Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-06-21

northern and southern nations were for
the sun and moon.
In Japan the days were simply num-
bered and were regulated by the moon,
and were the moons first, second, third
Z and on TO the 18th day.
From the Anglo-Saxons we adopted into
Christianity many things; that is, the
CHRISTIANS took some Of their days as
occasions and dedicated them to the
worship OF God. They sacrificed to a
goddess called Eostre I'm April and her
name stiu expressed our Easter, al
though the practices are very different.
The Yuletide is celebrated even yet in
some parts of England. not as heather
practice. but to celebrate the lengthenins
Of the days. And it was the Anglo-SaXons
that brought to England that terrible
blot. witchcraft.
while the general introduction of
Christianity. about 600 A. D.. abolish
ed the grosser pagan observances'
witchcraft, wizardry, the preparation
OF charms continued to flourish. Alfred
Canute and other mOnarchs made laws
against superstitions is why we know
they fourished. There is a proverb'
fight the devil with fire" that may
have originated in legend of those
early years. Dunston. afterward arcn rem
bishop Of Canterbury. who died in 9SS,
was busy studying when Satan went in
and tried ITO interrupt him. Saint Dun
ston took his tongs which were red hot
and caught Satan by the nose and made
him flee.
FAIRIES were another set that the su-
perstitious invested with the kindlier
feelings, though they sometimes were
mischievous. Ben Jonson, in his Sad
Shepherd makes the tending or human
changelings an elfin employment. These
lchangelings were supposed to be fairy
children who had been substituted for
unchristianed- children that the fairies
had taken away.
There were women burned at the
stake in Scotland for witchcraft, who
claimed, poor things. to have had
fairies for helpers.
1t Is hard to see how people could
believe the things they have and some
\ still do In my own experience, here
and abroad know that hoodoo spells
and various sorts of evil powers are
still believed in. They had in earlier
times only to accuse a person and con-
viction followed Thousands in France,
Germany and Italy were burned. In
Geneva 500 were burned In three
months One cannot read of such
things without shuddering
The nineteenth century was little
better and things have continued 10
improve
That there are things not yet eX-
planned, we all know. Many times the
illusions are the RESULTS OF mental or
physical disorders. sometimes a sway
ing limb or garment. but there are at
present set Of people who have evolv-
ed the science of ghostology and
adventures are interesting to say the
least of them. Second sight is one
form that has wrought much woe and
no good, so far as I've yet learned.
Ignorance is thu mother Of supersti-
ton. and the better way to do is to
help send really we'll educated people
for teachers. Many are doing the best
they can. but they are not up to what
should be leaders of the next genera
ton. Talismans. avoiding Friday, fear
ing Is. and hating to turn back are
few Of our own superstitiOns.
Though / could write pages on the
things that are supposed to ward on
illness and bring good luck. Cast thy
bread upon the waters" help those in
distress. whether mental or physical,
obey the Golden Rule, ana the ten COM
mandments and I feel sure that there
is no need for any charm or talisman.
There are wonderful condolences but
don't let them jar you.
Commit thy way to jehovah;
Trust also in Him and He will
bring il to pass" Faithfully yours,
LIZZIE o. THOMAS.