Signs, omens and superstitions

“She that pricks bread with fork or knife, will never be a happy wife.”

“Mend your clothes upon your back, sure you are to come to wrack.”

It is unlucky to use elder wood or evergreen to make a fire.

To find an old flint arrow is considered lucky.

To find nine peas in a pod is a forerunner of luck.

The extreme tip of a calf’s tongue, dried and carried in the pocket, will insure having some money always in your purse.

A luck-stone, with a hole in it, is sure to bring luck.

Four persons shaking hands in crosswise fashion, foretell a coming marriage.

Two bells ringing in the house at one time foretell a parting. So also does a hollow cavity in a fresh-cut cake and a loaf that breaks in two while being cut.

To enter a house with the left foot first brings bad luck to the occupants.

CHRISTENING CUSTOMS

Christening, as the name indicates, is a ceremony which has for its object the consecrating of a child to the service of Christ, and starting him on his career as a Christian. It had its origin in the rites of John the Baptist, who belonged to a sect that believed that immersion in water would wash away all sins and prepare the neophyte for the Kingdom of God, which was supposed to be near at hand.

In the middle ages a child was usually presented by its godparents with silver or gold spoons. A rich sponsor often gave a set of twelve spoons, one for each of the disciples. Less wealthy people gave one or more spoons. These were considered lucky and induced the child to lead a virtuous life.

The phrase “born with a silver spoon in its mouth,” arose from this custom.

A silver cup is often given and the child that drinks from it is supposed to drink happiness during its life.

The gift of coral and amber in the form of a chain or charm to a new-born baby is also believed to bring good luck. Coral is supposed to be a defense against “Fascination” or witchcraft. Amber keeps away infectious diseases.

A Sunday christening is considered lucky and the child will grow up devout.

A child should always be dressed in white at its christening. Red ribbons should be avoided.

Three articles are frequently given a child when it is taken to be christened: egg, salt and a coin. These will give it strength, happiness and wealth.

Baptism in a church is luckier than in private.

When a child gives a lusty yell during its christening, it is a sign that it will have strong lungs through life.

If two children, a male and a female, are baptised together, the male should have the preference or it will grow up to be effeminate.

BELIEFS CONCERNING CHILDREN

It is unlucky to measure a baby with a string or tape measure, as it may stop growing.

To step over a young child is unlucky and may stunt its growth.

To hand a child through an open window will stop the little one’s growth.

Children that cry a lot are sure to be lucky. They will develop fine eyes and broad shoulders. This does not apply where the crying is caused by illness or pain.

Women in pregnancy often refuse to take an oath before an officer of the court as it is supposed to influence the unborn child.

It is supposed to be unlucky for a child to walk backward when going on an errand.

In Scotland, when a young baby is taken out for its first airing, the mother or nurse gives something to eat to the first person she meets. This ensures the baby’s good luck. It is called “the bairn’s piece.”

When a child is taken from its mother and carried out of the bedroom for the first time, it is luckier to take it upstairs than down. If there is no upstairs, the same effect can be accomplished by mounting a short elevation, a platform, or the rung of a ladder.

When a baby is carried to church to be baptized, it should be carried by a woman who is known to have had good luck.

When a baby is carried into a neighbor’s house for the first time, it should be carried there by the mother herself, in order to insure good luck. First of all, however, the baby should be carried to church.

A creeping child will have better luck than one that does not creep.

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

BELIEFS CONCERNING EGGS

Eggs have many mystic meanings, and in olden times were supposed to symbolize the world. The yoke represented our earth, the white was its atmosphere, and the shell was the firmament. It was believed that the universe had its origin in an egg, and that God brooded over it until it was hatched out. Milton says: “Dovelike satst brooding o’er the vast abyss.”

According to an old theorist, the egg typified the Messiah, the seed that was to bring forth salvation. The Abyssinians portray the world as a great ostrich egg.

The Syrians used to speak of their ancestors as the progeny of eggs. The Hawaiians believe that their island was produced by the bursting of a huge egg which had been laid on the water by a bird.

The ancients often said, “Everything springs from the egg. It is Nature’s cradle.”

Egyptians worshipped Cneph, the architect of the world, who was represented with an egg coming out of his mouth.

The druids used eggs in their religious festivals and considered it the symbol of fecundity. Every druid wore an egg about his neck, encased in gold, as a symbol of his priestly authority.

The Jews use an egg in their Passover service as a symbol of Divine Power and help.

Eggs laid on Good Friday are revered in Catholic countries as bringing good luck, and are carefully kept all year as talismans. They are supposed to keep the house free from fire.

In Scotland an “eirack’s” egg, that is, the first egg that is laid by a young hen, is gathered as the principal ingredient of Hallowe’en charm. At midnight the egg is broken so that the white issues out drop by drop. It is allowed to fall into a wine glass two-thirds full of water. The palm of the hand is placed over the rim of the glass which is turned bottom up, and the albumen settles down near the hand. It assumes vague, shadowy forms which foretell the occupation the person will best thrive in. Thus, if it looks like a ship, the man should become a sailor.

Another custom in connection with an “eirack’s” egg, is to take the white in one’s mouth and go out into the night without swallowing a drop. If one hears the name of a man or woman called out aloud, it foretells the name of the future wife or husband.

Among other curious Hallowe’en customs is the following: Take a hard-boiled egg, remove some of the yoke, and fill it up with salt. Then eat the egg, salt and shell. Do not drink a drop of water till morning. If you dream of a person of the opposite sex, it means a marriage, but if the person you dream of seems to offer you a glass of water, it means that you will be jilted.

Birds’ eggs have been believed to have many mysterious qualities. The eggs of an owl put into the cup of a drunkard will cause a loathing of liquor.

A stork’s egg was also considered as a cure of the habit of drinking.

Persons afflicted with ague are instructed to visit the nearest crossroads five times in succession and there bury a new-laid egg. Their disease will leave them by morning and never return. Strict silence must be maintained during the whole operation, as to speak to any one would prevent its success.

For the plague, eggs were often prescribed. They were usually filled with drugs.

It is believed in England’s rural districts that if one brings primroses into a house, the number must be at least thirteen, as the hens about the place will only hatch so many eggs during the season as there are primroses.

When flowers blossom early and are numerous, it is believed that hens lay more than in other seasons.

When owners of horses eat eggs, it is said that they should eat an even number, otherwise some mischief will befall their horses. Grooms are not allowed to eat eggs, and jockeys must wash their hands after eating them.

Farmers’ wives usually set their hens on an odd number of eggs, for to set them on an even number often results in a failure to hatch out a brood.

In Derbyshire the number of eggs put under a hen must be either eleven or thirteen. If twelve eggs are set, the brood will not hatch out, or will come to grief afterward.

In setting a litter of eggs under a hen it is lucky to swing a lighted candle over the nest as a charm to prevent hawks or other animals from destroying the eggs or the young chicks.

In some Catholic countries, the tenth egg laid by a fowl is supposed to be bigger than the rest, and is usually offered 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 myth in many countries. To receive such a valuable gift, it is necessary to invoke the name and help of the devil.

In some sections, it is considered unlucky to let eggs go out of the house after sunset. It is also considered unlucky to gather eggs after dark. All eggs should be gathered in the forenoon. It is unlucky to gather eggs on Sunday or to set a hen on the Sabbath.

Duck’s eggs, brought into the house after sunset will never hatch.

Egg shells should not be burned, or the hens will cease to lay.

Eggs brought into the house or barn over running water, will not hatch.

When a child visits a house for the first time, it is lucky to give him an egg that was laid that morning. It will give the child a “start in life” that will bring success.

To dream of an egg is lucky and means that a fortune is at hand.

Strings of blown egg shells hung up in a dwelling are unlucky, but if hung up in an outhouse, bring good luck.

Bats were supposed to come from eggs that had been hatched out by toads.

In Java the bride, as a sign of submission, kneels before her master, then treads upon an egg and washes his feet with the yoke.

The offering of an omelette to a newly married man by his mother-in-law, as a sign of devotion, is an old custom in Russia.

CHARMS AND AMULETS

The word “amulet” comes from the Arab, “Hamala,” which means to carry about. It is a charm or object usually hung about the neck or on the wrist to ward off sickness and evil. A charm is similar in its effect.

People are spoken of as having a charmed life, which means that they seem to be immune to accidents or illness. Many wear charms to insure this result.

Some charms are engraved with peculiar figures called “talismans,” which are supposed to have the power to prevent loss or illness. They are often engraved on some seal or precious stone, and worn on the finger or on a chain about the neck.

The practice of wearing charms or amulets is very ancient, and many of the objects found in Egyptian tombs are amulets, intended to serve the spirits of the dead. Many charms have obtained historic importance, as for instance the famous Spanish opal in the British museum.

The czar was supposed to be fond of an ancient ring in which is embedded a piece of the true cross. It was supposed to shield its wearer from death and danger, although it hardly helped him to keep his throne. He attached such importance to it, that on one occasion he started out on a journey without it, when suddenly discovering his loss, he delayed the trip eight hours till a messenger went and got it.

Oriental wrestlers will not go into the prize ring without wearing a charm about their necks.

Modern folks for the most part wear some sort of amulet, or carry a charm in their pockets, but they do it secretly. They may not actually believe in its efficacy but want to get the benefit of it in case it should have some hidden virtue.

Horseshoe-shaped pins, or charms, are considered very lucky, so is four-leaved clover. Wishbones, too, have come into favor in recent years as they are supposed to have the power of making one’s wishes come true.

Little pigs are popular as charms, as they are supposed to bring good luck. In fact, the Germans say, “Ich habe Schwein,” when they want to signify that they are lucky.

Lucky pennies or other coins are to be found in many pockets. They drive away evil influences in business operations and bring luck in money matters. They must be turned over in one’s pocket at the time of the transaction.

Horse chestnuts or a small potato are considered efficacious charms against rheumatism. They must be carried in the pocket where they soon become hard and absorb all tendency to disease.

The relics of the saints, such as particles of bones, bits of hair, etc., or splinters from the cross, have been revered in all Christian lands for their miracle-working powers. Many churches have been erected and many shrines dedicated to house some such precious relic.

At St. Ann de Beau Pre Church near Quebec, and at St. Ann Church in New York, wonders are performed daily and many cripples healed through touching the particle of bone of the Virgin’s mother.

A charm with the figure of a fish or the word “Ichthus,” formed by the Greek initials of the name of Jesus, is worn by the Greek Christians and brings success.

Coins and bits of metal stamped with a cross are worn about the neck in many lands as a guarantee of good luck. They are also looked upon as a cure of epilepsy.

Rings with religious signs and symbols are often used to cure disease or insure success of the crops.

In the Orient, jade or ornaments from this stone are used as charms against disease or 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 nerves, and is therefore much prized for jewelry and charms. It was supposed in olden days to drive away devils and serpents.

Amber is a favorite substance for charms in countries adjoining the Mediterranean. It is supposed to keep off infectious disease, epilepsy and other evils. It is frequently made into necklaces for babies.

Many other stones, gems or natural substances are used the world over for their supposed curative powers, and huge volumes have been written concerning them.

Adder stones are supposed to be efficacious against disease of cattle.

Carrying a human molar tooth as a charm is often considered a remedy for toothache.

Amulets to insure victory are frequent, and many a soldier goes into battle in the firm belief that the amulet he wears about his neck or on his arm will see him safely through. Bibles carried about the person are supposed to be the most efficacious of these, and in point of fact many a bullet has been stopped by a Bible placed near the heart.

During a plague in England red tape was in great demand to ward off the evil. It was cut into half-yard lengths and worn about the neck until all danger was past.

Amber and coral necklaces are often placed on children to give them relief from teething. Rings and nipples of these substances are provided for similar purposes.

A charm consisting of laurel leaves is often worn as a protection against lightning.

Scapulars, pieces of brown cloth in which are stitched certain verses from the New Testament, are worn to a great extent by Catholics as a preventive against perils of flood and sickness.

MASCOTS

The word “mascot” is of French origin and designates anything from a piece of string to a human being that is supposed to influence the Fates for the benefit of the possessor. A comic opera has been built around the idea, in which a king has very bad luck, until a pretty girl is sent to him as a mascot, when his fortune begins.

Ships often take a mascot on board before they sail. This is usually a dog, monkey or goat, and insures a pleasant voyage.

Regiments of soldiers usually adopt a mascot, an animal that accompanies them on their marches.

Baseball and football teams take a mascot with them to insure victory.

Mascots frequently take the shape of a horseshoe, charm, four-leaf clover or amulet to be worn on the person.

The popularity of mascots and in fact all objects that are supposed to bring luck is best explained by the fact that they suggest luck, and the owner acts on the suggestion. A person believing that some object is going to bring him fortune, will act with greater faith and assurance, thus bringing about the condition which he desires.

In regard to charms the decorative feature appeals to many; fear and imagination come next in their influence on the mind.

Regarding human mascots, their influence is supposed to be hereditary.

HORSESHOE LORE

The origin of a belief in the horseshoe as an emblem of good luck can be traced to the ancient days of phallic worship. The peculiar shape of the shoe became the emblem of sex and of productivity. It is a very old belief, therefore, that a horseshoe will have an influence for good.

The Moors believed in the horseshoe to such an extent that their architecture reflects it. Their 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 druids also believed in its efficacy, and many of their religious places, like Stonehenge in England, have the semi-circular form of a horseshoe.

An old Roman general ascribed his defeat to the loss of a horseshoe. Benjamin Franklin paraphrased this by writing: “Through the loss of a nail a shoe was lost, through the loss of a shoe a horse was lost, through the loss of a horse a battle was lost.”

To find a horseshoe is considered lucky. It should be hung over the door of the house or barn. It will ensure a good harvest if suspended over the barn.

A horseshoe should be hung with the open ends upwards, so that it will “hold luck.” If hung the other way, it will “spill luck.”

When going on a long voyage, it will bring luck to carry a horseshoe in your baggage.

A scarfpin or watch charm in the shape of a horseshoe is lucky.

The wishbone, or collar bone of a chicken, is considered lucky on account of its resemblance in shape to a horseshoe. Two people, each pulling at one end, can determine who will get married first. The longer piece is the lucky one.

A horseshoe should have seven holes for nails, three on one side and four on the other side of the center heel. This 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 SUPERSTITIONS

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

If a pin lies with its head toward you it is a good sign, but beware of trouble if the point is towards you.

To prick yourself with a pin on starting on a trip is a bad omen.

It will break friendship to present any one with a pin, such as a scarfpin or the like. Such a gift should be bought. A cent or article of minor importance must be given in exchange.