Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 15, 1904.djvu/234

 2IO Collectanea.

If the eyes dance, something is going to happen iliai will cause you to laugh or to cry according as it is the right or the left. If both, then the person expects to do both.

If the ears ring, that is if there is a sort of buzzing in them, the person is going to hear some news, bad or good, according as it is the left or right car.

If the lips twitch, you may expect to kiss somebody soon.

When the palm of the hands itch, one is either about to receive money or to pay away some, according as it is the left or the right. If both, then he may expect to do both.

The itching of the soles of the feet betokes a journey.

Whenever a spider's web gets across one's face, especially in the night, it is a sign that spirits are present.

Sneezing is always a token of luck to a woman. This luck is good or bad, according as her firstborn is a boy or a girl, and the sneezer does or does not correspond.

Good or bad luck is also betokened by the butting of the right or left foot.

When going out to receive money never return to the house after you have once left it, or you will not get it.

A child possessing small ears is sure to be poor, while one possessing large is sure to be rich.

If an infant is born with a caul, it will be able to see ghosts.

Relating to the House.

The opening of an umbrella in a house is uncanny ; it brings bad luck.

If a cock comes in and crows, it is a sign that misfortune is about to befall some member of the family.

The eating of the feet (the soles) by mice during sleep is an omen of a coming calamity.

If bats or birds enter the house, it is a sign that some stranger or a loved one will shortly visit it.

If an owl flies over the house, or a John Crow is seen near it after dark, a dire calamity may be expected.

The cracking of the house in the breeze is an ill omen, and the inmates must look out for trouble.

If a pair of scissors or a knife or a fork drops and sticks upright, a stranger will soon pay the house a visit.