Part 3 (1/2)
41. If a child cries at birth and lifts up one hand, he is born to command.
42. If the baby smiles in its sleep, it is talking with angels.
43. If a baby yawns, the sign of the cross should be made over it that the evil spirit may not enter.
_Niagara Falls, Ont._
44. While tying on a baby's cap repeat,--
Look up there and see a fly, Look down there and see it die.
Its chin will follow the direction indicated, and the tying is hastened.
_Brookline, Ma.s.s._
VARIOUS.
45. First a daughter, then a son, The world is well begun.
First a son, then a daughter, Trouble follows after.
_Maine and Ma.s.sachusetts._
46. First a son, then a daughter, You've begun just as you oughter.
_Brookline, Ma.s.s._
47. Rock a cradle empty, Babies will be plenty.
_Peabody, Ma.s.s._
48. Rock the cradle empty, Have children a plenty, Rock the chair empty, Have sickness a plenty.
_Nashua, N.H._
49. To rock the cradle when the baby is not in it will kill it.
_New York._
50. If the empty cradle be rocked, the baby will have the colic.
_New York and Ohio._
51. The first time a baby is taken visiting, if it is laid on a married couple's bed there will be a baby for that couple.
_Salem, Ma.s.s._
52. The mother who gives away all the clothes of her dead baby will eventually be comforted by the coming of another child.
53. However many children a woman may have, the last will be of the same gender as the first, and they will look alike.
_Maine and Ma.s.sachusetts._
54. One article of an unborn infant's wardrobe must be left unmade or unbought or the child is liable not to live.
_Salem, Ma.s.s._
55. A baby's nails must not be cut with scissors before it is a year old; it will make it steal.