QUAINT SUPERSTITIONS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 376, 8 July 1911, Page 7

QUAINT SUPERSTITIONS.

The fact that to be superstitions i to be unreasonable and illogical li I ttlc effect on the woman who be iieves in lucky and unlucky portc-it taMsmans, and mascots. It in n question whether bridge or motoring had the most to do with an apologetic credence in absurdities in tb< matter cf dreams and weather sign:-, some of which are, however, oldestablished beliefs in out-of-the-way districts, while others were the pet superstitions of famous people. "Napoleon," says a writer in "M'Call's Magazine," "was decidedly superstitious. He dreamt of two black cats the night before Waterloo, and the result is historically recorded. One may rejoice and feel one has the best of policies against evil if a black cat lives in one's house, but to dream of two portends disaster (never tell your dreams before breakfast). Some animals are always re garded as prophetic of sorrow. Ravens spell evil, never good to come, and figure iu innumerable family legends. "The gift of a mirror cuts friendship ; also, when giving a friend a ] in, you should hand it head first, as sharp-pointed things cut love. It is obvious that it is very bad luck to sit upon a pair of scissors. It is an error of judgment to give away your shoes, as your luck goes with them ; but to throw shoes after a person brings them back without loss to the thrower. It invites sorrow to wipe your engagement ring with a towel ; always use a handkerchief or something sympathetically soft ; and if you would avoid sorrow and shame never visit your dentist on a Wednes day. There is one thiDg, however, about superstitions—so many seem to be based on a compensatory principle. For example, if your hand goes to sleep it is a sign of good fortune ; if you burn a hole in your dress it is equally so. If you are fortunate enough to sneeze before breakfast you will receive a present. "'Lose a letter, find something better," is distinctly consoling. If the wind breaks your umbrella you will receive money To tear a veil in putting it on is a sign of luck, though a rather obscure one.

Over the country is hurrying "Billiken, the god of things as they ought to be," to rival the little jade Maori god, who, with tne "Ankh" (the emblem oZ long life), has protected so many the, past few years. The amuiet of the eye is among the latest guarantors of luck at bridge. It leads to fortune if you stroke a black cat's tail seven times before starting to play, but it is unlucky to meet a cat on the stairs when going out. Always sit at the crack of the table, and remember that "money talks, but to most people it says goodbye," unless you fold your bank notes lengthwise, when you will always have money.—"Evening Standard."