go d mode n merican says , willing, when

x ~ T he tells of something he e pects to do . his is ’ supposed to remove any hoodoo that may inter

fere w ith his anticipated deed.

1 I NS MENS AND PER S G O S U TI , 54 , S TIONS name o f the Deity into their ordinary conversa “ ” “ ” “ ” i t A . Me n o t c t Go tt M on Dim tion G , , , etc . , “ D T r . a e take place of our ear me , etc hey in o f as s not used the spirit blasphemy, but piou words to avert evil . M o ut o n n n any people before starting a y erra d, o r sa even before entering a room , y to themselves, “ ” G o r o f ood luck, other phrase, in the nature a silent prayer .

Birthday wishes , festival wishes and congratula tions are all related to this same class of prayers o r e the pious wishes , and are supposed to influenc t to s mysterious power hat rules the universe, end its best gifts and to keep away harm . C HAPTER " VII S UPERSTITI ONS OF TH E ORTHODO" " E W S

The following is a list of some of the most M common beliefs of the orthodox Hebrews. any o f them have their original in some Biblical quota tion or in some interpretation of a Biblical text . This collection is taken from the pages of the “ E ” Jewish ncyclopedia . A nimal — To see an animal in an unexpected place indicates the finding of a treasure . Bachelor z— B achelors are not looked on with

. A s favor it is not good to be alone, every man is supposed to marry . S and is strewn before the

a . hearse when a bachelor is buried , as reproach

B -To e w as arrenness cure barr nness, water prescribed in which moss taken from the Temple wall in Jerusalem was cooked . Bat To kill a bat with a gold coin was con sid r d e e lucky . ’ Bathtub A child s bathtub was not to be used o r for any other purpose, the child would meet with misfortune . 1 6 S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI ONS 5 ,

’ Bear : To eat a bear s heart would convert the eater into a tyrant . Bed It is considered lucky for girls to sit ’ b nd o n a c s a . a ride s bed, will au e other marri ges Blood : As blood was supposed to carry the fe on is li of the animal and was used the altar, it a n not e ten by professi g Jews .

r : Blood as a cu e For many illnesses, blood o n The was smeared the breast and forehead . blood o f a rooster was usually taken fo r this e purpos .

B e : fishbo n e n on When a e has b e swallowed , fishbo n e o an d f n ; place another n the head, the of e d ing bon e will be either ej ected or swallowed com

let el p y . Book : It is dangerous to gO ’ away and leave a book open . Bread : A fter saying the usual blessing over bread at a meal ( grace) , the bread should be cut in two before eating. Bride : If o n the return from the marriage ’ she canopy, the bride takes the groom s hand , If the will be the ruling power in the family .

‘ ’

ke e d w . groom ta s the brid s han , he ill be boss “ Broom A table should never be brushed OH

a ma e . with broom, as it y bring pov rty

1 8 S I GNS OMENS AND S UPERS TI TI ON 5 , S spit three times o n your finger tips and make a o quick m vement with your hand through the air . E e If the y the right eye itches, rejoice ; if e ou 1 l ft, y will gr eve . e Fingers When washing the fingers, hold th m

so o ff E l downwards that the water will drip . vi spirits will depart with the water . Feet Itching of the feet denotes that you will make a voyage to a place you have never been to . ’ H : I f o n air child s hair is cut certain days , an elflock will grow .

: In Looking back running from danger, ’ never look back , or like Lot s wife , you will come to grief . Money : In taking money out of a purse or c box, always leave a coin, however small, as a lu k token . Money : Dreaming of money is a Sign o f bad luck . ’ Mourning : Don t weep too long for the de

’ parted or you may have t o weep for s ome one else . n m Weep three days, mour seven, and refrain fro wear ing jewelry for thirty days .

Oven It is unlucky to leave an oven empty . o f When you are not baking in it, keep a piece S I GN S OMENS AND S UP ERS TI TI ONS 1 , 59

to wood within, or you may not have anything bake .

R I f o ne u fo r it ats rats leave ho se ; another , is a Sign o f bad luck for the first and good luck

fo r the second . S hoes : Never walk o ut with only o ne Shoe I o r . t slipper on your foot may forecast a death .

In S . hroud making a shroud , avoid knots S isters : Tw o sisters should not marry o n thé tw o tw o same day, nor should brothers marry sisters . Both bring bad luck . S weeping It is unlucky to sweep out a room at night or to throw sweepings into the street after sundown . Widowhood : The fourth husband o f a widow will die soon after his marriage . n S pitting : When a p erson spits at a other, he ’ s ns takes over the other si . Travelling Monday is a bad day fo r travel T a ling, but uesday is a lucky d y.