The falling of salt is an authentic ꝑsag̅emt of ill-luck, nor
can every temper contemn it; nor was the same a grall ꝑgnostic
among the ancients of future evil, but a ꝑticular omination
concerning the breach of friendship. For salt as incorruptible
was yᵉ symbole of friendship, and before ye other service
was offered unto yᵉⁱʳ guests. But whether salt were not only
a symbol of friendship wʰ man, but also a fig. of amity and
reco̅ciliation wʰ God, and was therefore offered in sacrifices,
is an higher speculation.
Herbert Spencer affirms[286] that the consciousness which harbors a
notion that evil will result from spilling salt is manifestly allied
to the consciousness of the savage, and is prone to entertain other
superstitious beliefs like those prevalent in barbarous lands. And
although idolatry and fetich-worship do not flourish in civilized
communities, yet many popular superstitions are akin in nature to the
sentiments which prompt the savage to bow down before images of wood or
stone.