School: Newtownbarry (B.) (roll number 3633)

Location:
Bunclody, Co. Wexford
Teacher:
Bháitear Ua Giollarnath
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0892, Page 129

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0892, Page 129

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    129
    shamrock. If you walk under a two-ended briar you are in the power of the devil. If a man stands with his back to the fire there will be bad weather. If your ear is red someone is talking about you. If a dog eats grass there wil be wet weather. It is also a sign of bad weather if a cat sits with its back to the fire.
    A black dog is unlucky. If your right ear is red someone is speaking good of you. When a cat sharpens her claws on a board it is going to rain. If a dog "keens" someone is going to die. If one side of your cigarette is lighting someone is thinking of you. If some people are going on a journey and they saw a magpie they would turn back and go another day. When the banshee is heard someone is going to die. It is unlucky to light three cigarettes with one match. If a cat plays with a brush it will rain. If a crow builds its nest in your chimney you will be unlucky. It is unlucky to kill a wag-tail as it is supposed that the wag-tail has three drops of devil's blood on it. It is unlucky to kill a robin. It is unlucky for a wedding to meet a funeral on the road. It is lucky to hang a horse-shoe over a hen where she is hatching. It is unlucky to throw water out late at night. If you throw an old boot after a wedding car is supposed to bring them good luck. If you let your glove fall it is a sign of a disappointment. You should never carry a pack of cards in your pocket at night, because you might meet the devil. If you get married in May you will rue the day. If you look into a looking glass at night you will see the
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Felix Kavanagh
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Gorteen, Co. Wexford