School: Mágh Glas

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1. Superstitions

   

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   Máire Ní Dubháin
   a sgríobh
   “Superstitions”

   We are not quite certain when superstitions originated, but the general belief is that we inherited them from our pagan ancestors. Superstitions are better known as “Pisreogs” and although it is sinful to credit them people seem to believe in the old proverb, “Do not break a custom and do not make a custom”.

   It is believed to be unlucky to see one mag-pie on the road. To meet a red haired woman when going to the fair is supposed to be unlucky, people say it brings ill luck to carry a pack of cards at night. Hens fighting are a sign of strangers coming. It is said to be unlucky if crosses are not made and put up on the ceiling on Saint Brigid’s Eve.

   On May Eve maypoles are cut and stuck in the tillage to ensure the crops would be a success. If a rainbow starts in one end of a village and finishes in the other it is a sign of death in that village. It is said to be unlucky to break a mirror. Crickets are supposed to be lucky in a house, and should not be molested, for it is believed they bring the luck with them when they leave a house.

   It is unlucky to plough on Easter Monday. To drop a knife or fork at a table is a sign of a disappointment for that person. Salt or flour should not be given to a passing traveller on May Eve, as it is said to bring ill luck. When the churning is being done in a house and a person comes in to light his pipe, he should assist at the

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. genre
      1. belief (~391)
         1. folk belief (~2,535)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Máire Ní Dubháin

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Ballinlough, Co. Galway