Page:Modern Greek folklore and ancient Greek religion - a study in survivals.djvu/330

 some acquaintance. Another species of owl, our 'tawny owl' I believe, known popularly as [Greek: charopouli] or 'Charon's bird ,' is, as the name suggests, a messenger of evil under all circumstances, whether it be heard hooting or be seen sitting in deathlike stillness or flitting past like a ghost in the gathering darkness.

The casual actions and movements of birds are less observed now than the cry, flight, and posture; nor am I aware of any auspices being drawn therefrom with regard to any matters of higher importance and interest than the prospective state of the weather. For such humdrum prognostication poultry serve better than the more dignified birds—perhaps because their movements on the ground are more easily observed—and by pluming themselves, by scratching a hole in which to dust themselves over, and by roosting on one leg or with their heads turned in some particular direction foretell rain, fine weather, or a change of wind.

All these auspices are further modified, as in ancient times, by the position of the observer in reference to the bird observed. The right hand side is the region of good omen, whether the bird be seen or heard; and if it be a case of the bird crossing the path of the observer, passage from left to right is to be desired, on the principle that all is well that ends well; flight from right to left indicates a decline of good fortune. Motion towards the right, it may be noted, has always been the auspicious direction in Greece. In that direction, according to Homer, the herald carried round the lot which had been shaken from the helmet, to be claimed by that Chieftain whose token it might prove to be ; in that direction Odysseus in beggar-guise proceeded round the board, asking alms of the suitors ; in that direction even the gods passed their wine. And in like manner at the present day wine is passed, cards are played, and at weddings bride and bridegroom are led round the altar, from left to right. Thus then in modern augury too, if the eagle's scream, which forebodes fighting, be heard on the right, the hearer will come well out of it, but if on the left, he is like to be worsted. If the woodpecker laugh on the right, the hearer, instead of [Greek: Charos], and [Greek: pouli] is possible, but less likely. It would then be an euphemistic name, 'bird of joy.' An owl named [Greek: striglopouli] (on which see above, p. 180) appears to be a semi-mythical bird chiefly found in Hades; it is possibly identical with 'Charon's bird.'], p. 126.]