Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1905-07-22

N<~ss~sSS>S~>~-esesS>~s> ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS -
That superstition exerts power
full influence over the affairs of
mankind may be ascertained by a
residence in almost any rural COM
munity in the country. 1t cannot
be said that only the ignorant and
uncouth classes give credence to dark
sayings. There are thousands ofper-
sons who do unacknowledged service
to the mysterious and unknown,
whose training and education have
not succeeded in entirely destroy.
ing the effect of potencies and
charms learned and believed in
youth. Especially is this true il
the individual be southern born, fol
the association and influence OF
.darkies may not be dismissed at
word, and there is no more super.
stitious class than the southern
negro.
1t is remarkable how generally
sayings of superstitions have spread
over the country. No section may
claim to be above harboring any
such beliefs, or rather practices; fol-
it may not be claimed that all be-
lieve in the efficacy who practice
and observe certain forms or take
cognizance of the defined circum.
stances. Nevertheless, there are,
as a matter of fact, few persons
who care to pass a pin lying on the
ground if the point chance TO be to-
ward them. Almost invariably that
pin will be picked up. An expert
ment of this kind was made in
Chicago, in an Office building, the
occupants of which and their visi.
tors should be as free from any
touch of superstition as anv set OF
men on earth. But fifteen men out
of twenty who passed stopped to
pick up a bright pin laid on a dark
spot of the velvet carpet in the cor
rider.
How many persons will confess
to weakness for seeking the new
moon over their right shoulder
unobscured by any bushy treetop
A greater number will deny the
belief in the efficacy who will al
the same time confess that they
would rather see the moon right
This remarkable superstition pre-
walls IN all parts of the world. Its
very universally almost compels
belief in it's potency.
If one would learn the popular
superstitions of any community he
must have been reared among the
people, for if a stranger were tt
ask for list of superstitions prevail
ing in any one place it is possibly
no person could recall, or make &
list of them. They crop out under
suitable circumstances and as oc
casiOn call for their observance.
Below are some of the common
sayings IN community made up O.
descendants of Pennsylvania Dutch
who settled in the Keystone state
shortly after the colony was or
ganized:
If in washing the dishes, or il
cleaning the table before a meal
the cook drops dish rag, some on,
is coming hungry.
! If the dish rag is dropped while
washing the dishes after a meal
''some slut is coming, if she is no
already there"
The growing of a rooster befor'
, the front door early in the morning
foretells the visit of stranger.
If red bird flies about the yar(
and chirps -merrily, young cir
gayly dressed and light-heartet
may be expected soon.
The growing of a rooster in thu
night is sign of hasty news. Thus
many a rooster, by single crow
has cast a gloom over an entire
family.
The bowling of a dog at nigh
foretells some dire calamity such
as a tragic death.
| If a dog lies on his back in the
front yard with feet extended up
ward, some member of the family
to which he belongs is sure to die
soon.
The screaming of a screech owl
three nights in succession or in
about the front yard, is sign that
some one In the house is in danger
of death. To cause the owl to leave,
stick the shovel in The fire.
The Growing of a chicken hen
portends bad luck. 1t always re-
suits in the death of the hen with
out delay, for no good woman
would allow growing hen to live
longer than it takes to cut off its