Part 51 (1/2)
_Cape Breton._
1446. It is a sign of good old-fas.h.i.+oned economy to use up a dish-cloth until it can be put into your mouth.
_Ma.s.sachusetts._
1447. If a door opens of itself, it is supposed to indicate the presence of a spirit, usually one of the family.
_Ma.s.sachusetts._
1448. It is unlucky to name a child after a dead child of the family.
_Newfoundland._
1449. If you begin keeping house with many in the family, it is a sign that you will always have a large family or houseful.
_Ohio._
1450. If a wood fire snaps and sparkles, each time it does indicates the receipt of a letter.
_Peabody, Ma.s.s._
1451. One of the negro superst.i.tions was that when the fire burned with a blue flame, it was the devil seeking to speak to them. A handful of salt would make him go away.
_Alabama._
1452. Sweep the floor after dark, you'll see sickness before morning.
1453. If while eating you drop food on the floor, it is a sign that some one is telling lies about you.
_Cape Breton._
1454. Food dropped on the floor by one signifies that some one grudges you it.
_Common in the United States._
1455. Do not change your place at table; it is very unlucky.
_New York, N.Y._
1456. If you keep changing your furniture to different places, you'll be poor.
_Ma.s.sachusetts._
1457. Not drinking the whole contents of a gla.s.s or cup means disappointment.
_Westport, Ma.s.s._
1458. If sooty bubbles form and blacken on the wick in a lamp burning whale oil, each bubble indicates the receipt of a letter.
_Peabody, Ma.s.s._
1459. When sparks are seen on the bottom of the tea-kettle, it is a sign that folks are going home from meeting.
_New Hamps.h.i.+re and Boxford, Ma.s.s._
1460. Sparks flying from a fire mean letters; the number of the sparks is the number of the letters.
_Boston, Ma.s.s._
1461. If a spark or sparks jump out of the fire and hit you or come towards you, it is a sign some one has a spite or grudge against you.
_Bathurst, N.B._