Ask a dozen people whether they have any superstitions, and the
majority will tell you, without hesitation, that they have not the
slightest belief in such things. If the truth is told there are very
few of us who do not cherish some little weaknesses in this direction.
One person may believe in a number of superstitions; another has,
perhaps, only a few that are observed; but he or she that has none at
all is a remarkably rare individual.
As a matter of fact, most superstitions are based on reason and sound
common sense, and the man or woman who pays heed to them is acting
intelligently, whether he or she knows it or not. Take, for instance,
the belief that it is unlucky to walk under a ladder. True, the old
assertion is that it is unlucky to do so because Jesus Christ was taken
down from the Cross by means of a ladder. But the more practical reason
is that painters and other men on ladders are very likely to drop
things and, if you happen to be passing at the time, the paintpot or
the tools will fall on you.
Of course, the reasons for all superstitions are not so evident as this
one about walking under a ladder: nevertheless, there is a germ of
reason in them all, whether or not we know the reason. Thus, the man or
woman who observes the common superstitions of everyday life is acting
wisely. Not only will he or she avoid a good deal of trouble, but his
actions will provide him with a sense of well-being, and the effect it
will have on his mind, the psychological effect as it is called, is all
to the good.
It is not proposed to explain why this or that superstition is worthy
of being observed; in many cases, the reason is obscure; but here we
will give some of the beliefs which are current at the present time.
First of all, you should never pass anybody on the stairs of a
private house, and, while talking of stairs, it may be said that many
people believe that, for someone to fall up a step, is a sign of an
approaching wedding.
Never light three cigarettes with the same match unless you are
prepared for a spell of ill-fortune. This superstition gained currency
during the War, probably because a match held long enough to light
three cigarettes would give the enemy a clue to your position,
especially at night-time.
If the cord of a picture frame snaps and the picture falls to the
ground, it is an omen that somebody is going to die. If the picture
is a portrait of a living person, then that person's life is the one
likely to be terminated. This omen may be considered a remarkably silly
one, with not a shred of sense to recommend it. Yet how many people can
point to instances when the prophecy has come true!
Of salt, there are several omens. The chief one tells you not to
help anybody to salt; in other words, it is unwise to put some on a
person's plate. Helping them to salt is helping them to sorrow. Another
superstition says that if you spill salt you will be unlucky unless
you throw a pinch of it over your left shoulder.
To break a mirror is known by all as a serious matter. The reason
why it is unlucky, we are told, doubtless finds its origin in a mere
association of ideas. The mirror being broken, the image of the person
looking into it is destroyed: therefore, bad luck in some form must be
the fate of the careless one. What exactly is the penalty one must pay
for breaking a mirror is not definite. Some people speak of seven years
of misfortune, while others claim that it means seven years of celibacy.
To take certain things into the house is the height of folly, if you
believe in superstitions. May or hawthorn blossom is one, though the
berries of this flower seem to have no ill-potency. Peacock's feathers
are another. Somewhat similar is the contention that it is very unlucky
to open an umbrella indoors.
While sitting at the meal-table, there are several things that must
not be done. Helping a friend to salt has been already mentioned, but
you must not allow the knives or forks to become crossed. Quarrels
with your friends will result if you do. Of course, you must not sit
down, thirteen of you, around the table. As is well known, this belief
has its origin in the Last Supper, when our Lord sat at meat with his
twelve apostles. On the other hand, should you taste a fruit for the
first time in that season, you have only to frame a wish and it will be
granted. Much the same applies to mince-pies. You will be awarded with
a whole happy month for each pie that you eat at Christmas-time which
is made in a different house. Of course, it is highly unwise for two
people to pour tea out of the same pot at the same meal.
To give a friend an edged tool is sure to cut the friendship, whether
it be a knife, a pair of scissors, a razor or a chisel. When such a
gift is to be made, the usual plan is to sell it to your friend for a
penny.
You should never put a shoe on a table, and, to see a pin lying on the
floor and leave it there, is an omen that you will want before you die.
As the jingle runs:
See a pin and let it lie, you're sure to want before you die.
See a pin and pick it up, then you're sure to have good luck.
Elsewhere, a good deal is said about dreams. Here it will be sufficient
to mention one or two items of interest. It is decidedly unlucky to
dream of a baby, yet to dream of a funeral is lucky. The following is
worth bearing in mind:
Friday dream and Saturday told;
Sure to come true, if ever so old.
And here it will be appropriate to recall the fact that it is an unwise
thing to get out of bed on the wrong side. The devil will be with you
all the day, if you do.
You should avoid looking at the new moon through glass; but if you have
a wish that you want fulfilled, you have only to count seven stars on
seven nights in succession. Let it be said, however, that to count
seven stars for this space of time is not as simple as it appears.
It is unlucky to treasure locks of people's hair, and, should you drop
a glove, it is to your advantage if someone else picks it up for you.
If the fire refuses to light properly in the morning, anticipate a
whole day with the devil.
Everybody knows that one of the luckiest things that can be done is to
pick up a horse-shoe. But it is not generally known that the more nails
left in it, the better. Nor is it sufficiently well recognized that
a shoe, hung up, should have the tips pointing upwards. If they are
turned down, the luck will run out of them.
Naturally, you will never start anything fresh on a Friday, and you
will not cut your fingernails on a Sunday. Regarding fingernails, a
poet, of sorts, has said:
Cut them on Monday, you cut them for news.
Cut them on Tuesday, a new pair of shoes.
Cut them on Wednesday, you cut them for health.
Cut them on Thursday, you cut them for wealth.
Cut them on Friday, a sweetheart you'll know.
Cut them on Saturday, a journey you'll go.
Cut them on Sunday, you cut them for evil:
For all the next week, you'll be ruled by the devil.
Of course, bad luck has not a monopoly on your superstitions, for good
luck has something to say also. To see a piebald horse is fortunate;
to find white heather, four-leaved clover or four-leaved shamrock is
even more fortunate. To open a pea-pod and find ten peas in it is
particularly lucky. For a black cat to come into your house is worth
much. To come across a nickel with a hole in it is not without its
merits, but the best thing of all is to put on some article of clothing
inside out, and to wear it all day long, without being aware of it
until bed-time.