To stick a penknife in the mast of a boat when sailing is most unlucky.
To meet a man with red hair, or a woman with a red petticoat, the first
thing in the morning.
To kill the robin redbreast.
To pass a churn and not give a helping hand.
To meet a funeral and not go back three steps with it.
To have a hare cross your path before sunrise.
To take away a lighted sod on May days or churning days; for fire is
the most sacred of all things, and you take away the blessing from the
house along with it.
* * * * *
The Irish are very susceptible to omens. They say, “Beware of a
childless woman who looks fixedly at your child.”
* * * * *
Fire is the holiest of all things. Walk three times round a fire on St.
John’s Eve, and you will be safe from disease for all that year.
* * * * *
It is particularly unlucky to meet a red-haired man the first thing in
the morning. There is a tradition that Judas Iscariot had red hair,
and it is from this the superstitious dread of the evil interference of
a red-haired man may have originated.
* * * * *
Never begin work on a Friday.
Never remove from a house or leave a situation on Saturday.
Never begin to make a dress on Saturday, or the wearer will die within
the year.
Never mend a rent in a dress while on, or evil and malicious reports
will be spread about you.
* * * * *
Some days are unlucky to certain families—as Tuesday to the Tudors.
Henry VIII., Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth all died upon a Tuesday.
* * * * *
To throw a slipper after a party going a journey is lucky. Also to
breakfast by candle-light on Christmas morning.
* * * * *
It is fatal at a marriage to tie a knot in a red handkerchief, and only
an enemy would do it. To break the spell the handkerchief should be
burned.
* * * * *
The first days of the year and of the week are the luckiest. Never
begin a journey on a Friday or Saturday, nor move from your residence,
nor change a situation. Never cut out a dress or begin to make it on a
Friday, nor fix a marriage, for of all days the fairies have the most
malific power on a Friday. They are present then, and hear all that is
said, therefore beware of speaking ill of them, for they will work some
evil if offended.
* * * * *
Never pay away money on the first Monday of the year, or you will lose
your luck in gaining money all the year after.
* * * * *
Presents may be given on New Year’s Day, but no money should be paid
away.
* * * * *
Those who marry in autumn will die in spring.
* * * * *
The yew-tree, the ash, and the elder-tree were sacred. The willow has
a mystery in it of sound. The harp of King Brian-Boru was made of
willow-wood.
* * * * *
When a servant leaves her place, if her mistress gives her a piece of
bread let her put by some of it carefully, for as long as she has it
good luck will follow her.