LUCKY AND UNLUCKY OMENS
“She that pricks bread with fork or knife, will never be a happy wife.”
“Mend your clothes upon your back, sure you are to come to wrack.”
It is unlucky to use elder wood or evergreen to make a fire.
To find an old flint arrow is considered lucky.
To find nine peas in a pod is a forerunner of luck.
The extreme tip of a calf’s tongue, dried and carried in the pocket,
will insure having some money always in your purse.
A luck-stone, with a hole in it, is sure to bring luck.
Four persons shaking hands in crosswise fashion, foretell a coming
marriage.
Two bells ringing in the house at one time foretell a parting. So also
does a hollow cavity in a fresh-cut cake and a loaf that breaks in two
while being cut.
To enter a house with the left foot first brings bad luck to the
occupants.
CHRISTENING CUSTOMS
Christening, as the name indicates, is a ceremony which has for its
object the consecrating of a child to the service of Christ, and
starting him on his career as a Christian. It had its origin in the
rites of John the Baptist, who belonged to a sect that believed that
immersion in water would wash away all sins and prepare the neophyte
for the Kingdom of God, which was supposed to be near at hand.
In the middle ages a child was usually presented by its godparents
with silver or gold spoons. A rich sponsor often gave a set of twelve
spoons, one for each of the disciples. Less wealthy people gave one or
more spoons. These were considered lucky and induced the child to lead
a virtuous life.
The phrase “born with a silver spoon in its mouth,” arose from this
custom.
A silver cup is often given and the child that drinks from it is
supposed to drink happiness during its life.
The gift of coral and amber in the form of a chain or charm to a
new-born baby is also believed to bring good luck. Coral is supposed
to be a defense against “Fascination” or witchcraft. Amber keeps away
infectious diseases.
A Sunday christening is considered lucky and the child will grow up
devout.
A child should always be dressed in white at its christening. Red
ribbons should be avoided.
Three articles are frequently given a child when it is taken to
be christened: egg, salt and a coin. These will give it strength,
happiness and wealth.
Baptism in a church is luckier than in private.
When a child gives a lusty yell during its christening, it is a sign
that it will have strong lungs through life.
If two children, a male and a female, are baptised together, the male
should have the preference or it will grow up to be effeminate.
BELIEFS CONCERNING CHILDREN
It is unlucky to measure a baby with a string or tape measure, as it
may stop growing.
To step over a young child is unlucky and may stunt its growth.
To hand a child through an open window will stop the little one’s
growth.
Children that cry a lot are sure to be lucky. They will develop fine
eyes and broad shoulders. This does not apply where the crying is
caused by illness or pain.
Women in pregnancy often refuse to take an oath before an officer of
the court as it is supposed to influence the unborn child.
It is supposed to be unlucky for a child to walk backward when going on
an errand.
In Scotland, when a young baby is taken out for its first airing, the
mother or nurse gives something to eat to the first person she meets.
This ensures the baby’s good luck. It is called “the bairn’s piece.”
When a child is taken from its mother and carried out of the bedroom
for the first time, it is luckier to take it upstairs than down. If
there is no upstairs, the same effect can be accomplished by mounting a
short elevation, a platform, or the rung of a ladder.
When a baby is carried to church to be baptized, it should be carried
by a woman who is known to have had good luck.
When a baby is carried into a neighbor’s house for the first time, it
should be carried there by the mother herself, in order to insure good
luck. First of all, however, the baby should be carried to church.
A creeping child will have better luck than one that does not creep.
When a very young baby smiles in its sleep, it is supposed to hold
converse with the angels.
BELIEFS CONCERNING EGGS
Eggs have many mystic meanings, and in olden times were supposed to
symbolize the world. The yoke represented our earth, the white was its
atmosphere, and the shell was the firmament. It was believed that the
universe had its origin in an egg, and that God brooded over it until
it was hatched out. Milton says: “Dovelike satst brooding o’er the vast
abyss.”
According to an old theorist, the egg typified the Messiah, the seed
that was to bring forth salvation. The Abyssinians portray the world as
a great ostrich egg.
The Syrians used to speak of their ancestors as the progeny of eggs.
The Hawaiians believe that their island was produced by the bursting of
a huge egg which had been laid on the water by a bird.
The ancients often said, “Everything springs from the egg. It is
Nature’s cradle.”
Egyptians worshipped Cneph, the architect of the world, who was
represented with an egg coming out of his mouth.
The druids used eggs in their religious festivals and considered it the
symbol of fecundity. Every druid wore an egg about his neck, encased in
gold, as a symbol of his priestly authority.
The Jews use an egg in their Passover service as a symbol of Divine
Power and help.
Eggs laid on Good Friday are revered in Catholic countries as bringing
good luck, and are carefully kept all year as talismans. They are
supposed to keep the house free from fire.
In Scotland an “eirack’s” egg, that is, the first egg that is laid by
a young hen, is gathered as the principal ingredient of Hallowe’en
charm. At midnight the egg is broken so that the white issues out drop
by drop. It is allowed to fall into a wine glass two-thirds full of
water. The palm of the hand is placed over the rim of the glass which
is turned bottom up, and the albumen settles down near the hand. It
assumes vague, shadowy forms which foretell the occupation the person
will best thrive in. Thus, if it looks like a ship, the man should
become a sailor.
Another custom in connection with an “eirack’s” egg, is to take the
white in one’s mouth and go out into the night without swallowing a
drop. If one hears the name of a man or woman called out aloud, it
foretells the name of the future wife or husband.
Among other curious Hallowe’en customs is the following: Take a
hard-boiled egg, remove some of the yoke, and fill it up with salt.
Then eat the egg, salt and shell. Do not drink a drop of water till
morning. If you dream of a person of the opposite sex, it means a
marriage, but if the person you dream of seems to offer you a glass of
water, it means that you will be jilted.
Birds’ eggs have been believed to have many mysterious qualities. The
eggs of an owl put into the cup of a drunkard will cause a loathing of
liquor.
A stork’s egg was also considered as a cure of the habit of drinking.
Persons afflicted with ague are instructed to visit the nearest
crossroads five times in succession and there bury a new-laid egg.
Their disease will leave them by morning and never return. Strict
silence must be maintained during the whole operation, as to speak to
any one would prevent its success.
For the plague, eggs were often prescribed. They were usually filled
with drugs.
It is believed in England’s rural districts that if one brings
primroses into a house, the number must be at least thirteen, as the
hens about the place will only hatch so many eggs during the season as
there are primroses.
When flowers blossom early and are numerous, it is believed that hens
lay more than in other seasons.
When owners of horses eat eggs, it is said that they should eat an even
number, otherwise some mischief will befall their horses. Grooms are
not allowed to eat eggs, and jockeys must wash their hands after eating
them.
Farmers’ wives usually set their hens on an odd number of eggs, for to
set them on an even number often results in a failure to hatch out a
brood.
In Derbyshire the number of eggs put under a hen must be either eleven
or thirteen. If twelve eggs are set, the brood will not hatch out, or
will come to grief afterward.
In setting a litter of eggs under a hen it is lucky to swing a lighted
candle over the nest as a charm to prevent hawks or other animals from
destroying the eggs or the young chicks.
In some Catholic countries, the tenth egg laid by a fowl is supposed to
be bigger than the rest, and is usually offered to the priest.
Breaking egg shells over a child is supposed to keep him safe from
witchcraft.
The goose that lays a golden egg is a popular myth in many countries.
To receive such a valuable gift, it is necessary to invoke the name and
help of the devil.
In some sections, it is considered unlucky to let eggs go out of the
house after sunset. It is also considered unlucky to gather eggs after
dark. All eggs should be gathered in the forenoon. It is unlucky to
gather eggs on Sunday or to set a hen on the Sabbath.
Duck’s eggs, brought into the house after sunset will never hatch.
Egg shells should not be burned, or the hens will cease to lay.
Eggs brought into the house or barn over running water, will not hatch.
When a child visits a house for the first time, it is lucky to give
him an egg that was laid that morning. It will give the child a “start
in life” that will bring success.
To dream of an egg is lucky and means that a fortune is at hand.
Strings of blown egg shells hung up in a dwelling are unlucky, but if
hung up in an outhouse, bring good luck.
Bats were supposed to come from eggs that had been hatched out by toads.
In Java the bride, as a sign of submission, kneels before her master,
then treads upon an egg and washes his feet with the yoke.
The offering of an omelette to a newly married man by his
mother-in-law, as a sign of devotion, is an old custom in Russia.
CHARMS AND AMULETS
The word “amulet” comes from the Arab, “Hamala,” which means to carry
about. It is a charm or object usually hung about the neck or on the
wrist to ward off sickness and evil. A charm is similar in its effect.
People are spoken of as having a charmed life, which means that they
seem to be immune to accidents or illness. Many wear charms to insure
this result.
Some charms are engraved with peculiar figures called “talismans,”
which are supposed to have the power to prevent loss or illness. They
are often engraved on some seal or precious stone, and worn on the
finger or on a chain about the neck.
The practice of wearing charms or amulets is very ancient, and many of
the objects found in Egyptian tombs are amulets, intended to serve the
spirits of the dead. Many charms have obtained historic importance, as
for instance the famous Spanish opal in the British museum.
The czar was supposed to be fond of an ancient ring in which is
embedded a piece of the true cross. It was supposed to shield its
wearer from death and danger, although it hardly helped him to keep
his throne. He attached such importance to it, that on one occasion
he started out on a journey without it, when suddenly discovering his
loss, he delayed the trip eight hours till a messenger went and got it.
Oriental wrestlers will not go into the prize ring without wearing a
charm about their necks.
Modern folks for the most part wear some sort of amulet, or carry a
charm in their pockets, but they do it secretly. They may not actually
believe in its efficacy but want to get the benefit of it in case it
should have some hidden virtue.
Horseshoe-shaped pins, or charms, are considered very lucky, so is
four-leaved clover. Wishbones, too, have come into favor in recent
years as they are supposed to have the power of making one’s wishes
come true.
Little pigs are popular as charms, as they are supposed to bring good
luck. In fact, the Germans say, “_Ich habe Schwein_,” when they want to
signify that they are lucky.
Lucky pennies or other coins are to be found in many pockets. They
drive away evil influences in business operations and bring luck in
money matters. They must be turned over in one’s pocket at the time of
the transaction.
Horse chestnuts or a small potato are considered efficacious charms
against rheumatism. They must be carried in the pocket where they soon
become hard and absorb all tendency to disease.
The relics of the saints, such as particles of bones, bits of hair,
etc., or splinters from the cross, have been revered in all Christian
lands for their miracle-working powers. Many churches have been
erected and many shrines dedicated to house some such precious relic.
At St. Ann de Beau Pre Church near Quebec, and at St. Ann Church in
New York, wonders are performed daily and many cripples healed through
touching the particle of bone of the Virgin’s mother.
A charm with the figure of a fish or the word “Ichthus,” formed by the
Greek initials of the name of Jesus, is worn by the Greek Christians
and brings success.
Coins and bits of metal stamped with a cross are worn about the neck in
many lands as a guarantee of good luck. They are also looked upon as a
cure of epilepsy.
Rings with religious signs and symbols are often used to cure disease
or insure success of the crops.
In the Orient, jade or ornaments from this stone are used as charms
against disease or disaster. They usually have some symbolic figures
carved upon them.
Jet was and in some countries is still supposed to exert a remarkable
power over the brain and nerves, and is therefore much prized for
jewelry and charms. It was supposed in olden days to drive away devils
and serpents.
Amber is a favorite substance for charms in countries adjoining the
Mediterranean. It is supposed to keep off infectious disease, epilepsy
and other evils. It is frequently made into necklaces for babies.
Many other stones, gems or natural substances are used the world over
for their supposed curative powers, and huge volumes have been written
concerning them.
Adder stones are supposed to be efficacious against disease of cattle.
Carrying a human molar tooth as a charm is often considered a remedy
for toothache.
Amulets to insure victory are frequent, and many a soldier goes into
battle in the firm belief that the amulet he wears about his neck or on
his arm will see him safely through. Bibles carried about the person
are supposed to be the most efficacious of these, and in point of fact
many a bullet has been stopped by a Bible placed near the heart.
During a plague in England red tape was in great demand to ward off the
evil. It was cut into half-yard lengths and worn about the neck until
all danger was past.
Amber and coral necklaces are often placed on children to give them
relief from teething. Rings and nipples of these substances are
provided for similar purposes.
A charm consisting of laurel leaves is often worn as a protection
against lightning.
Scapulars, pieces of brown cloth in which are stitched certain verses
from the New Testament, are worn to a great extent by Catholics as a
preventive against perils of flood and sickness.
MASCOTS
The word “mascot” is of French origin and designates anything from a
piece of string to a human being that is supposed to influence the
Fates for the benefit of the possessor. A comic opera has been built
around the idea, in which a king has very bad luck, until a pretty girl
is sent to him as a mascot, when his fortune begins.
Ships often take a mascot on board before they sail. This is usually a
dog, monkey or goat, and insures a pleasant voyage.
Regiments of soldiers usually adopt a mascot, an animal that
accompanies them on their marches.
Baseball and football teams take a mascot with them to insure victory.
Mascots frequently take the shape of a horseshoe, charm, four-leaf
clover or amulet to be worn on the person.
The popularity of mascots and in fact all objects that are supposed
to bring luck is best explained by the fact that they suggest luck,
and the owner acts on the suggestion. A person believing that some
object is going to bring him fortune, will act with greater faith and
assurance, thus bringing about the condition which he desires.
In regard to charms the decorative feature appeals to many; fear and
imagination come next in their influence on the mind.
Regarding human mascots, their influence is supposed to be hereditary.
HORSESHOE LORE
The origin of a belief in the horseshoe as an emblem of good luck can
be traced to the ancient days of phallic worship. The peculiar shape of
the shoe became the emblem of sex and of productivity. It is a very old
belief, therefore, that a horseshoe will have an influence for good.
The Moors believed in the horseshoe to such an extent that their
architecture reflects it. Their mosque and temples all show an arch
formation that had its origin in the form of a shoe, and they believed
that this would insure stability.
The druids also believed in its efficacy, and many of their religious
places, like Stonehenge in England, have the semi-circular form of a
horseshoe.
An old Roman general ascribed his defeat to the loss of a horseshoe.
Benjamin Franklin paraphrased this by writing: “Through the loss of
a nail a shoe was lost, through the loss of a shoe a horse was lost,
through the loss of a horse a battle was lost.”
To find a horseshoe is considered lucky. It should be hung over the
door of the house or barn. It will ensure a good harvest if suspended
over the barn.
A horseshoe should be hung with the open ends upwards, so that it will
“hold luck.” If hung the other way, it will “spill luck.”
When going on a long voyage, it will bring luck to carry a horseshoe in
your baggage.
A scarfpin or watch charm in the shape of a horseshoe is lucky.
The wishbone, or collar bone of a chicken, is considered lucky on
account of its resemblance in shape to a horseshoe. Two people, each
pulling at one end, can determine who will get married first. The
longer piece is the lucky one.
A horseshoe should have seven holes for nails, three on one side and
four on the other side of the center heel. This will ensure double
luck, as seven is a number of good fortune.
Rings made of horseshoe nails are sovereign remedies against bad luck,
disease and trouble.
PIN SUPERSTITIONS
To pick up a pin is lucky; let it lie, is bad luck.
If a pin lies with its head toward you it is a good sign, but beware of
trouble if the point is towards you.
To prick yourself with a pin on starting on a trip is a bad omen.
It will break friendship to present any one with a pin, such as a
scarfpin or the like. Such a gift should be bought. A cent or article
of minor importance must be given in exchange.