Page:Notes on the folk-lore of the northern counties of England and the borders.djvu/139

 Rh If any person deemed auspicious meet a young tradesman who has just donned his apron, and say to him “Weel may ye brook (or dirty) your apron,” the young man will be sure to do well in life.

It is unlucky for a traveller on Monday morning to meet a man with “schloof,” or flat feet; but mischief may be averted by returning home, eating and drinking, and starting afresh on one’s way.

If meat shrinks in the pot, it presages a downfall in life; but, if it swells to a large size, the master of the house will be prosperous in his undertakings.

To sweep the dust out of your house by the front door is to sweep away the good fortune of your family; it must be swept inwards, and carried out in a basket or shovel, and then no harm will follow.

If a quill be thrown over the house, and caught in a basin on the other side, it will turn to a silver spoon.

It is unlucky, after one has started on a journey, to be recalled and told of something previously forgotten; but the spell may be broken by asking for meat and drink, and partaking of it. This done, the journey may be resumed without fear. This little bit of superstition, too, has crept southwards into England. A clergyman from Yorkshire tells me that his grandfather, though anything but a weak man, would never turn back when he had once started on an expedition; he has been known to stand on horseback at the end of his grounds, shouting to the house for something that he had forgotten, rather than turn back for it.

Thus, in Sweden, one must not turn round when going on any business, for fear it turn out ill, nor may one look back when setting out on a journey.

Akin to this is the belief that it is unlucky to watch anyone out of sight; if you do so you will never see that person again.

Many north-country people would not, on any account, lend another a pin. They will say, “You may take one, but, mind, I do not give it.” Akin to this is the objection, once