Page:Lancashire Legends, Traditions, Pageants, Sports, Etc., with an Appendix Containing a Rare Tract.djvu/279

 to their ordinary undertakings. Very few persons will cut their nails on a Sunday, for—

Those who are removing into another house are advised to place a Bible, some oatmeal, and some salt in the cupboard of the new house, in order that they may have prosperity during their stay. Some persons are said to be born unlucky; nothing they attempt prospers; and this notion has passed into the oft-repeated remark that "They are always in the lane when luck is in the field." It is considered to be very unlucky to break any glass vessel, more especially a mirror; for that reflects both ourselves and our fortunes. The "lucky-bone" of a fowl is frequently worn in the pocket in order to insure prosperity; and crooked pins possess the same property when they are cast into a well of clear water. These pins are popularly supposed to bring whatever good luck the persons may wish for who thus deposits them. When a new suit of clothes is put on for the first time, the wearer is expected to pay "bebbrage," or a forfeit, so that his clothes may wear well. If a person has a run of bad luck at cards, he is advised to change his chair, or turn it round, in order that fortune may turn to him. Foxglove flowers are popularly termed fairy caps; for these imaginary beings are supposed to wear them. Tea is considered to be a cooling drink for summer, and a heating one for winter. If we crush a beetle on the road, we are told that we shall cause it to rain on the morrow; and when blisters rise on our tongues, they are a sure sign that we have been telling lies. On the first day of April boys are frequently sent for "pigeons' milk," or "strap oil," and sometimes get