Weasels are spiteful and malignant, and old withered witches sometimes
take this form. It is extremely unlucky to meet a weasel the first
thing in the morning; still it would be hazardous to kill it, for it
might be a witch and take revenge. Indeed one should be very cautious
about killing a weasel at any time, for all the other weasels will
resent your audacity, and kill your chickens when an opportunity
offers. The only remedy is to kill one chicken yourself, make the sign
of the cross solemnly three times over it, then tie it to a stick hung
up in the yard, and the weasels will have no more power for evil, nor
the witches who take their form, at least during the year, if the
stick is left standing; but the chicken may be eaten when the sun goes
down.
* * * * *
A goose is killed on St. Michael’s Day because the son of a king, being
then at a feast, was choked by the bone of a goose; but was restored by
St. Patrick. Hence the king ordered a goose to be sacrificed every year
on the anniversary of the day to commemorate the event, and in honour
of St. Michael.
* * * * *
A fowl is killed on St. Martin’s Day, and the blood sprinkled on the
house. In Germany a black cock is substituted.
* * * * *
A crowing hen, a whistling girl, and a black cat, are considered most
unlucky. Beware of them in a house.
* * * * *
If a cock comes on the threshold and crows, you may expect visitors.
* * * * *
To see three magpies on the left hand when on a journey is unlucky; but
two on the right hand is a good omen.
* * * * *
If you hear the cuckoo on your right hand you will have luck all the
year after.
* * * * *
Whoever kills a robin redbreast will never have good luck were they to
live a thousand years.
* * * * *
A water wagtail near the house betokens bad news on its way to you.
* * * * *
If the first lamb of the season is born black, it foretells mourning
garments for the family within the year.
* * * * *
It is very lucky for a hen and her chickens to stray into your house.
Also it is good to meet a white lamb in the early morning with the
sunlight on its face.
* * * * *
It is unlucky to meet a magpie, a cat, or a lame woman when going a
journey. Or for a cock to meet a person in the doorway and crow before
him—then the journey should be put off.
* * * * *
If one magpie comes chattering to your door it is a sign of death; but
if two prosperity will follow. For a magpie to come to the door and
look at you is a sure death-sign, and nothing can avert the doom.
* * * * *
A flight of rooks over an army betokens defeat; if over a house, or
over people when driving or walking, death will follow.
* * * * *
It is very unlucky to ask a man on his way to fish where he is going.
And many would turn back, knowing that it was an evil spell.
* * * * *
When a swarm of bees suddenly quits the hive it is a sign that death is
hovering near the house. But the evil may be averted by the powerful
prayers and exorcism of the priest.
* * * * *
The shoe of a horse or of an ass nailed to the door-post will bring
good luck; because these animals were in the stall when Christ was
born, and are blessed for evermore. But the shoe must be found, not
given, in order to bring luck.
* * * * *
In whatever quarter you are looking when you first hear the cuckoo in
the season, you will be travelling in that direction before the year is
over.
* * * * *
It was the privilege of the chief bards to wear mantles made of birds’
plumage. A short cape flung on the shoulders made of mallards’ necks
and crests must have been very gorgeous in effect, glittering like
jewels, when the torch-light played on the colours at the festivals.