Current Superstitions Part 29

_New York._

777. To learn about visitors from tea-grounds: Lift the leaf out and press it against the left hand, naming the days of the week. Upon whichever day the leaf chances to cling and rest, company may be expected. To complete the spell, pat the leaf down your neck and wish.

_Plymouth, Ma.s.s._

778. If your eye quivers, a stranger is coming.

_Labrador._

779. If a stray hair blows persistently across the eyes, it's the sign that a stranger is coming.

_Ma.s.sachusetts._

780. The s.h.i.+n-bone itching means guests.

781. The nose itching signifies visitors.

_General in the United States._

782. The nose itching foretells company. If on the right side, it means a man; if on the left, a woman.

_Central New York._

783. If your nose itches, you will see an old friend whom you have not seen for some time.

_New York and Pennsylvania._

784. If your nose itches, it means you'll

See a stranger, Kiss a fool, Or be in danger.

_Peabody, Ma.s.s._

785. To sneeze at the table indicates a stranger.

_Peabody, Ma.s.s._

786. To sneeze before breakfast is a sign you will have a caller before night.

_Eastern Ma.s.sachusetts._

787. Sneeze before you eat, See a stranger before you sleep.

_Cape Breton._

788. As many times as you sneeze before breakfast, so many calls will you have before tea (or bed-time).

789. If you sneeze on Sat.u.r.day, you will have company on Sunday.

_Ma.s.sachusetts._

790. Water spilled on the doorstep means a stranger.

_Ohio._

791. To slop water near a door is a sign of a stranger.

_Peabody, Ma.s.s._

792. A sudden shower of sparks from the fire betokens a visitor.

_Cape Breton._

793. When you see the soot burning in the back of the chimney, it is a sign of your being visited by a stranger.

_Alabama._

794. If you crock[TN-6] your knuckles, company will come.

_Ma.s.sachusetts._

CHAPTER XII.

CURES.

AMULETS.

795. Green gla.s.s beads worn about the neck will prevent or cure erysipelas.

_Chestertown, Md._

796. Gold beads were formerly a protection against the "King's Evil"

(scrofula), and nearly every maiden and matron wore ample strings of beautiful large beads.

_Adams, Ma.s.s._

797. Gold beads worn about the neck will cure sore throat.

_Windham, Me._

798. Gold beads worn about the throat were thought to cure or or prevent goitre.

_Northern Ohio._

799. A string of gold beads is still held to be a preventive of quinsy, sore throats, and so on.

_New Hamps.h.i.+re._

800. A string of gold beads worn on the neck will cure or prevent quinsy.

_Prince Edward Island._

801. Red beads about the neck cure nose-bleed.

_Cazenovia, N.Y._

802. For nose-bleed wear a red bean on a white string round the neck.

_Bedford, Ma.s.s._

803. A black silk cord about the neck cures croup.

_Cazenovia, N.Y._

804. A key worn hanging about the neck by a string prevents nose-bleed.

_Central Maine._

805. Wearing brown paper on the chest will cure sea-sickness.

_Newton, Ma.s.s., and Chestertown, Md._