Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-11-03
TRADEsMENs SUGGESTIONS.
Prevalence of the Mascot Idea Amon
Business Men.

Prevalence of the Mascot Idea Among
Business Men.
There are few things more paradoxical
than the association of sentiment with the
pawnbrokerage business, especially when
engaged in by the modern Shylocks; but
that it does exist in the form of supersti-
ton is fact we'll established, though lit
tie known. 1t is surprising how many
tradesmen have a superstitious feeling that
the destiny of the days business is shaped
largely by the first transaction.
The pawnbroker dislikes exceedingly to
have a negro for the first customer in the
morning, or person with clothes to pawn.
He feels that bad luck must follow in the
wake of such deal as this last, particu-
larly; while, on the contrary, if the first
conner in the morning brings diamonds, he
can get almost any concession he may de-
mand within the bounds of reason. This
is not altogether due to the intrinsic value
of the stones, but partially to the fact that
they are considered great mascots to the
trade.
Cigar dealers dislike exceedingly to
"trust" the first customer, no matter how
well known and reputable he may be. 1t
is believed to be forerunner of ''poor
days trade"
Letter carriers also have their supersti-
tions. They have been known to go con-
siderably out of their way in order to
avoid delivering a mourning letter the
first thing.
A great many Wall street men will
not buy stocks on Friday, and should
they chance to meet cross-eyed man on
their way to business, will sell out their
holdings at once, as this is a sure sign
of a declining market.
Formerly sailors could not be induced
to sail on Friday, or if "parson" were
known to be on board. Even now, if
shark is seen following the ship, it is
taken by some to be a sure sign of the
approaching death Of one Of the passen-
gers or crew.
Among jewellers a superstitious feeling
exists as to the power of some stones to
insure their wearers great good luck or
exemption from misfortune. To each
month of the year is assigned its partic-
ular lucky stone. In purchasing stones
for birthday presents, the stone CORE
spending with the month of the birth is
often purchased, and is invariably sug-
gested by the jeweler.
January's lucky stone is the garnet. 1t
is a symbol of constancy, and insures to its
owner fidelity on the part of friends. For
February the amethyst is selected as a
preventive against violent passions and
drunkenness.
A child born in March should be given
chrysoprase, better known as the blood
stone heliotrope This stone is a giver
of wisdom, frmness and courage, and is
great boon to its wearer in all perilous
undertakings. ApriPs child is freed by
the sapphire from all witchcraft or en-
chantment. The sapphire likewise has
the power of imparting to its possessor
kindness of disposition and conscientious
ness. For May the emerald gives the
power of discovering true or false wit
nesses and insures domestic felicity.
The agate, June's mascot, bestows irwin
cibility and long life. For July, the ruby
discovers poisons and cures all evils spring
ing from the unkindness of friends. The
conjugal felicity of the child born in Au
gust is insured by the possession of the
sardonyx. This stone is dark brown and
Opaque. For September the chrysolite is
chosen. 1t frees one from sadness.
To any one so fortunate as to be born in
October, the opal should be given. 1t be-
slows hope and likewise sharpness Of sight.
The topaz denotes fidelity of friendship.
1t promotes calmness and prevents bad
dreams. Its wearer is supposed to be proof
against violent death. 1t belongs to No
vember.
To the child born during the last month
of the year, the turquoise is an omen of
prosperity through life
The pearl is the only jewel not recon-
mended for a birthday gift 1t denotes
tears and presages an unhappy life.