Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 1 1883.djvu/388



HE following scraps of folk-lore were noted down from the conversation of persons of the middle-class in Switzerland and Würtemberg, during the year 1881. As such old-world sayings are still half believed among educated people, it is probable that a rich harvest of superstitions might be reaped among the poorer and more ignorant portion of the populations of those countries.

Swiss Superstitions.—It is unlucky to mention the date at which the birth of a child is expected. If you have reason to think that a child is bewitched, place a bible under its pillow, then the spell will be broken. This bible-charm was used by the mother of a Calvinistic pastor in the year 1880.

Never go out for pleasure on the Lake of Bienne on one certain day,—it is, I think, the 25th of July,—if you wish to escape death. The general belief in this superstition was greatly strengthened in 1880, for a steamer capsized on the fatal day and all on board were drowned.

An unmarried woman should not be the first person to cut a pat of butter, for if she does so she will never marry though she may have many suitors.

Friday is the proper day on which to cut a baby's nails.

If the fowls huddle together outside a hen-house, instead of going to roost, there will be wet weather.

if a child suffers much pain while it is teething, hang a necklace of amber round its neck, then the teeth will appear quickly and easily. Amber necklaces made specially for this purpose are advertised in the country papers.

Never bring the flower of the periwinkle into the house; if you do so strife will follow.

A birthday-cake must have lighted candles arranged around it, one