The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-02-17


cation OF signs and omens is not, as is
enerally supposed, restricted entirely
, the negro race of the Maryland and
delaware peninsula, writes n Washing
on correspondent Of the Philadelphia
Times. Superstition 10 prevalent TO
considerable degree among the whites,
md it is a curious fact that in many
antilles where wealth and intelligence
an implicit belief is placed
n signs and tokens and what they por
end. They are sincere in this belief
md will cite numerous instances where
mysterious knock upon the door, the
'tartling rattling of window sash
" ben the air was calm and serene, or
The dismal bowling of dog have been
followed by "bad luck to give ap.
parent strength to it.
Among the white laboring classes
superstition holds their minds with a
wonderful power. Any strange phe-
nomena in the heavens, any abnormal
of the weather, or any un-
usual commotion on land or sea, each
have their own special significance, ard
while they all exercise an undue in
fluence upon the minds of these people,
each one formulates his or her own
opinion, and draw their own personal
conclusions as to the probable sequence
of these signs. A lady, venerable in
years, prominent in society, living in
affluence, and residing in Maryland
town, once dismissed most dear and
intimate acquaintance with severe
reprimand for trenching upon her ideas
with regard to this belief The subject
of superstition was under discussion
and large circle of friends were pres
ent. This lady friend was ridiculing
such belief as preposterous and ignor-
ant, and it was commented upon ad-
versely by several other members of the
company. But the hostess was in.
vulnerable to their attacks and humor
GUS puns, and good naturedly rebutted
them by several incidents which oc-
Cured which were in fresh recollection
by all present, and incidentally mention
ed her horror of person looking over
her shoulder while she was standing
before looking-glass. The evening
wore on, and when the company was
about to disperse the hostess arose to
arrange her hair before small toilet
looking-glass. Her friend came up be-
hind her suddenly and peered over her
shoulder. A remarkable tableau en-
sued. With blanched features the
hostess threw up her hands, and with
wild shrek fell swooning to the floor.
The proper restoratives were resorted
to, and when she recovered conscious
ness she arose to her feet, nervous and
timorous. Pointing her finger at her
heretofore bosom friend, she said in a
firm, determined voice
"We are friends no more. Go"
Expostulations were utterly useless
she would listen to no explanation, and
with a wounded heart and her face
bathed In tears, the lady took her de-
parture. This occurred twenty years
ago. They have never exchanged
words since. By strong coincidence
of circumstances a month or so after
ward intelligence of the death of the
only brother of the hostess, who was in
India, was received.
On the first day of the new year the
negro is debarred the privilege of en-
tering white persons house, as their
presence is regarded as an omen of bad
luck throughout the entire year. Woe
be TO any person with black skin who
crosses the threshold of white mani
house on the FIRST day of the new year.
A negro man came near paying the
penalty of bis forgetfulness in this re-
spect with his hfe. He started in the
gate of house and was advancing to-
ward the door, when he was confront
ed by the resolute and angry occupant
who stood ready to receive him with
a wood-ax. The frightened negro sud
denly collected his senses, and, remem-
bering the day, turned to flee. As he
did so the ak was hurled after him, and
went whizzing over his head, the
helve knocking off his hat.
There is to-day living in lower Della
ware an old gentleman, once conspicu-
GUS in public life, who constantly keeps
his gun charged with fashioned
silver Scent pieces, who has an i'm
plicit belief in their virtue to destroy
the power of negro conjurers when
fred at them. There are several more
who keep their revolvers loaded with
the same metal for the same purpose.
Why the annihilating qualities of sill
yer are more superior to lead or gold
they are unable to explain. Yet they
are profoundly sincere in their belief
that volley of the jingling metal fired
at, not into the body of conjurer, will
dissolve his mysterious power, and pre-
vent him from committing harm.
Superstition in the negro is proverb-
ial. We can easily understand that
the root from which springs his absurd
ideas is ignorance. But why it should
hold men and women of brilliant minds
and of high social distinction in it's
grasp is psychological question we
can not answer.
In some parts of Maryland the
people will not have the house leek, a
small green plant bearing pink flow
er, upon their premises. This plant
blooms, according to their theory, but
once in seven years, and should one OF
them be 10 or near the house at the
time. of blooming, when the tiny bud
begins to develop someone will be TAX
en- sick, and as it continues to expand
they will grow worse, and when it ha'
bloomed into the perfect flower they
will die.
Another superstition characteristic
of this ostracised plant is that so lonl
as anyone carries leaf about will
them adversely will be close at thei
heels.
There are countless numbers of sign
and omens of ill-luck, sickness, dealt
disappointment, etc that makes a curl
ous and interesting category. Tn
bowling OF a dog is a sure sign Of death
and when throwing your shoes on tn
floor, should they turn upside dowr
the grim spectre will claim some men
ber of the family ere the year has pass
ed. The dropping the dish-rag fore
tells the coming Of a stranger to mee
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