14.2. LIST OF SUPERSTITIONS
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APPLES figure in many superstitions, the most noted being the phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

When APPLE TREES BLOOM, it is considered lucky to plant seeds of other trees and plants.

If you PEEL AN APPLE in one long piece and count off the twists by calling the letters of the alphabet, the last letter will represent the first initial of the name of a sweetheart or future spouse.

Another way is to peel an apple in one long piece, throw it over your left shoulder, and see what initial it most resembles as it lies on the floor.

To CUT AN APPLE in eight or nine pieces, throw the last piece over the left shoulder, then count off the letters of the alphabet until the piece has dropped to the floor, carries more or less the same prediction as the peeling procedure, except that it can refer to a friend or a visitor.

Slice an apple in two without cutting a seed and your wish for love will come true.

If an apple breaks apart while eating it, bad luck is close at hand.

ASHES in the days of the barbarians were used as a charm to produce large crops. A token amount of ashes blown over the seeded farm, with incantations, was sure to bring luck to the farmer.

Later, through the centuries, ashes were mixed with seeds or the soil to increase the fertility.

An old saying which is not so lucky goes as follows: “Empty ashes after dark, double trouble will you stalk.”

BALDNESS There is an old saying that you’ll be bald if you cut your hair when the moon is Waning.

BATS that fly around at twilight predict good weather.

If they come near you someone is trying to betray or bewitch you.

A bat that hits your window or enters your home warns of death or very bad luck to someone you know.

When a bat hits a building it is a sign of rain.

BED: If you are accustomed to getting out of one side of the bed in the morning, getting out on the other – or “Wrong” side – is supposed to bring you bad luck during the day.

Placing a hat on the bed is supposed to be very bad luck, particularly in theatrical circles.

Always finish making a bed once you have started, otherwise you will have a bad day.

BEES THAT BUZZ before the first of spring bring more cold weather. When bees stay in their hive it is a prognostication of rain. It is lucky to receive a hive of bees as a gift, but unlucky to sell them. Bees must be told of the death of a person in the household, or you must turn the hive around. Otherwise bad luck may follow.

BIRDS vary where omens are concerned. Sometimes the species of the bird is the important factor. The BLUEBIRD is the harbinger of springtime and signifies both fair weather and good luck.

If a ROBIN flies into the house it brings good luck lo the owner.

When a CUCKOO cries, take out your money and spit on it for good fortune.

If an OWL hoots near a sick person, death may be near.

A WHITE DOVE OR PIGEON that hovers near a house or person augurs happiness.

Shoot a DOVE and you’ll have only bad luck

To ROB A BIRD’S NEST means Sorrow.

A BIRD THAT HITS A WINDOW is an omen of death. If IT FLUTTERS ITS WINGS AND TRIES TO COME IN it is in danger, but it is considered very lucky for the occupant of that room.

BREAKFAST: You will weep before evening if you sing before breakfast.

BRIDE: Lucky is the bride who wears old shoes, a bit of blue, or her mother’s wedding ring at her wedding.

If the bride wears earrings she will be happy; but pearls will bring her unhappiness.

Orange blossoms are regarded lucky for the bride.

It is unlucky to give away a wedding present.

Rice thrown at the bride brings luck for the future. Old shoes tied to the bridal car bring more luck.

It is unlucky to postpone a wedding.

Rain on the wedding day means unhappiness for the bride and groom; snow, happiness; thunder, a bad omen.

To place a piece of the bridal cake under a pillow brings dreams of a future spouse, for a young unmarried girl.

BRIDGE: Make a wish while going over a bridge and it will be granted if you do not speak until you are across.

BROOM: If you sweep under someone’s feet that person will not get married — at least not for a year!

Keep a broom outside the door to keep witches away.

Persons who sweep after dark will never be rich; also such person will lose a friend.

Sweeping before sunrise brings bad luck.

If a child starts to sweep, guests will come that day.

You will have bad luck if you borrow a broom, lend one, or burn one.

Never step over a fallen broom. it means bad luck, and does a broom which falls while you are walking by it.

BUTTERFLY: The first butterfly means the beginning of spring. If it is white, it brings health and happiness; yellow, it predicts illness.

BUTTON: Find a button, make a new acquaintance.