Current Superstitions Part 48

_Peabody, Ma.s.s._

1351. If you look at one who has inflamed eyes, you'll catch the disease.

_Maine and Ohio._

1352. If your elbow itches, you will sleep with a stranger.

_Boston, Ma.s.s._

1353. If the right foot itches, it is a sign you will go where you will be welcome; if the left foot itches, it is a sign you will go where you are unwelcome.

_Baldwinsville, N.Y._

1354. If while going to see any one your left foot itches, you are not welcome.

_Alabama._

1355. The nose itching is a sign you are going to "get mad."

_Peabody, Ma.s.s._

1356. If your nose itches, it is a sign of a present.

1357. If your nose itches, some one will be provoked with you.

1358. If your nose itches, it is a sign that

You'll be mad, See a stranger, Kiss a fool, Or be in danger.

_Prince Edward Island._

1359. If your nose itches, you will

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

_Peabody, Ma.s.s._

1360. If your nose itches, it is a sign you will be kissed, cussed, or vexed.

_Somerville, Ma.s.s._

1361. If the nose itches, some say you will receive a letter; others declare it is a sign your lover is thinking of you.

_Baldwinsville, N.Y._

1362. If the palm of the hand itches, it is a good sign that you will kill something.

_Labrador._

1363. Itching in the palm is a sign of a fight, or of seeing a stranger.

1364. An unexpected scratch denotes surprise.

1365. A long scratch across the palm denotes a sleigh-ride.

_Pennsylvania (negro)._

1366. A scratch on the hand denotes a ride; the length of the scratch indicates the length of the ride.

_New England._

1367. A scratch on the right hand is a sign of a ride to come; on the left, a disappointment.

_Baldwinsville, N.Y._

1368. If your knee itches, you are jealous.

_Boston, Ma.s.s._

1369. Being lousy is an indication that the lousy person is in good health.

_Newfoundland._

1370. Some hold that the white spots that one has on the finger-nails represent the lies you have told.

_Maine and Baldwinsville, N.Y._

1371. If you shudder without apparent cause, some one has stepped over or upon your grave.

_Gilsum, N.H._

1372. If you shudder, it is a sign that a rabbit is running across, or a goose is eating gra.s.s from your grave.

_Chestertown, Md._

1373. There is an old superst.i.tion that every sigh causes a drop of blood to flaw from the heart.

_Exeter, N.H._

1374. "Smooches" made on the face by soiled fingers (called beauty spots in Ohio) mean a present.

_New Brunswick._

1375. A lump on the tongue means that you have told a lie.

_Prince Edward Island, New York, and Northern Ohio._

APPAREL.

1376. If you mend your ap.r.o.n or dress while on you, some one will lie about you.

_Maine and Alabama._

1377. As many st.i.tches as you take (in mending a garment while wearing it), so many lies will be told about you.

_New Hamps.h.i.+re._

1378. If a garment is mended while being worn, it is a sign the wearer will do something he is ashamed of before the week is out.

_Newton, Ma.s.s._

1379. If one mends his clothes upon his back, It is a sign his trouble will never come back.

_Connecticut._

1380. Basting threads left in a garment signify that it is not yet paid for.

_Ma.s.sachusetts and Ohio._

1381. Put your clothes on the wrong side out and you'll have a present before the week is out.

_Peabody, Ma.s.s._

1382. If, when dressing, one puts on any of his clothing wrong side out, it is a sign that he will soon receive a present.

_Alabama._