School: Lisball

On this page

1. Old Superstitions and Beliefs of the Irish

   

   Share Share Post

   It is considered unlucky:
   1)To give an ordinary pin or safety pin to a friend or sweetheart - It might split the love or friendship between them.
   2) To give a present of a prayerbook or religious emblem to a sweetheart.
   3) To turn back after one has set oout on a journey.
   4) To meet a red-haired woman first thing in the morning.
   5) To give away anything out of the house on New Year's Day.
   6) To give milk out of the house on May Day.
   7) To throw out dirty water after dark.
   8) To cut down a lone bush.
   9. To interfere with a fort or rath.
   10. To walk backwards.
   11. To allow a cat near one when praying.
   12. To say "God bless you", to a cat or dog.
   13. To allow a cat to sleep in your bed at night.
   14. To see a frog hopping into the kitchen.
   15. To break a mirror or looking-glass - it betokens 7 years ill luck.
   16. To spill salt.
   17. To eat a meal in a field without leaving some

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   S. Doherty

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Lisball, Co. Cavan

   Informant

   Mr Phil Gaynor

   Gender

   Male

   Occupation

   Journalist

   Address

   Bailieborough, Co. Cavan