Page:Lancashire Legends, Traditions, Pageants, Sports, Etc., with an Appendix Containing a Rare Tract.djvu/265

 COURTSHIP Is always an engrossing subject, and has appropriated its full share of omens and superstitious ceremonies. The dictum that "Long courtships make bad marriages," is never questioned by any; for it is well known that—

In cases of extreme haste we are told that, "Cold pudding cures hot love;" and are at the same time reminded that, "It is best to be slow to make haste." Rubbing against a newly-married couple is said to be infectious; and if an unmarried person stumbles on going up-stairs it is taken as a sign of early marriage. When a bramble, or briar, or a thorn branch, adheres to a lady's dress when she is walking with her lover, it is a sure omen that he will be faithful. The same encouraging information is obtained by placing sprigs of the tea plant on the back of one hand and striking them with the other. If they stick firmly to the hand which strikes them, so will the lover whose intentions are being tested. Should a young female attend church when her own banns are published, her children will be born deaf and dumb as a punishment for her want of decency. No one ought to try on her wedding-dress before the day of the marriage; for popular opinion affirms that if she does she will never live happily with her husband. Fortune in marriage is still tried in Lancashire as it was in the days of Gay; his "Spell" has lost nothing of its force by lapse of time:—

Two hazel nuts I threw into the flame, And to each nut I gave a sweetheart's name;