Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-15

a general belief. Domestic servants, and
particularly superstitious persons, are often
thrown into a. panic by accidents OF this
sort. (Niagara Falls, Ont)
A DEATH TOKEN.
In Clun Forest Gas /in Scotland) such a
breakage is said to be death token. In
North Shropshire it means seven years
trouble, to which, in Cornwall, is added, but
no want. 1t adds to the i'll luck to preserve
the broken pieces. At Wellington anyone
who breaks looking glass will never have
any luck till he has broken two more-a
rule, however, which seems to apply to all
breakages. "When I have broken three
shall have finished" The folk say, ''The
third time pays for ALL" In Switzerland,
when a mirror breaks, he is said to die who
looked in last. In Bohemisit means seven
years distress.
90 If, during sickness, pair of shears be
dropped in such manner that the point
sticks into the floor, it indicates the death
of the sick person. Central New York
In Greece, if pair of scissors is left
gaping on a table, it is said that the Arch
angel Miehael's mouth is open, ready to
take the soul of some member Of the family.
81. To dance on the ground indicates dis
aster or death within a year. (Boxford,
Mass.)
As such dancing has been a universal
custom it seems fair to conclude that this su-
perstitlon is local and modern; the inform
ant, however, an elderly person, AYERS that
she has always heard it so said.
%. If Is sit at table the one who rises
first will not live through the year. (Som-
erville, Mass.)
If 13 sit at table, the last one who sits
down will not die that year. (Brookline,
Mass)
This superstition is universal in Europe.
In Germany the victim is varionsly said to
be the youngest, the last who sits down, the
one who sits under the mirror, the first to
eat or arise, the one who seems sad and
downcast In Tyrol, by way of exception,
the augury extends only to i'll luck. In one
Bohemian town it is held to be true only for
a Christmas festivity, and the fate is ex-
tended to all over the number of II. In a
recent newspaper an account was given of
dinner in the interior of the State of New
York, where the omen was supposed to be
averted by dividing the guests among two
tables. In the Netherlands it is said that
the one who sits under the beam is traitor:
a statement which points to the Paschal
Supper as the origin of the belief; and this
is certainly probable while other e1plana-
tions are not worth citing.
EVEN THE DIsHCLoTH.
%. A dishcloth hung on doorknob is
sign of death in a family. (Deerfeld,
Mass.)
1t is common practice to indicate death
by tying piece of Grape to the doorknob of
the house, whence probably the omen.
a. If hoe be carried through house,
someone will die before the year is out.
(Mansfeld, o.
The same superstition is found in En-
gland. cit is most unlucky to carry an ak,
or any sharp tool, on your shoulder through
the house, as it is sign of death of one or
more os the inmates Some extend this
omen to any tool carried on the shoulder
through a house. At Pulverbateh and
Wenlock spade is the fatal implement; it
is certain sign that grave will shortly be
dug for some member of the household"
The editor observes that coffins were former
ly carried shoulder high.
%. Whoever works on a sick PERSONS
dress, he or she will die within a year.
Massachusetts,
26. To put on the bonnet or hat of one in
mourning is the sign that you will wear one
before the year is out. peabody, Mass.)
To tie on a Grape hat or bonnet is sign of
mourning before the year is out. (Niagara
Falls, Ont.)
Don't try on black bonnet, it means
death.
27sWhen a-woman who has heen sewing
puts her thimble on the table as she sits
down to eat, it is sign that she will be left
a widow, if she marries. Central Naine.)
Journal of american Fiolk Lore.