School: Mainistir na Féile (B.) (roll number 16264)
- Location:
- Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick
- Teacher: S. Ó Háinlí
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0494, Page 125
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- Many strange spells are done by the means of a dead man's hand in making butter in a churn. The milk is stirred round nine times with the dead hand, and the churner crying aloud all the time, "Gather, gather, gather" while a secret form of words is used in which no one but the maker knows.
A browing hen, a whistling girl are considered unlucky.
If a cock comes on the threshold and crows you may expect visitors.
To see three magpies on the left hand when on a journey is unlucky, but to see two on the right hand is a good omen.
If the first lamb of the season is born black, it foretells mourning garments for the family within the year.(continues on next page)
