The conjecture of T. Q. M. concerning the disappearance of the
spectre-host, and the breaking up of the nocturnal banquet, in the
church-yard of Kirby Malhamdale, is ingenious, and entitled to the
notice of the curious in spectral learning: but it may be as well to
consider whether the _point_ of the legend may not be further
illustrated.
According to Moresin, _salt_ not being liable to putrefaction, and
preserving things seasoned with it from decay, was the emblem of
eternity and immortality, and mightily abhorred by infernal spirits. “In
reference to this symbolical explication, how beautiful,” says Mr.
Brand, “is that expression applied to the righteous, ‘Ye are the _salt_
of the earth!’”
On the custom in Ireland of placing a plate of _salt_ over the heart of
a dead person, Dr. Campbell supposes, in agreement with Moresin’s
remark, that the salt was considered the emblem of the incorruptible
part; “the body itself,” says he, “being the type of corruption.”
It likewise appears from Mr. Pennant, that, on the death of a
highlander, the friends laid on the breast of the deceased a wooden
platter, containing a small quantity of _salt_ and earth, separate and
unmixed; the earth an emblem of the corruptible body--the salt an emblem
of the immortal spirit.
The body’s _salt_ the soul is, which when gone
The flesh soone sucks in putrefaction.
_Herrick._
The custom of placing a plate of _salt_ upon the dead, Mr. Douce says,
is still retained in many parts of England, and particularly in
Leicestershire; but the pewter plate and salt are laid with an intent to
hinder air from getting into the body and distending it, so as to
occasion bursting or inconvenience in closing the coffin. Though this
be the reason for the usage at present, yet it is doubtful whether the
practice is not a vulgar continuation of the ancient symbolical usage;
otherwise, why is _salt_ selected?
To these instances of the relation that _salt_ bore to the dead, should
be annexed Bodin’s affirmation, cited by Reginald Scot; namely, that as
_salt_ “is a sign of eternity, and used by divine commandment in all
sacrifices,” so “_the devil loveth no_ SALT _in his meat_.”--This saying
is of itself, perhaps, sufficient to account for the sudden flight of
the spectre, and the vanishing of the feast in the church-yard of Kirby
Malhamdale on the call for the _salt_.