School: Killyfargy

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1. Pistrogues, Freets and Superstitions Formerly, or Still Practised in this District (continued)

   

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   and going round the dwelling house and outhouses hang a twig over door of each saying "In the name of the Father, etc"

   20. On May Eve put whin bush i.e. furze or gorse, on dunghill to prevent ill-luck.

   21. A "clock" i.e. the insect known as a beetle is killed whenever seen. It is supposed to have betrayed our Lord. For each one you kill you get eight sins off your soul.

   22. A cure for warts: Wash the warts in the water which lies in a hollow on the top of the wall of a bridge. You must however, come on this water unexpectedly.

   23 Another cure for warts: Rub a snail to them and stick the snail on a thorn bush. When the snail withers the warts die.

   24 To get rid of warts: Rub a handkerchief to the warts and throw it away. The first person who lifts it or touches it will get the warts and they will leave you.

   25. To lend a pin will cut love between a boy and a girl. First prod the boot with the pin and no ill effects will result.

   26 When a cow is bought place a stone where she takes the first bite after you take her home.

   27. A very small egg (yolkless) sometimes laid by a hen is placed on the "march" or mearing ditch.

   N.B. 26 and 27 were got in Drum district.

   28 A cure for mumps (from West Tyrone): The sufferer is

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Informant

   John Mc Cabe

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Scotshouse, Co. Monaghan