Superstitions or omens have been with us since ancient times. Once the province of the fortune tellers and soothsayers as interpretative messages from the gods, they are now everyday folklore, varying in meaning in different parts of the country. Caroline had a whole section of the Elfin Diary’s Psychic Guide devoted to a listing of superstitions that she’d collected over the years, but I though it deserved its own page here.
If you know of any superstitions that aren’t listed here, then let me know!
Bringing apple blossom into the house means you’re bringing sickness in.
Bees should always be told of a death in the family (especially if it is their keeper), by putting strips of black cloth on their hives and leaving them out a bit of food from the funeral meal. After a beekeeper’s death, his bees have been known to swarm on his house and grave.
A spark on the wick of a candle indicates a letter is coming, a big glow on the wick means money and a blue flame means that there are spirits present.
If a hairy caterpillar creeps on you, it’s lucky and you’re supposed to throw it over your shoulder – with care!
Coal has always been carried for luck in many situations. Soldiers in the first world war often had a small piece in their pockets and robbers in past times always carried a bit.
To hear a cuckoo before the swallow indicates a bad year ahead, but if you hear the cuckoo for the first time on Easter Sunday morning, all will be well for you in the coming year.
Elephants are considered very lucky. If you have an elephant ornament in a room it should always be facing the door, as elephants are supposed to get angry if they can’t see what’s going on.
If you see a feather lying on the ground, always stick it upright in the earth and this will bring you luck. Flies falling in your drink also signify good luck.
When you gift somebody a purse, wallet or moneybox always put a coin in it, to ensure the person always has money.
To see goats on the way to a new venture signifies success and to hear grasshoppers singing means a lucky journey.
Never give knives as a gift – always exchange them for a penny. A knife freely given means the cutting of ties between the giver and recipient.
A hare running through the village streets means there will be a fire.
To drop your key when going to open your door is a sign that you will be moving.
If a knife or scissors fall and stick into the floor, wish whilst pulling them out and your wish will come true.
Ladybirds mean luck and signify visitors, so must not be killed.
Leaves blowing into your house is a sign of luck coming in.
If you see magpies, here’s a rhyme: One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret never to be told. If you see only one magpie, you can avert sorrow by greeting it with “Good day, Mr Magpie – how is your wife?”
Mice are a sign of personal danger.
Cutting your nails on a Monday morning is most fortunate and you should expect a present within the week.
Carry a nutmeg in your pocket for backache.
Owls have always been thought of as ill omens from time immemorial, perhaps they can indeed sense death approaching.
Destroying a rookery brings bad luck upon the person who does it.
Rosemary and Rowan are plants which provide protection.
If your boot or shoe laces keep coming undone there is a surprise coming your way.
All spiders are lucky, the little red ones are for money and the long legged ones are for general good fortune, so never kill a spider.
It is most unlucky to cross on the stairs and one person should always go backwards and wait.