Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-01-19
RURAL SUPERSTITIoNS.
Popular Beliefs That Have No Scientific
Basis, but Seem Almost to BE Unborn.


Basis, but Seem Almost to BE Unborn.
That superstition exerts a powerful in
fiuence over the affairs OF mankind may
be ascertained by a residence In almost
any rural community in the country. 1t
cannot be said that only the ignorant and
uncouth classes give credence to dark say
ings. There are thousands Of persons who
do unacknowledged service to the mys-
terious and unknown whose training and
education have not succeeded in entirely
destroying the effect OF potencies and
charms learned and believed in youth.
Especially is this true II the individual be
Southern born, for the association and i'm
fiuence Of darl1ies may not be dismissed
at word, and there is no more super
stitious class than the Southern negro.
1t Is remarkable how generally super
stitious sayings have spread over the
country. No section may claim to be
above harboring such beliefs or rather,
practices; for 1t may not be claimed that
all believe in the efficacy who practise and
observe certain forms or take cognizance
Of defined circumstances. Nevertheless,
there are, as a matter Of fact, few per-
sons who care to pass a pin lying on the
ground II the point chances to be toward
them. Almost invariably that pin will be
picked up. An experiment of this kind
was made in Chicago, in an office building,
the occupants of which and their visitors
stition as any set Of men on earth. But
Is men out of 20 stopped to pick up a
bright pin laid on a dark spot Of the
velvet carpet in the corridor.
How many persons viii confess to a
weakness for seeing the new moon over
their right shoulder unobscured by any
bushy tree top? A greater number will
deny belief in the efficacy who will at the
same time confess that they would rather
seen the moon right" This remarkable
superstition prevails in all parts Of the
world. Its very universally almost
compels belief In Its potency.
II one would learn the popular super
stitions of any community, he must have
been reared among the people, for IL a
stranger were to ask for a list Of super
stitions prevailing in any one place II is
possible that no person could recall or
make list OF them. They crop out under
suitable circumstances and as occasion
calls for their observance.
Below are some of the common sayings
in a community made up Of descendants
. of Pennsylvania Dutch who settled In the
keystone state shortly after the colony
was organized:
If in washing the dishes or in cleaning
the table before a meal the cook drops
dishrag some one is coming hungry.
II the dishrag is dropped while washing
the dishes after a meal, some slut is
coming, II she is not already there"
The growing of a rooster before the front
door early in the morning foretells the
visit of a stranger.
If a red bird fits about the yard and
chirps merrily young girl, gayly dressed
and light hearted, may be expected soon.
The Growing of a rooster in the night
is a sign Of hasty news. Thus, many a
rooster, by a single crow, has cast a gloom
over an entire family.
The bowling Of dog at night foretels
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death.
The screaming OF a screech owl three
nights in succession in or about the front
yard is sign that some one in the house
is In danger OF death. To cause the owl
to leave, stick a shovel in the fire.
The growing of chicken hen portends
bad luck 1t always results in the death
Of the hen without delay for no good
woman would allow a Growing hen to live
longer than it takes to cut on its head.
In ironing a garment II the smoothing
iron is dropped the owner Of the garment
will never live to wear 1t out.
Friday is an unlucky day II piece OF
work is begun on that day 1t win not
prosper and possibly the one who begins
1t will not live to finish it. II probably
Is true that not ten women out of every
hundred can be found who would as will
ingly start garment on Friday as on
some other day.
III the individuals OF hunting party, In
crossing a fence, go over the same sec
ton luck will be good, but II several sec
lions be crossed the hunt will be a failure.
II in strolling two persons go on oppo-
site sides of a tree, one or both of them
will meet disappointment before the day
is over.
Looking at a new moon for the first
time through distractions, as through a
tree top, foretells misfortunes during that
r1nnn n 4 rferkak CHI lHnr-
ana in clear space brings good luck.
The rabbit always carries omens Of Ill
fortune. II you meet him going from
home you may look for trouble before you
return; II going toward home there will
be trouble in your family.
Ashes must not be taken from a fire.
place in sick room. The death of the
patient would follow. Nor must the bed
OF a sick person be turned over. 1t is