Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 1887.djvu/226

 218 body be violently shaken. When a member of a family dies, his death it is said will bring two others with it, from the idea that one misfortune never comes alone. A Cornish country vicarage was lately startled by the tolling at an unwonted hour of the church bell. On sending to ascertain the cause of the disturbance an "old inhabitant was found in the belfry, who had been engaged in the absence or illness of the usual sexton to dig the grave. He said in explanation that in his time it was always usual for the gravedigger to toll the bell three times before breaking the consecrated ground,"—J. H. C, Notes and Queries, 5th series, vol. ii. August, 1874.

A corpse should never be carried to church by a new road, and should a hearse stop on its way to the churchyard there will soon be another death in the house. Singing funerals, or as they are called in Cornwall buryings (pronounced "berrins"), were once almost universal (and one may still occasionally be met). The mourners and friends following the coffin sang as they walked through the streets or lanes their favourite hymns, often to most elaborate tunes.

Flowers and shrubs planted in Cornish churchyards are never plucked from the fear that the spirits of the departed will at night visit the desecrator. Cross-roads, the former burying-place of suicides, are after nightfall avoided, such spots being haunted.

With a few general superstitions, I shall bring this work to an end. It is unlucky in Cornwall to see the new moon first over the left shoulder, or through a window, especially if the day should happen to be a Friday. To ensure good luck on your first sight of her, you should curtsey, spit on your money and turn it in your pocket. (A man well paid for any chance job early in the day calls it here "a hansel," and spits on the money for good luck). If you particularly desire anything, look at the new moon and wish before you speak. You may also wish when you see a falling star, and if you can succeed