CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Cornell University Library GR110.P4 F65 Beliefs and superstitions of the 3 1924 029 888 660 olin Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029888660 AMERICANA GERMANICA MONOGRAPHS DEVOTED TO THE COMPARATIVE "^ STUDY OF THE Literary, Linguistic and other Cultural Relations OF Germany and America EDITOR MARION DEXTER LEARNED University of Pcnniylvania ■^ f, BEUEFS AND SUPERSTITIONS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA > GERMANS BY EDWIN MILLER FOGEL, Ph.D. AMERICAN GERMANICA PRESS raojuvELraiA 1915 COPYIUCHT 1915 by EDWIN M. FOGEL. PREFACE. Part of the material of the following pages was origin- ally collected and presented in partial fulfillment of the re- quirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University of Pennsylvania. Since then the treatise has been revised throughout and much new material added. These additions consist, in the main, of parallels or cor- relates which were found in various European libraries or gathered by word of mouth in those districts of Germany from which most of the ancestors of the Pennsylvania Ger- mans emigrated to America. The aim of the present volume is two-fold. It is in- tended primarily as a contribution not only to American Folklore but more especially as a chapter in the larger field of German American relations, the pioneer exponent of which is the present Professor of the Germanic Languages and Literatures in the University of Pennsylvania. Other considerations, secondly, have made it imperative that the general public should be interested in the book. It has therefore been deemed advisable to adopt a simpler phonetic notation in reproducing the vernacular than might other- wise have been permissible. It should be emphasized that the contents of the present volume are to be regarded as a serious attempt at putting into permanent form a phase of folk-life which will soon disappear into the background and thus be irretrievably lost. This book is therefore not intended as a source of supply for those whose aim in speaking and writing about the Pennsylvania Germans seems to be to exaggerate and misrepresent. Special acknowledgment must be given to the following : to Professor Marion D. Learned for most valuable sug- gestions in the inception of the collection and for that en- couragement which alone comes from an inspiring leader; ill IV PREFACE. to Professor Daniel B. Shumway whose success in transla- tion has made his suggestions and corrections in the trans- lation of the dialect material invaluable; to Professors Priedrich Pfaff, of Freiburg, i. B., Karl Bohnenberger, of Tiibingen, and Paul Hintzelmann, of Heidelberg, for special favors in the respective University libraries; to Professor Theodor Zink, of Kaiserslautem, and Mr. H. Bauer, of Freiburg, i. B., for kindly assistance in indicating where many of the superstitions were to be found; to Professor Philip H. Fogel, of Princeton University; and finally to friends and acquaintances in Peimsylvania who made the collection of material possible. Philadelphia, 1915. CONTENTS. Preface iii Introduction 1 Bibliography and Abbreviations 23 Childhood 31 Future Husband 58 Marriage 66 Dreams 74 Omens and Wishes 80 Luck and Omens of Luck 98 Omens of Death 114 Death Omens Concerning Death 126 Superstitions Connected with Death 129 Witches 138 Dogs and Cats 143 Moving 148 Homesickness 152 Servants 154 Stockraising and Veterinary Medical Superstitions 155 Milk and Butter 177 Cooking and Baking 187 Vinegar 190 Planting, Sowing and Beaping 194 Trees 208 Bees 216 Snakes 219 Weather 221 Moon 242 Signs of the Zodiac 245 Special Days and Seasons 247 Horseshoe . . : 264 Hunting and Fishing 265 Folk Medicine and Medical Superstitions 267 Freckles 307 Teeth 309 Warts 316 Rheumatism 327 Croup 330 Convulsions 332 Whooping Cough 336 Hair 340 Sex 345 Miscellaneous 358 INTRODUCTION. German colonization in the western hemisphere is al- most coeval with the discovery of America by Columbus. Under the aegis of the great German merchant princes, the Welsers and the Fuggers, attempts at colonization were made, before the third decade of the sixteenth century, on both coasts of South America. Welser's attempt resulted in the founding of "Klein Venedig," Venezuela, between 1528 and 1535; Fugger's along the west coast, being a failure. There were German Protestants among the settlers at Port Royal (1562) and at Jamestown (1607). The first German of importance mentioned in connection with the Dutch settle- ments in New York was Peter Minnewit, although there were Germans among both the Dutch in New Netherlands and New Sweden on the Delaware (1638-1655). The Cre- felders came to Philadelphia on the sixth of October 1683, the most important date in the history of German emigra- tion to America. It is estimated that more than five millions of Germans have settled on our shores, and they constitute one of the most important factors in American history. The second decade of the nineteenth century seems to divide these German immigrants into two great classes, the former of whom came to escape religious persecution or be- cause of the devastations in the Rhenish Palatinate by the French ; the latter came as a result of political upheavals in the fatherland. It is obvious that those who have come since 1818, and more especially those who followed in the wake of the 48-ers are drawn from quite different strata of society. The former settled in the country, the latter in the cities. It is those who came before 1818 who are the forebears of the Pennsylvania Germans. The immigrants settled in prac- tically every county in Pennsylvania, there being twenty- eight counties with distinctively Pennsylvania German settlements before 1850. Many of them migrated from Penn- 1 2 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. sylvania to almost every state of the Union north of 36° 30', as well as Canada. The Pennsylvania Germans, as a whole, are the result of the great Pfdlsereimvanderung which began in 1709-10, With these Palatines came also some Swiss, and their presence is still felt dialectally in Lancaster and York coun- ties. However, the dialect of the superstitions given in the following pages is strikingly similar to that spoken in the Rhenish Palatinate at the present time. In order to ascer- tain whether the superstitions were extant in various sec- tions of Germany, the author read them in their native dia- lect to those who spoke allied dialects. It was exceedingly interesting to note the ease with which the dialect was understood throughout Baden and the Bhenish Palatinate, whereas in Swabia it was only with difficulty that the import of the material read was understood. After hear- ing probably a third of the superstitions of the present collection one of the Gymnasialprofessoren in Kaisers- lautern who has devoted considerable time to dialect study remarked: "Die ganz charakteristischen Ausdriicke des Pfalzers sind in der pennsylvanischdeutschen Mundart zu f inden. ' ' This statement is quoted here only for the pur- pose of contradicting those who say that "Pennsylvania German is nothing but a mixture of bad English and worse German." The most striking features of the dialect as shown by the text of the superstitions are : a purely German word order; the use of prepositions with the proper case, the absence of the imperfect tense except in tense auxiliar- ies, and the use of tun as an additional auxiliary of tense. The dialect student will therefore agree that Pennsylvania German takes rank with the most important dialects of Ger- many and that the presence of English words does not in any way militate against such position, for, after all, the vocabulary of a people is conditioned to a great extent by environment and other potent social influences. In the present study only the more distinctive Penn- sylvania German counties were taken into consideration, INTRODUCTION. 3 viz : Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Dauphin, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lan- caster, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumber- land, Schuylkill, Snyder and York. They cover an area of more than 8000 square miles and have a population of more than one and one quarter millions. It is very much to be regretted that the directors of the United States Census have not seen fit to take cognizance of the dialectal pecul- iarities of our population, and therefore the census does not shed any light on the probable number of those who can speak a language other than English. It would seem a con- servative estimate to say that more than 500,000 people in Pennsylvania alone understand Pennsylvania German and that 300,000 speak the dialect. Almost all the Christian denominations are represented in the Pennsylvania population, with, however, few Presby- terians and Episcopalians ; for the Eef ormed Church in the United States is the German counterpart of the British Presbyterians. In this territory there are, so far as can be ascertained, only two Catholic settlements, one in Berks and the other in York coimty. Schafferstown, Lebanon county, was the oldest Jewish settlement in Pennsylvania, but with the exception of the cemetery there, there are no traces left of the Jewish community. The German Eef ormed (Refor- mirte) and Lutherans (Luteraner) were among the first settlers and are at the present time numerically stronger than any other of the denominations or sects. The Menno- nites (Monischte), to be sure, came earlier, but there are not very many of them except in Lancaster county. The Amish (Amische), also called "hooker" Mennonites are one of the dozen branches of the Mennonites. The Schwenk- feldians (Schwenkf elder) and Moravians (Hserrnhuter) came before 1741. The Methodists (Medodiste) are not numerous but there are many Evangelicals (Efgngelisehe) and the United Brethren (Fereinigte Brider or Schtr§,Wer). Chief among the sectaries are the Dunkards (Dunker), Sev- enth Day Adventists (Efretenser or Sibe Deger), Eiver 4 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Breth^e^ (Eetier Brider), Baptists, [?] (Widerdeifer), Weinbrennarians (Weinbrenner) and Brinsers or United Zion Children. Many of these wear "plain clothes" and some of them have no church buildings and worship in pri- vate houses. The Pennsylvania Germans have, in many re- spects, clung to the customs and beliefs which their ances- tors brought with them from the fatherland. In their devo- tions they still use their Amdt's Wahres Christentum and Stark's Gebetbuch, the German Bible and Catechism and Hymnbook. And there are still traces of the mysticism of Tauler, Bohme and Spener. Most of the denominations and sectaries are non- liturgical and have a free service, even though they may have an episcopal government. Many of them are close- communionists and forbid intermarriage. In many of the churches the sexes are still segregated after the fashion in the Stif tskirche in Tubingen. Where German is the pulpit language it is not the lumbering style of the present day Ger- man so often heard in German pulpits, but rather a simple modified Luther German without, in many instances, any serious effort at correctness in inflectional endings. In many sections of the Pennsylvania German territory Eng- lish is rapidly supplanting Pennsylvania German or Ger- man as the pulpit language under the influence of the public schools and a consequent apparent disregard for German. The Pennsylvania German takes considerable interest in education, as is shown by the number of so-called smaller colleges and other schools in this territory. Many of them were founded with the express purpose of preparing young men for the Christian ministry. Some of the schools in this territory were however not due to any German impulse. The principal schools and colleges in the Pennsylvania Ger- man district are : Keystone State Normal School in Berks ; Lebanon Valley College (United Brethren) and Albright College (United Evangelical) in Lebanon; Muhlenberg Col- lege (Lutheran) and AUentown College for Women (Ger- man Beformed) in Lehigh; Franklin and Marshall College INTRODUCTION. 5 (German Eeformed), Linden Hall Seminary (Moravian) and Millersville State Normal School in Lancaster ; Strouds- burg State Normal School in Monroe; Ursinus College (German Reformed) and Perkiomen Seminary (Schwenk- feldian) in Montgomery; Lehigh University (non-sectar- ian), Lafayette College (originally Presbyterian), Mora- vian College and Theological Seminary, Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies and Nazareth Hall (Moravian) in North- ampton; Freeburg College of Music and Susquehanna University (Lutheran) in Snyder ; York Collegiate Institute in York. Besides these, Pennsylvania College (Lutheran) in Gettysburg and Dickinson College (Methodist) in Carlisle draw many students from the Pennsylvania German field. But there is another phase to this picture which is equally important culturally — the traditions, beliefs and superstitions of the people. The material of the following pages was collected en- tirely by the author by word of mouth. No printed collec- tions, of which there are probably a score, were taken into consideration, as they are all small, the largest of them con- taining less than 150 superstitions. (Among these may be mentioned: several collections in the American Journal of Folklore; History of Lehigh and Carbon Counties; Folklore and Superstitious Beliefs of Lebanon County, by E. Grum- bine; Local Superstitions, in Proceedings of Lancaster County Historical Society; Phoebe Gibbons : The Pennsyl- vania Germans; etc. etc.) The author therefore had to begin collecting by asking his friends and acquaintances in his home county for any superstitions which they might know or have heard. These were immediately written down and read to the next person interviewed, for, "that reminds me" applies to superstitions as well as to stories. By this meth- od variants and new superstitions were gathered until the collection numbered about 500, after which the other Penn- sylvania German counties were canvassed in the same way. All material was written down just as it was given, for it 6 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. was the author's purpose to get a permanent record of the spoken vernaqular with all its dialectal peculiarities. This accounts for the variations in spelling and word usage and is the main reason for publishing the superstitions in the original, since by this method it is made possible to have a permanent record of a distinctive German dialect on foreign soil and in the beginning of the twentieth century. To prove that virtually all the superstitions of the pres- ent collection are importations and in that sense survivals of German and British superstitions the use of correlates was decided upon. This was done wherever such correlates could be found in the voluminous literature in the field of folklore in the libraries of the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University ; in the Eoyal Library in Berlin, tihe University libraries at Heidelberg, Tubingen and Freiburg; and in the British Museum in London. After this bibliog- raphy as well as unpublished manuscript material of Pro- fessors Pfaff, of Freiburg, and Bohnenberger, of Tiibingen, had been exhausted, the author resorted to the same meth- ods to find correlates in South Germany as had been suc- cessfully used in the Pennsylvania German field. Whenever a superstition was found to have a correlate, it was noted and is to be found imqiediately after the name of the coun- ties in which the respectivie superstition occurs here. In this way the author has added several hundred supersti- tions to the German collections. Research in the British Museum was undertaken with the express purpose of trying to ascertain how many of the superstitions in the present collection had a British, or German, or common origin. Unfortunately, the British have never paid much attention to superstitions and in this field are far outclassed by their German cousins. In al- most all the British collections we read this sentence: "and many more superstitions of the same kind. ' ' It is therefore impossible to even approximate the probable influence of British superstition, including, of course, the Iri6h and Scotch-Irish, on the Pennsylvania Germans. In the present INTRODUCTION. 7 collection less than a hundred are of purely British origin, and only 269 additional superstitions are common to both Great Britain and Germany, whereas over 1400 have Ger- man correlates. That this disparity is entirely too great is obvious and it shows only too plainly that the British Folklore Society has not done for Great Britain what the friends of Volkskunde have done for Germany in collecting and publishing every bit of folklore material. And more is the pity since much very valuable material will soon be ir- retrievably lost. Again, in the present collection 65 per cent, of the superstitions have German correlates, less than 5 per cent, purely British, 19 per cent. British and German, and about 20 per cent, seem to be indigenous to Pennsylvania German soil, an apparently very large percentage, which is however easily accounted for by the large number of variants, many of them occurring in only a single county. The word correlate as here .used_has two meanings: (1) that a Pennsylvania German superstition is a literal and exact survival or importation, e. g. wammer alles esst §.8 Tif em disch is s§,kt mer als, es gebt gut wetter: wenn die auf den tisch gebrachten speisen rein aufgegessen werden, gibts am andern tag gut wetter {B8 33. 135) ; (2) that the under- lying thought is of similar import, e. g,, mer soil arg,nzwibel ins essichf ass du f er guter essich : Grant ist gut fiir gespenst Oder zauberei angehangt. (Z / D M 4. 42). Of these two classes the latter is best represented, and it does not seem difficult to explain why this should be so, when we stop to think that most of these superstitions and beliefs have been handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth and very few have been transmitted in book form, as is shown by the variants of the same superstition in dif- ferent localities. Almost every phase of activity is represented in the superstitions of the following pages. It is quite natural that childhood, marriage, death, luck, medicine and the ^ 8 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. weather should be so well represented. That Saints' Days are comparatively poorly represented is to be accounted for from the fact, that Catholicism has never had any ap- preciable influence among the Pennsylvania Germans and that the early German settlers came from Protestant terri- tory. A few of the superstitions can be traced back to Ger- manic heathendom. In tracing these survivals much valu- able information has been derived from Golther's Hand- huch der Germanischen Mythologie, Grimm's Deutsche My- thologie, Meyer's Germanische Mythologie, Meyer's Mythor logie der Germanen, and Wuttke's Der deutsche VoTksaher- glaube der Gegenivart. These books are mentioned here so as not to necessitate the constant repetition of citations. Tuesday, named for Tiw, Ziu, Tyr, and Thursday, named for Thor, Donar, are the favorite wedding days in most of the Pennsylvania German counties, although cus- tom varies in this respect in different localities. Donar 's hammer, mjolnir, is reflected in the superstition "for in- somnia put a rukschte under your pillow." The rukschte" is a roundish stone found lying on fenceposts and is the Pennsylvania German interpretation of the Donarheil or belemnite. Red objects such as the houseleek, the mountain ash, rowan-berries, the oak with its red bark, animals hav- ing a red color, even red objects, such as stockings, bands, garters, coats, wax tapers, etc., were sacred to him. Collar- gall may thus be prevented or cured by putting the skin of a weasel or oppossum under the collar. It is probably for the same reason that red flannel underwear is worn to pre- vent rheumatism. Since Donar was the god of marriage and since everything red was sacred to him, the tying of a piece of red flannel around the leg to stop puerperal hem- orrhage is a direct survival of the old paganism. "In Brit- ish superstition a piece of red tape was tied roimd one of the thighs of a woman in childbed, as it was supposed to mitigate the labor pains and to prevent mishap." {C F Y 76). The tying of a piece of red wool or string about the finger to stop nosebleed, and the passing of red cord over INTRODUCTION. the parts afflicted with erysipelas belong to the same cate- gory, notwithstanding the claim of those who maintain that they are based solely on the old similia similibus curmtur. Because Donar was the god of the hearth and the family, the kettlehook was sacred to him. Herein lies the source of the superstition of looking into the chimney to prevent homesickness. The Anglo-Saxons picked the herbs which they used for medicinal purposes on Thursday, and in all the Penn- sylvania German counties it is customary to eat some greens, such as spinach, dandelion, etc., on Maundy Thurs- day to prevent fever. For~"Trvergrown" creep under a vine or bramble that has taken second root, or pass the "livergrown" child through a horse collar or through a rent or hole in a tree. In pagan times sick children were passed through a hole in an oak tree, or ash tree, or hip tree (Bosa canina) on three successive Thursdays. The reference to the horse collar is interesting because the horse was sacred to Wodan. Thor's image was put on the prow of the boat, the sailors in this manner imploring Thor for favorable winds. After the introduction of Christianity the image of Thor was supplanted by the crucifix and now the crucifix is re- placed by allegorical figures, in other words, a return to paganism. In early times cattle were driven to pasture for the first time on Thursdays, and in most Pennsylvania German counties you will not find a moving on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, and the place taken by cattle in the moving is likewise interesting. Eating something green on Maundy Thursday to pro- tect one's health or using an egg laid on Maundy Thursday to reduce hernia, combine in them pagan and Christian ele- ments, for in superstition Maundy Thursday is an excee<^ ingly lucky day. On Ascension Day, likewise a Thursdaj^ ) you may always expect a thunderstorm; you should never/ /^ 10 PENNSYLVANIA OBBMAN SUPERSTITIONS. sew on this day or frame a house, for lightning will strike anything which is made on this day. Curiously enough, this is the day to go fishing, whereas in Germany rivers are sup- posed to demand and receive a sacrifice on this day. Pick- ing one's teeth with a splinter from a tree struck by light- ning and never using such wood for building purposes or fuel, all reflect the Donar cult, just as do the tooth of the boar and the mouse, for they are the symbols of the flash of l ightning. / Shrove Tuesday has taken over some of the features of the festival in honor of Donar, for, at this time, the heathen Germans celebrated a preliminary festival in honor of the coming spring and the end of winter. The cakes which were eaten at this time are closely related to the Easter cakes in honor of Ostara, the goddess of the light of spring. This explains why one should eat a doughnut on Shrove Tuesday in order to live a year longer. Nor should any work be done on this day. In the entire heathen calendar no day was more sacred fcthan May 1, for it was dedicated to Donar. The night pre- ceding is Walpurgis night, the time when all spirits are freed. Both day and night are the time for charms and spells, and one can now understand why one should wash with dew on the first of May without, however, speaking a word, to get rid of freckles. Under the influence of Chris- tianity, many of the characteristics of the gods were trans- ferred to the devil. Thus, one frequently says of a red headed person: "rote hor uf em kopp, der deiBel im leib," or one says that "either a sorrel horse is tricky or his mas- ter is." So also, Judas, the man of Kerioth, is represented as having red hair and therefore he betrayed Christ. The fiery dragon, which disappears as soon as one speaks, and the cuckoo are also to be referred to Donar, The last of the major gods is Wodan, and it is for him that Wednesday is named. The Saxons, Frisians and lower Franks adopted the name Wuotanestac, but in High Ger- man territory the name Mittwoch remained, and it is prob- able that the High German tribes did not know of a god INTRODtJOTION, 11 Wodan, which corresponded to Mercurius, at the time of the introduction of Roman names for the days of the week. North Germany seems to have been the home of the Wodan cult and it is not until rather late, probably the seventh cen- tury, that this Wodan cult reached High German territory. At all events, we can understand why "Mittwoch is ken dak," because, not being named for a god, it is a day of bad luck. Nothing of importance must be done on this day and it is extremely rare that a funeral is held on a Wednes- day. Wodan had a raven which he sent out each day to gather news for him, and he also summonded his heroes to Walhalla, therefore when a crow crosses one's path it is an omen of bad luck or death. It is also the Wodan cult that is responsible for the superstitions of the horse shoe and horseshoe nail. The horse was sacred to Wodan, as was also the horse head. It is probable that the use of a found bone in curing diseases is closely related to the Wodan cult because bones of horses were used in curing various dis- eases. The broom which plays so great a role in witchcraft as well as in cleaning house and barn on Good Friday was sacred to Donar and Wodan because of its relation to light- ning. The most important remnant of the Wodan myth is to be found in "Der wilde Jager," the "Wild Huntsman," which survives in "der gwich jeger" with some non-essen- tial additions and variations. It is quite natural that the period between Christmas and Epiphany (Jan. 6) should be so well represented in superstition. The "Wild Hunts- man" is supposed to cause storms during this period. Therefore if it is windy between Christmas and New Year, there will be much fruit the coming year. St. Niklas, called "Belznikel" by the Pennsylvania Germans, can be traced back to Wodan. He usually wears a long white bearcTand distributes nuts, apples, etc., among the childrenjlt is a question also whether the "Mummers" do not hark back to the Wodan cult. 12 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPBBSTITIONB. The Germanic Venus is Frigg, and dies Veneris is translated into Freitag, Friday. She is known by many names and is hard to delineate in Germanic mythology. As the wife of Wodan she drives/in a chariot drawn by cats, as the cat is sacred to her. Shfe is a fructifying goddess and therefore sowing should be begun and finished on Friday. Many of the characteristics of Hel are transferred to her, and, as such, the owl is her messenger, and the hooting of the owl is an omen of death. ^ It will be seen, then, that the days named for the sev- eral Germanic divinities play an important role in the everyday life of the people. As is to be expected, these gods were worshipped in many forms, and it is to these pagan rites that we can trace some of our present day superstitions. When sacrifice was made to the gods much attention was paid to the viscera and blood of sacrifices, on the basis of which the priests prophesied. The horse was the most important sacrificial animal — ^more so even than human beings, for when humaxi beings were sacrificed it was usually criminals — and thus much significance attached to the neighing of horses. So, the neighing of horses at a funeral is the sign of another funeral soon. If a child was named for a god it was under the especial protection of that god. So there are compounds of As, Begin, Os, etc., as in Oscar, Reginald, Oswald, etc. It is likely that the same thought is expressed in names like Gott- hold, Gottfried, Gottlieb, Gottlob, and Godfrey and in giv- ing a saint's name to a child bom on a saint's day. The Germanic people naturally gave presents to their gods, and they were usually simple in kind, being prin- cipally food, milk, honey, fruits and fiowers. When the far- mer puts hay out of doors on Christmas eve, so that the dews of night might fall on it, and feeds the hay on Christ- mas day to horses and cattle, so that they may be healthy all the year; or if when one sets out bread into the open air on Christmas day to freeze and later eats such bread to INTBODUCTION. 13 prevent fevers, these practices may be regarded as survivals of the sacrifice offered by the Germanic peoples at the most important period in the entire pagan Germanic calendar, twelfthtide. Here -should J)ejnentioned also the' Christmas tree with its symbolic decorations, and the general custom among all peoples of Ger^manic extraction of having a sump* tuous dinner on Christmas day, £o¥~the3^are survivals of the solemn sacrificial feasts about the time of the winter solstice. The belief in the speaking of animals on Christ- mas eve between eleven and twelve o'clock comes from Ger- manic mythology, as does also the belief that a child born on Christmas day is extraordinarily lucky. The old super- stition of water in wells turning into wine for a space of three minutes during Christmas night is likewise pagan in its origin. The Germanic peoples held four great sacrifices during the year : when they drove their cattle to pasture in spring, about May; when they rounded them up in fall after har- vest, about September; about the time of the summer sol- stice to secure themselves against damage from hail and thimderstorm, as well as plagues ; in winter, for the coming year's crops. In the case of plague among the domestic animals the finest specimen of the flock or herd which was being devastated was selected for sacrifice, and the sex of the animal to be sacrificed was determined by the sex of the larger number of animals that had died. In such cases the sacrifice consisted in either burying the animal thus selected alive or beheading it. There is an echo of this sacrificial act in the Pennsylvania German superstition of burying the stillborn calf under the sill of the stable door. For our present purpose it is necessary to give some details of the ceremonies connected with Germanic sacrifice. Every one who wished to participate in the blessings of the sacrifice was required to contribute something to the sacri- ficial pyre, before virgin fire was applied to it. After the fire had died down, the herds were driven through the bum- 14 PENNSYtiVANU GEEMAN SUPERSTITIONS. ing embers: first pigs, then cows and horses, and finally geese. Men and women also ran through the flames, black- ening each other's faces with the sacred, healthgiving ashes. Fruit trees, meadows and fields were smoked with the burning embers. Some of the embers were taken home to rekindle the hearth fires which had been extinguished before the beginning of the sacrifice. The extinguished embere were placed in the manger to assure the health of the cattle. When, therefore, in all the Pennsylvania German cotmties, charcoal is fed to pigs to keep them healthy, we are dealing not with a scientifically attested hygienic fact but with a survival of a pagan sacrificial rite. The ashes of the noU fever were spread over fields as a preventive against cater- pillars and failure of crops. These ashes were also mixed with the fodder and fed to the cattle. The Christian Easter has supplanted many of the pagan rites of spring, and, therefore, when ashes obtained from fire on Good Friday are spread over trees and animals to prevent lice, and when ashes are thrown into trees on Ash Wednesday; when a twig is cut from every fruit tree on Ash Wednes- day, or when fruit trees are whipped on Good Friday, or nails driven into them for the same purpose, these super- stitions may likewise be regarded as survivals of old heathen practices. In another of the sacrifices, particularly that in July, which was more propitiatory in character, the animals se- lected for the sacrifice were beaten with whips from a sacred tree or bush, intertwined with wild flowers. These twigs and flowers were tied into a sort of brooms which were then tied to the tails of the animals, so that the dew of midsummer night might be collected in their fasces and they thus be endued with greater power. With such a broom the chief herdsman struck the cattle thrice, at the same time reciting a charm. It was thought that in this way all witch- es and disease-bringing spirits could be driven out. At the conclusion of the feasts these brooms were given to the far- mers and with them they swept their buildings to rid them INTRODUCTION. 15 of all harmful spirits. In Pennsylvania German superstiN^ tion house and barn are swept on Good Friday to rid them of lice and insure health to the occupants of both. Here j the dates do not agree, but the similarity is close enough to ( ■warrant us in regarding the superstitions as a survival. The > broom plays a very important role here, for, while it is on brooms that witches ride through the air, the broom is used as a charm against witches, because of its relation to light- ning and thus to Wodan and Donar. The broom is used to thrash bewitched milk and also to discover witches, as no witch will step over a broom. ^ The holy water of the non-Catholic Pennsylvania Ger- ' man is obtained from the first snow in fall or the last snow in March, and it is good for sore eyes. There is a close con- nection between March snow water and the celebration in honor of spring. The pagan Germans also had holy water which was taken from the sacred spring after the pro- cession following the sacrificial feast had dropped cakes adorned with flowers into it. This water not only had cura- tive powers but it was used to drive out witches and evil spirits. After the fire had died down everyone rushed into it to search for remains of the sacrificial animals. In their search they had a special predilection for horns and the genitalia of the animals, which were used as charms. This explains why the genitalia of the cow are nailed into the horse stable to keep out witches. The simulacra consparsa farinae, mentioned in Indicu- lus Super stitionum 26, have reference to the cakes baked in the forms of various animals. At the several sacrifices, and particularly the Norse jolfest, it was the duty of every one to contribute something, and thus, not having animals to offer, the baked cakes were allowed as substitutes. Here then is the source of the Pennsylvania German Christmas cakes and the Christmas candies, for it is only at Christmas that these distinctive candies can be obtained. That they are usually red is also significant, for red and yellow are the colors of the sun. Nor do the images of lions and other 16 PENNSTLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Animals in any way militate against or disprove the pagan source of the custom. The presence of the five-pointed star among the cakes and the shepherd's crook among the can- dies illustrates the 6ft recurring attempt at injecting into a heathen custom a Christian symbolism, and it furthermore affords a striking instance of the union of heathen and Christian elements. To this category belong also the colored Easter egg and the Easter rabbit. The Easter egg with its red or yellow color — all sorts of colors are now common — ^is the emblem of life, or, as Wuttke puts it, "das sinnbild des neu beginnenden naturlebens." The rabbit, which is supposed to lay these eggs, is the symbol of fer- tility and as such is sacred both to Ostara, the goddess of spring, and to Hulda or Harke. We can thus see the double significance of the Easter egg. This helps us to un- derstand the superstition that the Easter egg does not rot, why it is used to reduce hernia and, incidentally, also, why so many eggs are eaten on Easter, notwithstanding the price of this staple article of food at Easter time. In early German times boundary stones were sacred to the gods, and any one who removed such a stone incurred the anger of the gods and could not be received by them. Herein lies the source of the superstition concerning the re- moval of the boundaiy stone. In ancient times the willow was used instead of rope in hanging certain malefactors and in the early Christian church the willow was used to punish those who did not at- tend early mass on Easter, so that the willow was, and still is, in disrepute, as we may infer from such formulae as these : whipping a child with a willow causes white swelling, or thrashing animals with willows causes oedema. In early times the implements used by the living were interred with the corpse. The free man was equipped as though going to war; the wife, on the other hand, as though she was going to start married life anew, and therefore she was adorned as a bride. This conception still holds in the custom of clothing a wife in her wedding dress instead of a INTEODUOTION. - 17 shroud, and thus it has, in the folk mind, some remarkable properties, as it is placed under the child's head to cure it of convulsions. The superstitions concerning spitting in the fire and pointing the finger at a rainbow probably both have their origin in the veneration which the ancient Germans had for the nature elements as manifestations of the gods. Among the trees sacred to the gods was the elder, con- sequently it still plays a role in superstitions, particularly those concerning medicine. The superstitions connected with certain days of the week can be traced to the influence which the various Ger- manic divinities exercised on the popular mind. Thus, a child born on Sunday is lucky because Sunday is named for the sun, the celestial body, which plays the greatest role in every primitive religion. The Friday superstitions show greater contrasts than those of any other weekday. Where the pagan conception predominates, Friday is the luckiest of days, because it is the day of Frigg, the Germanic Venus. Therefore it is one of the most favored wedding days, as well as the day on which to begin sowing grain. "Where, on the other hand, the Christian influence predominates, Fri- day is the unluckiest of days, and nothing of importance must be done on the day, not even travelling. These, then, are a few survivals of Germanic heathen- dom in Pennsylvania German superstitions, although the list is by no means exhaustive. -It might also be inte;:^&ting to call attention to the content of the superstitions and to show, for example, how custom differs in the several coun- ties in regard to the wedding day or the place of cattle ia the moving; or to state that the negation of many of the superstitions is to be found in the same or adjacent coun- ties. Belief in witches has not died out here any more than in Great Britain or Germany, and pow'wowing is still prac- ticed to a greater or less extent. The "himmelsbrief " and its most recent successor, the endless chain of prayer are disdtissed elsewhere, (cf. Bibliography sub Fogel.) 18 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Another curious survival of a former period is to be seen in the use of socalled "bese bicher," such as Albertus Magnus, Egyptische Geheimnisse; Das Sechste und SiC' bente Buck Moses; Das Achte und Neunte Buck Mosis; and Homann's Der lang verhorgene Freund. The last named book, the subject of a very inaccurate article in the Journal of American Folklore, has gone through many editions and is to be found in both English and German versions on the shelves of several bookstores. While these books are con- sulted by many they are feared by others. ^^ The casual reader will conclude from what has been f said in the preceding pages and from the superstitions con- jtained in this volume that the Pennsylvania Germans are /extremely superstitious. This assumption is hardly cor- rect. Their superstition has simply not taken a form sanc- tioned by other strata of society, for, in the last analysis, consulting palmists, fortune tellers and gypsies, spiritual- \ ism and Christian Science are no better than superstition. The problem of translation in the present volume was difficult by reason of the varied tastes and requirements of the reader. The Germanist would probably prefer a trans- lation more nearly literal than that usually given. As the language of the Pennsylvania German is direct, forceful, blunt, and at times coarse, the aim was to reproduce the content of the text rather than its grammar. Very fre- quently the translations have been toned down to meet the demands of those whose sensibilities might be shocked even in a scientific treatise. This is especially the case with the superstitions dealing with sex and medicine. In the latter case, the flavor of the original is sacrificed for technical cor- rectness, since accuracy of terminology is absolutely essen- tial. While almost every lexicographer and phonetician has his own system of phonetic notation, the author regrets to have to add another to the already far too numerous sys- INTKODUCTION. 19 terns. It is remarkable that Germany with its many dialects and dialect dictionaries has no imiform system of phonetic notation. It is obvious that the presence of so many English words in the Pennsylvania German dialect precludes using any of the German systems, and the fact that the dialect of the present volume is German makes the use of any British or American system impossible, including even the attempt at a system prepared by the American Dialect Society. The systems of Passy, Vietor, Heilig, and Langenscheidt are likewise excluded because they are barely intelligible to a large number of readers of the present volume and are therefore impracticable. The dialect of this volume is distinctively German and it is essential that German tradition should be followed in the spelling. The English words in the text are spelled according to the same system, however awkward such words may at first appear. The law of assimilation of consonants has been observed and in, most cases the etymology of the word has determined its spelling although a few devia- tions have been deemed advisable, e. g., sin for sind, k final for ck, k, initial for ge (kgt = N. H, G. gehabt). Variations in spelling occur because of variation in the usage of indi- vidual words. On the whole, consistency has been striven for and in the instances where it has not been attained, the reader will remember that absolute consistency is not pos- sible in any living language. The following characters will be used : 8B Short open e, approximating English a in carry; P. G. dserre, waerre. « Long open e, as in English bar; P. G. beer, ware, fffirschte. e Short close e when used initially or medially, as in English met, bed; N. H. G. fett, belt; P. G. fett, bett. Final e is open, approximating English short a, as in P. G. gebe. e is also used to indicate the obscure vowel in vocalic consonants, as in P. G. dril5er. 20 PENNSYLVANIA 6EBMAN SUPEBSTITIONS. a short open o, as in English what, hot; P. G. hftBe, wg,s. a Long broad English a, as in English law, broad; P. G. hSne, fSre. ^. English short a as in English that. e Long close e as in non-diphthongized English a in hale, mate; N. H. G. sehr, gegen; P. G. ser, gSge. i Short * as in English pin; N. H. G. sind, licht; P. G. sin, lichtel. i i in English machine; N. H. G. long t as in mir; P. G. schtr. o Short « as in English hut; short o in N. H. G. kom- men; P. G. hot, gsoflfe. 5 Long as in English home; N. H. G. boden, holen; P. G. hor, hole. n Short oo in English cook; short ii as in N. H. G. hund, kunst; P. G. hund, knnscht. Q Long 00 as in English pool; long i« as in N. H. G. schule, uhr; P. G. schiil ur. an as in English house; N. H. G. haus; P. G. haus. ei English long i in wine; N. H. G. ei in wein; P. G. wei. oi as in English toy; M. H. G. heu; P. G. hoi. b Bilabial stop when initial, surd lenis when final. P. G. butze, schtub. 15 Voiced labiodental spirant with same value as Eng- lish V. P. G. gebe. d Dental stop when initial or medial, as in English dare; N. H. G. darf; P. G. daerf, bode. Surd lenis when final, as in N. H. G. tod; P. G. dot.. f Voiceless labiodental spirant, as in English finger; N. H. G. finger; P. G. &iger. INTBOOUCTION. 21 g Voiced stop, as in English gift; N. H. G. gehen; P. G. gebe. When final it is a surd lenis k. g Palatal and used only medially, approximating Eng- lish velar consonantal i, and found only in words of German origin containing a medial g, as in P. G. aer- gel, rege. j Voiced front palatal approximating English y in year; as in N. H. G. jahr; P. G. jor. k Voiceless guttural stop as in English kin, kill; N. H. G. kater; P. G. kSter. 1 Liquid as in English long; N. H, G. lang; P. G. lang. m Labial nasal, as in English must; N. H. G. niusst, muscht. n Dental nasal, as in English nut; N. H. G. niisse; P, G. niss. ng Guttural nasal, as in English ringer; N. H. G. finger; P. G. finger, p Voiceless bilabial stop, as in English pain; N. H. G pein; P. G. pein. r Cerebral r with slighter trill than is customary in German speech. When final it is almost silent. s Surd dental spirant, as in English sit; N. H. G. was; P. G. wgs. s Sonant dental spirant, as in English risen; N. H, G. lesen ; In the P. G. there is no consistency in the use of surd and sonant s. sch The thickened sound for N. H. G. initial s consonant : N. H. G. sprache; P. G. schproch. t Voiceless dental stop, as in English hat; N. H. G. hut ; P. G. hut. w Bilabial spirant, as in English water; P. G. wonse. The labiodental spirant also occurs, the bilabial how- ever predominating. 22 PBNNSTLVANIA 6EBHAN SUPEBSTITIONS. X Written for N. H. G. chs, as in N. H. G. wachsen; P. G. wgxe. z, tz Africate dental pronounced ts. When medial or final it is written ts, as in N. H. G. zehn; P. G. zSe; N. H. G. setzen; P. G. setze. ch spirant, front or velar, as in N. H. G, ich, ach; P. G. ich, gch. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND ABBREVIATIONS A A Allerlei Aherglauben. Erfurt. ^ All of the fourteen Pennsylvania German counties of Pennsylvania. A J Ifltlois John. Sitte, Branch und Volksglaube im Deut- schen WeSthohmen. Prag 1905. A J P Voumal of American Folklore. Boston 1888. A J H S Publications of American Jewish Historical Society. Vol. 9. 1901. Alem Alemannia. Zeitschrift. fiir Alemannische und Fr'dn- kische Geschichte, Volkskunde, usw. Freiburg 1873. A M (Albertus Magnus. Bewdhrte und approbirte sympor thetisdhe und natilrliche Egyptische Oeheimnisse fiir Menschen und Vieh. Zwanzigste vermehrte und ver- besserte Auflage. Toledo. A S Anton Birlinger. Aus Schwaben. 2 vols. Wiesbaden 1874. Be Berks County. B D V M. Busch. Deutscher Yolksaberglaube. Leipzig 1877. B F jWilliam George Black. Folk-Medicine; a Chapter in the History of Culture. London 1883. Bl N R Richard Blakeborough. Wit, Character, Folklore and Customs of the North Biding of Yorkshire, with a Glossary of over 4000 Words and Idioms now in Use. London 1898. B M Karl Bohnenberger. Mitteilungen iiber Volkstiimliche Ueberlieferungen in Wiirttemberg, Stuttgart 1904. Br Popular Antiquities of Great Britian Comprising No- tices of the Moveable and Immoveable Feasts, Customs, Superstitions and Amusements, Past and Present. Edited from materials collected by John Brand, F.S. 23 B S Bu C C P CFGl CFL&R CPNu 24 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPEESTITIONS. A., with very Voluminous Corrections and Additions by W. Carew Hazlet. London 1870. Bro C. P. Brown. Hohman's Long lost Friend. Journal of American Polklore. 17, 89-152. Baltische Studien. Vol. 33. Stettin 1883. Bucks County. :; '' Carbon County. County Folk-Lore. London 1895. E. S. Hartland. Oloucestershire Folk-Lore. London 1892. C. J. Billson. Leicestershire and Rutland Folk-Lore. London 1895. M. C. Balfour. County Folk-Lore Concerning North- umberland. Edited by N. W. Thomas. London 1904. C P Suf Lady B. C. Gurdon. County Folk-Lore of Suffolk. London 1893. C P Y E. Gutch. Folk-Lore Concerning the North Biding of Yorkshire, York and the Ainsty. London 1901. Com M. A. Courtney. Cornish Feasts. Penzance 1890. C P & P Credulities Past and Present. C S A P. D. Bergen. Current Superstitions collected from the oral Tradition of English speaking Folk. Boston 1896. D Dauphin County. Da "W. P. Dawson. Christmas: Its Origin and Associa- tions. London 1902. DEC P. H. Ditchfield. Old English Customs Extant at the Present Time. An Account of Local Observances, Festival Customs and Ancient Ceremonies yet Sur- viving in Great Britain. London 1896. INTRODUCTION, 25 Den The Denham Tracts. A collection of Folklore by M. A. Denham, and Reprinted from the original Tracts and Pamphlets printed iy Mr. Denham between 1846 and 1859. Edited by Dr. James Hardy. London 1892; 1895. D Bnp T. F. T. Dyer. English Folk-Lore. 2nd edition, re- vised. London 1880. D M Zeitschrift fUr Deutsche Mythologie. Gottingen 1853. Dr Paul Drechsler. Sitte, Branch und Volksglaube in Schlesien. Leipzig 1905. D Scot John Graham Dalyell. The Darker Superstitions of Scotland. Illustrated from History and Practice. Edinburgh 1834. Dy T. F. T. Dyer. Domestic Folk-Lore. London 1881. Enc S Encyclopedia of Superstitions, Folklore and the Oc- cult Sciences of the World. Edited by Cora Luise Daniels and Prof. C. M. Stevans. 3 vols. Chicago and Milwaukee 1903. Folk-Lore of East Yorkshire. Lon- Pa A. B. Faust. The German Element in the United States With Special Reference to its Political, Moral, Social and Educational Influence. Boston and New York 1909. F B Folk-Lore. A Qua/rterly Review of Myth, Tradition, Superstition and Custom. London 1883-1889. Fo E. M. Fogel. The Hifnmelsbrief. German American Annals. N. S. 6. 286 ff. P R Folk-Lore Record. London 1878-1882. Fr Freiburg i. B. Q Jakob Grimm. Deutsche Mythologie. 4. Ausgabe. Berlin 1878. Ett Ettenheim. EtI Ettlingen. E Y John Nicholson. don 1890. 26 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. G A Germanistische Abhcmdlungen herausgegeben .w)h Karl Meinhold- Breslau 1882. Gael Daniel Deeney. Peasant Lore from Gaelic Irelamd. London 1900. Gol "Wl. Golther. Handhuch der germaniscken Mythologie. Leipzig 1895. Gop Goppingen. G R Die gestriegelie Bockenphilosophie, oder aufrickiige Untersuchung derer von vielen superklugen Weibern hochgehaltenen Aberglauhen. Chemnitz 1759. G Scot Walter Gregor. Notes on the Folk-Lore of the North- East of Scotland. London 1881. H Sarah Hewett. Nummits and Crutnmits. Devonshire Customs, Characteristics and Folk-Lore. London 1900. Hlbg Heidelberg. It M Hans Meyer. Das deutsch^ Volkstum. 2. Ausgabe. Leipzig 1903. H N C William Henderson. Notes on the Folk-Lore of the Northern Counties of England and the Borders. London 1879. Ho Die Land- und Haus-Apotheke, oder getreuer und grUndUdher Vnterricht fur den Ba/uer imd StadtwAmn, entJialtend die allerhesten Mittel, sowohl fur die Men- schen als fiir das Yieh besonders fur die Pferde. Nebst einem grossen Anhang von der Aechten Fdrbe- rey, um Tilrkisch-Both, Blau, Satin-Both, Patent-Griin und viele andere Farben mehr zu Farben. Erste Amerikanische Auflage. Herausgegeben von Johan- nes Georg Homan, in Elsasz Taunschip, Berks Caunty, Pennsylvanien. Beading: Gedruekt bey Carl A. Bruckmann, 1818. Hof M. Hofler. Volksmedizin und Aberglaube in Ober- bayern. Neue Auflage. Miinchen 1893. Hoh Der lange Verborgene Freund, oder: Getreuer und INTRODtlCWON. •'■, 27 christUcher Unterricht. fiir jedermann, enthaltend wunderbare und proimaszige Mittel und Eunste, so- wold fur die Menschen als 5aS Viek. Mit vielen Zeu- gen hewiesen in diesem Buck und wovon das mehrste noch wenig bekannt ist, und zum allerersten Mai in Amerika im Druck erscheint. Herausgegeben von Jo- hann Georg Hohmann, Nahe bey Beading, in Elsasz Taunschip, Berks Caunty, Pennsylvanien. Reading: Gedruckt fiir den Verfasser. 1820. Ir Lady Wilde. Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland. With Sketches of the Irish Past. London 1887. J G A Ulrich Jahn. Die deutschen Opfergehrduche hei Ackerbau und Viehzucht. Breslau 1884. Jo Amandus Johnson. The Swedish Settlements on the Delaware. Their History and Relation to the Indians, Dutch and English, 1638-1664. 2 vols. Philadelphia 1911, Kl Kaiserslautem. L Felix Liebrecht. Zur Volkskunde. Alte und neue Aufsdtze. Heilbronn 1870. Lb Lebanon County. Lh Lehigh County. Lnc Lancaster County. Lust Lustnau. L V ' G. Lammert. Volksmedizin und m^dizinischer Aher- glauie in Bayem. Wiirzburg 1869. M D L M. D. Learned. Pennsylvania German Dialect. Bal- timore 1889. The American Ethnographical Survey. Americana Germanica, vol. 12. M D V E. H. Meyer. Deutsche Volkskunde, gtrasburg 1898. Mr Monroe County, Mt • Montgomery County. . , . 28 PENNSYIiVANIA GEEMAN SUPBHSTITIOKS. Na Northampton County. Nenst Neustadt a. d. H. N Scot James Napier. Folk-Lore : or Superstition beliefs in the West of Scotland within this Century. Paislejr 1879. Nu Northumberland County. Niirt Niirtingen. R A Richard Andree. Braunschweiger Volkskunde. Braun- schweig 1896. Sc Schuylkill County. S & C S Strange and Curious Superstitions and Customs. London 1891. Se 0. Seidensticker. Die erste deutsche Einwa/nderung in Amerika. Philadelphia 1883. S H S J. G. Campbell. Superstitions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Glasgow 1900. Sn Snyder County. St Stuttgart. S V MitteUungen der scklesisehen GesellscKaft fur VolkS' kunde. Leipzig 1901. Sw Swabian. V A S Anton Birlinger. Volkstumliches aus Schwaben. 2 vols. Freiburg 1862. V S L Vincent Stuckey Lean. LeAn's Collectanea. Collec- tions of Proverbs, Folk-Lore and Superstitions, also Compilations towards Dictionaries of Proverbial Phrases and Words Old and Disused. 4 vols. Bristol 1902-1904. W H. von Wlislocki. Volksglauben und religioser Ge- branch der Magyaren. MiinStef i, W. 1893. INTBODUOTION. 29 W Ir Lady Wilde. Ancient Cures, Charms and Usages of Ireland. Contributions to Irish Lore. London 1890. W Sua West Sussex. Wu A. Wuttke. Der deutsche Volksaberglauie der Oegen- wart. Dritte Bearbeituug von Elard Hugo Meyer. Berlin 1900. Y York County. Z Ignaz V. Zingerle. Bitten, Brauche und Meinungen des tiroler Yolkes. Zweite vermehrte Auflage. lona- bruck 1891. Z f D M Zeitschrift fiir deutsche Mythologie. Oottingen 1853. Z t V Zeitschrift des Yereins fiir Vdkskunde. Berlin 1891. CHILDHOOD 1. Mer sakt gls schlechte kinner wiere ime schlechte zeche gebore. {C, D. Lb, Lnc. Mr, Na, 8c, Y) It is said of bad children that they were born under an evil star. Von basen kindern sagt man, sie seien untler einem schlechten steme, in einem bosen zeichen geboren. Z 5 2. Wffir im Jener gebore is kg,nn geschpuker sene. (C) A person born in January can see ghosts. 3. En kind wii uf der erscht Abril gebore is lebt net Igng. (Lb) A child bom on April 1 will not live long. Aprilkinder sind ungliickskinder. Wu 85. 4. Wffir im Moi gebore is waert net git. (Nu) A child born in May will not live long. Kinder, die am 1. Mai zur welt kommen, gehoren den hexen. Dr 184. 5. En kind in der Wok gebore grikt hautgrgnkete, {Lnc, Y) A child bom in Libra will have skin diseases. ist ein waghals, probiert alles und hat gliick da- bei. Hlbg. 6. En kind im Leb gebSre waert schtaerik. {C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mr, 8c, 8ny, Y) A child bom in the sign of Leo will become strong. Wenn ein kind im zeichen des Lowen geboren ist, wird es sehr stark. Z 3 7. En kind in der Jungfrau gebore is gliklich. {D, Lnc, 8c, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) Lucky the child that is bom in Virgo. 8. En kind im Grebs gebore kummt net gut &" in der welt (Lnc, 8c) Oder get zurik'zus. {C, D, Lb, Mr, Sn, Y) 31 32 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUFBBSTITIONS. A child born in the sign of the Crab will not prosper, or it will decline. Kinder, im zeichen des Krebses oder des Skorpions, "dcr rauhen dinger" geboren, sind ungllicklich und kommen in der welt nie recht fort. Wu 87. A child bom under the Crab will not do well in Ufe. D Y 143. 9. W»r im Schtlr gebore is gebt en schtaerkopp. {Af) Any one bom in the sign of Taurus will be stubborn. Im Stier geboren wird das kind halsstarrig und ein dick- kopf, Wu 88. 10. W»r im Fisch gebore is is immer daerschtich. {Bu) A man who was born in the sign of Pisces is always thirsty. Wer im zeichen der Pische geboren ist, wird ein trinker. Wm 88. 11. Kinner uf der Gwg.tem'ber gebore kenne gschpuker sene. {Be, G, Lnc, Mr, Na, T) Persons bom on Emberdays can see ghosts. Kinder, die im Quatember geboren sind, sehen geister. Z4 12. En SmrndSkskind waert schtolz. {Af) A child born on Sunday will become proud. Wer an einem Sonntag geboren worden, ist ein gliickskind. ZfDM 1. 235 Bom on Sunday, you will never want. C P & P 499 13. En Simndakskind waert b§,tzich. {C, ¥) A child bom on Sunday will become saucy. Es hot immer bissel en hochmut. Hlbg. 14. En Mittwochskind hat ken guter kopp fer laerne. iC,Mr) Any one born on Wednesday will be stupid. Bom on "Wednesday, sour and sad. C F & P 499 15. En Mittwochskind lebt net Igng. {Be, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc Mt, Na, Nu, Sc, T) A child bom on Wednesday will not live long. CHILDHOOD. 33 16. En SgmschdUkskind waert en schlftpp nn muss inuner sch^ffe. (Bey Bu, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Nu, T) A child born on Saturday will be slovenly and must work for a livelihood. Saturday's child works hard for his living. D Y 2; C P & P499 17. En kind as Sa'mschdaks nf di welt kummt eb di se'rBet gschafft is gebt en schl&pp. (Y) A child bom on Saturday before the daily routine work is done will be slovenly. 18. En kind as der dreizet gebore is hot ken glik. (Af) Unlucky the child that is bom on the thirteenth of the month. 19. Kinner wu uf der 8ibminzw9,n'zigscht September ge- b5re sin gleiche di weibsleit un schtaerik drinke. (D) Children bom on September 27 will be fond of women and strong drink. Der 27. September ist ein ungliickstag. Hlbg. He was bom in August, a periphrasis for a liquorish per- son. V 8 L 2, 111. 20. Wgnn en kind uf di welt kummt wann en gewitter §m himmel sehtet waerts dod gschlftge fume gewitter. (Be, Lh; Heidelberg) A person bom during a thunderstorm will be killed by lightning. 21. En kind muss 's §rscht m5l an der mutter Ire rechte bruscht drinke, no waerts net links. {Mt) A child must receive its first nursing at the right breast so that it will not become lefthanded. Wird das kind zuerst an die linke brust gelegt, so wird es linkshandig. B M IS 22. En kind mit zwe hSrwserBel oder kt'schlek gebore waert gseheid. (C, D. Lnc, Y) A child that is bom with two cowlicks will be bright. Hat das kind zwei haarwirbel, wird es ein kluger mensch. Z13 34 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 23. Zwe hor'wsertSel uf me kind seim kopp bedeite es es gscheit waert. (C, D, Lnc) Two cowlicks on a child's head are a sign of brightness. Hat das kind zwei haarwirbel, wird es ein Muger mensch. Z 13 24. En kind mit zwe horwserbel kummt weit rum in der welt. (Lnc) A child with two cowlicks lives in two kingdoms. C 8 A12 Hat das kind zwei haarwirbel, wird es ein kluger mensch. Z 13 If a child had two "crowns" on his head, it was a sign that he would eat his bread in two kingdoms. F B 12, 75 25. En hor'waerbel uf me kind seim kopp bedeit §,s es en schtob'richer mensch gebt. {Bu, C, D, Lnc, Mt, Mr, Na, Nu; Heidelberg) A cowlick on a child's head is a sign of a stubborn dispo- sition. 26. En hor'waerbel uf me kind seim kopp bedeit en schtae'ri- ger mensch. (Bu) A child bom with a cowlick will become very strong. 27. Wgnn en kind gedSft waert gebt merm pSr leffel foil dafwasser, n5 kgnns leicht laeme un gebt en seriger singer. (Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, So, 8n) When a child is baptized it is given a few teaspoonfuls of baptismal water, so that it may be bright and a good singer. Soil ein kind schnell lesen lernen, so gibt man ihm von seinem ersten badewasser zu trinken. Z f d M i. 2 28. W§nn en kind ged&ft waert gebt em di mutter glsemol' fum dSfw^Bser, so gs es ken heilschpells grikt. (Be, C, D, Lh, Mr, Nu, Sc, 8n) The water used in baptism is sometimes given as a cure for crying spells in children. Das gebrauchte taufwasser gilt als heilkraftig. B M 2i Water that has been used at the baptismal rite was re- garded as a preservative against witchcraft and was employed for various disorders. Dy 20 CUILOIIOOD. 35 29. WgJin en kind gedSf t waert gebt di mutter 'm ftlsemol' en leffel foil dSf wgsser, so gs es kind net hsert z&nt. {C, Lb, 8c, 8n) After baptism the mother sometimes gives the child a teaspoonful of the baptismal water to help it teethe. Die hebamme taucht heimlich den finger ins taufwasser und reibt damit das zahnfleisch des kindes, so zahnt es leicht. Wu 390 "Wash out the mouth of the recently regenerated infant with the remaining sanctified water as a safeguard against toothache. C F Glou 1. 53. 30. En kind gs der recht nSme net grikt wanns gedSft waert lebt net Igng. (Be, Lb, Lh, Mt) If in baptism the child does not receive the name intended for it, it will not live long. If a child is not given the name which was decided on by the parents before the birth of the child, the child will not live long. Bl N B 114 Wenn das kind nicht richtig getauft, d. h. wenn in den taufformeln ein versehen gemacht wird, so muss der mensch zeitlebens als plagegeist umherirren, besonders als alp die menschen in der nacht plagen. W 390. 31. En grank kind waert grM besser wanns mol ged&ft is. (Be, Bu, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sc, Y) A sick child will improve immediately after its baptism. Ein krankes kind kann man oft durch die taufe vom tode retten. Z f d M i. 2 A child never thrives until after baptism. H N C 15 32. Wgmmer gfrokt waert en kind i15er d&f zu hebe un s&kts §,b sSkt mers glik ab. (Lh) To decline to act as sponsor at a baptism will bring mis- fortune. 33. Me kind daerf mer net der n§,me geBe fun leit §s schun aus der familie gschtasrtJe sin, oder es waert net §.lt. Uf) * A child must not be named after a deceased member of the family, or it will not live to be old. 36 FBtmSYhVANlA GEBMAN SUPEBSTITIONS. Eindem darf man nicht die vomamen von bereits ver- storbenen personen der familie geben, sonst werden sie nicht alt. B 8 33. 115. 34. En kind gs E'fa ^dSft waert lebt net Igng. {Lh) If a child is christined Eve, it will not live long. SoUen kinder lange leben, lasse man die sohne Adam, die tochter Eva nennen. G 3. 26 35. Wgnuuem kind seim fgder oder mutter n5n&mt is es's letscht as kummt. {Bu, Lb, Mr, Mt, Na, 8n, Y) There will be no more children in a family after one of them has been named for its father or mother. 36. Wemmern kind seim fs,der oder mutter nonSmt lebts net Igng. (C) A child named for its parents will not live long. Wenn die kinder der eltern namen bekonmien, sterben sie eher als die eltern. 6 £ 45 37. Wesch en kind mit dSfwgsser uns grikt en schgni haut. {Be, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, 8c, Sn; Heidelberg) Wash a child with the water of baptism and it will have a beautiful complexion. 38. W$mmer en wlk zu zwet seho'kelt, wgxts kind ST. (Af) If two persons rock a cradle the child will be livergrown. 39. Wgmmern l6ri wik schokelt w§xts kind &". (.4/) If you rock an empty cradle, the child will be livergrown. Zwei soUen nicht an einem kinde wiegen, es kommt da- durch aus seiner ruhe. G 3. 267 40. Wgrnmem leri wtk seho'kelt schtelt merm kind der schlof. (Lnc, Nu, Sc, 8n, T) If you rock an empty cradle, you will rob a child of its sleep. Wenn man eine leere wiege schaukelt, stiehlt man dem kinde dem schlaf. Z 26 41. W&mmern Igri wtk schokelt grikts kind bauchwe. (D, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c, 8n, Y) CHILDHOOD. 37 If the empty cradle be rocked, the baby will have colic. C 8 A 50 Wenn man eine kere wiege schaukelt, bekommt das kind, welches sonst darin liegt, banchweh. Z 25 42. Wgmmem le'ri wlk schokelt nemmt merm kind di ru. (Lb, Mr, Sn, Y) ^ If you rock an empty cradle, a child cannot rest. Eine ledige wiege soil niemand wiegen, sonst wiegt man dem kind die rnhe weg. 3. 22 43. Mer daerf net ilS'ern kind schritte w§.nns Tif em bo'dem oder grund leit, oders wgxt net. (Af) Stepping over a child which is lying on the floor or ground will retard its growth. Wenn kinder auf der erde liegen und man schreitet iiber, sie hinweg, so bleiben sie sofort im wachstum stehen. B 8 33. 115 44. Di mutter muss trm kind *s erscht pres'ent getSe. (Bu, Mt) The mother should give her child its first present. 45. Me kind sei"peter muss ems erscht pres'ent geBe. (Be, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, Sn; Heidelberg) The godfather should give the first present to his godchild. 46. Di god un der peter solle me kind 's Srscht buch kSfe, n6 laernts giit. (Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, 8n; Heidel- berg) A child wiU be a bright pupil in school if the sponsors buy its first book. 47. Wgnn en kind en jor 9,lt waert gebt merm en buch, no waerts gscheit. (Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Nu, 8n, T; Heidelberg) If a child is given a book when it is a year old it will be bright. 48. En jung bobl Igkt mer net nf di links seit schunscht waerts links. (Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sn) A child will be left handed if it is laid on the left side. 38 PENNSYIiVANU GERMAN SUPEBSTmONS. " - Eiri neugeborenes kind darf man nicht -amf'die'Enke seite zuerst legen, sonst wird es linkshandig. B 8 33. 116 49. En kind, soil net schmake ebs en jor g,lt is oders schm§,kt nt net. {Lb) A child should not smell at' anything before it is a year old or it will never have a sense of smell. Riecht ein kind vor dem ersten jahr an etwaa, so lemt es hemach nicht riechen. G S. 277 50. Kinner in bruns wesche mg,clit si sche". (Be, Lnc, Mt, Na, Y; Neustadt) Washing children with urine makes them handsome. 51. Kinner soil mer di schtek nuf grgdle losse, n5 gebe si grSsse leit in der welt. {Bu, Lb, Mt, 8n; Heidel- berg) Permit children to crawl upstairs and they will be illus- trious. 52. lEn kind muss mer nunnernemme eb mers nuf nemmt, no waBrts reich. (D) A child will become rich if it is carried down stairs be- fore being carried up stairs. 53. Mer muss en kind der erscht dak g,s es gebore is uf der etJ'erscht schpeicher nemme im zum fenschter nausguke losse, no gebts en S.'gsen'ener mensch. (I); Kaiserslautern) A child should be carried to the garret on the day of its birth and allowed to look out of the garret window, then it will become a respected citizen. 54. Mer muss schnell mit me junge kind di schtek uf un ab schpringe, no waerts flink. {Be, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, 8c) Bun up and down the stairs with an infant and it will become spry. Der jiiugste pate nimmt das kind an der haustur und lauft , damit schnell nach der stube zur mutter, so wird das kind schnell. Wu 390 55. En kind as net 's grscht x3i schtgk nuf gedrftge wsert CHILDHOOD. 39 kummt net noch em himmel. {Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sn,Y) If a child is not carried upstairs before being carried down stairs it will not go to heaven. 56. En kind ^s net 's erscht di schtek nuf gedrSge waert emaunt' zu nix. {Bu) If a child is not carried up stairs first it will never amount to anything. 57. En kind waert net git wgnns net 's erscht di schtek nuf- gedrSge waert. {C,Na) A child will not live long tinless it is carried upstairs be- fore being carried down. Es stirbt. Hlbg. 58. Mer muss en kind en schtok hecher nufnemme ob mers nunner nemmt so 3s es in di he kummt. (Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Na, 8c) Carry a child up stairs before carrying it down stairs so that it may rise in the world. A child should go up in the world before it goes do^vn, else, it will never rise in after-life either to richer or dis- tinction. DY 8 59. Mer muss en kind en schtok hecher nuf nemme eb mers nunner nemmt so gs es hoch singt. (Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, Sc) In order that a child raay be able to sing high notes it should be carried up stairs before it is carried down stairs. 60. Wammers erscht en kind en schtok hecher nuf nemmt wserts gscheit. (Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Na, 8c) If a child is carried up stairs first it will become quick- witted. 61. Wammern kind 's erscht en schtok hecher nuf nemmt wserts ei''biidisch. (D, Lh, Lnc) ,,.If a child is first oarried up stairs it will become con- — r ceited and vain. - -- 40 PENNSTLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 62. En kind waert schtolz wginmer 's erscht en schtok hecher drecht. (C) A child will become proud if it is first carried up stairs. 63. Wgmmern kind net 's erscht nufnemmt muss mers erscht nunner nemme. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Na) A child will die in infancy if it is not immediately after birth carried upstairs. 64. En kind dserf mer net aus em hans nemme bis es gedif t is. (Af) Never take a child from home before it is baptized. Ein ungetauftes kind darf nicht aus dem hause getrajen werden. Dr 188 65. Mer soil en kind net in der schpigel guke losse ebs en jor g,lt is oders waert schtolz. (-4/) If a child is permitted to look into a mirror before it is a year old it will become proud. Lasst man das kind unter einem jahr in den spiegel sehen, so wird es eitel und stolz. G 3. 29 66. Wann fll leit en kind a'guke wgnns gedaft waert is es leicht verhext. {Bu, Lnc, Mr, Mt, 8n) If many look at a child while it is being baptized, it is easily bewitched. Wenn viele leute das kind bei der taufe ansehen, wird es leicht vermeint. Z 14 67. Mer muss me kiild recht tsehureri S.'henke, so ^.s es en hocher gescht grikt. {Lh, Na, 8c) A child must be decked with jewelry, so that it may b* come highminded. 68. Me kind muss mer recht tschu'elri STienka as es zn eb- bes kummt in der welt. {Lh, Na, Sc) A child must be decked with jewelry, if it is to amount to anything in the world. In den ersten bad des kindes wird ein goldstiick getan, da- mit es dem kind nie im leben an geld fehle. H M 1. 277 CHILDHOOD. 41 69. Henk me kind recht tschu'elri a" so 9.S es reich waert. {Be, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, 8c) Adorn a child with jewelry and it will become rich. Das kind darf vor der taufe kein geld sehen oder gold- schmuck tragen, sonst wird es habgierig. Wu 391 70. En kind geb5re mit der nafi'elschnur um der hgls gebt en grosser pgp'lserer m^nn. (C) If a child is born with the umbilical cord about its neck, it will become great and popular. 71. En kind wii en guter singer is gebt en engel, s' waert net §,lt. {Bu; Heidelberg) A child that sings very well will become an angel, it will not live to be old. 72. Mer dasrf en kind net dSfe losse uf der dak ^s en leicht in der gme is. (Na, Y) A child should not be baptized on a day when there is a funeral in the congregation. Unmittelbar nach einer leichenbestattung soil man nicht taufen lassen, sonst folgt das kind dem toten nach. 3. J, 489 73. Me kind wanns nf di welt kummt muss mem glti windel a-'du" oders gebt en dib. (Bu; Heidelberg) If an old diaper is not put on a newborn child, it will become a thief. 74. Me kind sei" erschti windel soil mer ferbrenne f er glik. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Y; Kaiser slautern) Bum the first diaper of a child for luck. 75. "Wann en mutter ir kind net zu sene grikt uf der dSk was uf di welt kummt Itbt sis net. {Lnc) A mother will never love the child she is not permitted to see on the day it was born. Wenn eine mutter das neugeborene kind am ersten tage nicht zu gesichte bekommt, wird sie es nie lieben. Z 9 76. W9,nn grgnke kinner mit gold schplle waem si wider gsund. {Lnc) 42 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. If sick children play with money they will recover. Wenn kranke kinder mit geld spielen, genesen sie. Z 62 77. Me kind daerf mer nix schtsBrges zu drinke gel5e ebs en jor git is oders wgxt nimmi. {Bu) Giving a child strong drink before it is a year old will stop its growth. Kindem nnd jungen hunden soil man keinen schnapps zu trinken geben, well sie nachher nicht mehr wachsen. y AB\. 487 78. Wgnn en kind ebber nogenamt waert muss sell em en frg,k kafe. {Be, Lh) The person for whom a child is named must buy it a dress. Die gotte hat in friiheren jahren ihrem taufling am Klo- sentag ein "hemdle" geschenkt. A S 1. 391 79. Wgmmern kind kitzelt ebs en jor git is waerts schtot'- terich. {Af; Heidelberg) A child will stammer if it is tickled before it is a year old. 80. Di erscht laus wii maer uf me kind seim kopp finnt fer- drikt mer nf em gsgngbuch, n5 gebts en guter singer. (D, Lh, Lnc, Nu); uf der blbel, no waerts gscheid. (Lh) The first louse found on a child's head should be crushed on the hymnbook and the child will become a good singer. Die erste laus an einem kinde muss man auf dem gesang- buch knicken. Dann lemt das kind recht singen. Alem 27. 229 81. Me kind soil mer di hor net schneide ebs en jor git is oder si fgUe aus. {Bu) A child's hair wiU fall out if cut before it is a year old. Sie wachsen schlecht und sind immer diinn. Hlbg. 82. En kind waert net git wammers schert ebs en jor git is. (Be, Bu, C, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Sc, Y) If a child's hair is cut before it is a year old it will die young. 83. De kinner soUe di h6r net gbgschnitte wsere eb si en j6r CHILDfiOOD. 43 ftlt sin Oder si waere schw^ch. (Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, 8c, Y) Children will be weaklings if their hair is cut before they are a year old. Schneidet man einem kinde vor dem siebenten altersjahr die haare ab, so kann es nie zu vollkommenen kraften kommeii. Z f d M ^. 3 84. En weibsmensch as ufgebindelt is daerf en kind net schere oders lebt net l9.ng. {D, Lh, Lnc; Heidel- berg) A child will not live long if its hair is cut by a pregnant woman. 85. Mer soil en kind bei ni'm^nd gltes schlof e losse, schunscht schtserbts zee jor jinger. (Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, 8c, Y) Permitting a child to sleep with an old person shortens its life by ten years. Es ist eine fast allgemeine meinung, dass kinder nicht yon alten leuten geliebkost werden nnd nicht mit ihnen zu- sammen schlafen soUen. Wu 386 86. Wanunern kind schlecht ebs en jor git is waerts schtot- terich. {Be, Na) A child that is whipped before it is a year old will stam- mer. 87. En kind d»rf mer net hake ebs en jor git is oder di schlek bat nochhser nix. (Af) If a child is whipped before it is a year old later punish- ment will be futile. Kinder unter einem jahre schlage man nicht, sonst werden sie hartschlagig. Alem. 27. 229 88. Wgnimer ausfinne will was f aem hgndwaerik oder gschef t gs en kind sich mol wglt lekt mer en schtik geld, en blBel, en schtik hQ,ndw«rksgschser un en bottel hi". Des wB's deno' langt gebt sei'hgndwaerik. W&nns g.l5er noch der bottel Igngt gebts en sifer. {Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Y) 44 PDNNSYliVANlA GEBMAN SUPEESTITIOIIS. To ascertain the occupatiou of the future man place be- fore the child a coin, a bible, a tool and a bottle. Whichever the child takes up first will be its future oc- cupation. If it however reaches for the bottle it will become a drunkard. Wonach das kind zuerst greift, das zeigt seine kiinftige lieblingsbeschaftigung an. G^ 3. p 488 89. Wammern kind zum f enschter aus im nei' grgdle losst gebts en dib. {Af; Heidelberg) If a child is permitted to crawl in and out through a window it will become a thief. 90. Wg,inmem kind zum f enschter naus'grgdle losst wgxts nimmi. (-4/) If a child is permitted to crawl out of a window it will stop growing. Man soil ein kind nicht zum fenster hinausheben, sonst wachst es nicht. Alem. 27. 229 91. En kind gs sich fil brecht waxt gut. (D, Lnc, Y) If a child vomits frequently, it will grow rapidly. Speikindel, gedeihkindel. Dr. 210 92. Wgnn der dokter 's kind ^''dut wgnns uf di welt kummt muss er gcht getSe §,8 er nummejd' 's kind mit em rechte &rm 's erscht ins hemmli schluppe losst, {Bu; Heidelberg) When dressing a newborn infant the doctor should take care to put the child's right arm into the sleeve first. 93. Mit wellre hgnd gs en bobbel 's erscht mol 's erscht in di gleder schluppt weisst ebs rechts oder links waert. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt, 8c; Heidelberg) The hand with which a child that is being dressed for the first time slips into its clothing shows whether it will be right handed or left handed. , 94. En kind sott mit em rechtse trm 's erscht in der hemm- aermel schluppe. {Bu, C; Heidelberg) Put a child's right arm into the sleeve of its gown before the left. CUILDHOOO. 45 95. Mer soils net fser me jor uf en kind refere losse, ea grikt smmefleke. (Lb) If it rains on a child less than a year old, it will be freckled. Wird ein kind, ehe es ein jahr alt ist, beregnet, so be^ kommt es sommersprossen. V A 8 1. 486 96. Mer soils net uf kinner reg'ere losse oder si grtge sum- merfleke. (Af) If it rains on a child the child will be freckled. 97. En &'''gew8xe kind schmlrt mer mit gensfett. (Be) A livergrown child should be rubbed with goosegrease. 98. En a'''gew§xe kind lekt mer nf di dire schwell un messts. Wgnns mo'l ilJer sell mos nans gewgxe is, wgxts nimmi a". (Lnc, Mr, Y) Lay a livergrown child on the door sill and measure it. As soon as it has outgrown this measure, the complaint will cease. 99. En kind qs unner me rigel, schtrik oder so ebbes dserich schluppt wsxt net. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Y) If a child crawls under a rope, bar, etc., it will not grow. Man soil das kind nicht viuter etwas durchschliipfen las- sen sonst wachst es nicht. Alem 27. 229 100. Mer soil me kind gelJe fun §llem wgs mer selber esst, schtmscht mgcht merm sei" haerz blute. (C, Lnc, Sn, Y) Befusing to share with your child everything you eat will make the child grieve. Einem kleinen kind soil man von allem, was man in sei- ner gegenwart isst, etwas geben, sonst blutet ihm das herz. Z 60 101. En hufeise wu gU di negel noch drin sin me kind in di schokel gelekt hglts kind gsund. (D) Place a horseshoe with all the nails in it into a child's cradle, and the child will always be hale and hearty. Auch den kindem wird ein gefundenes hufeisen in die wiege gelegt. Wu 130 46 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 102. Wgmmern Smmd&kskind ^n der schpigel hebt waerta schtolz. {Lb, Lnc, Y; Heidelberg) Let a child bom on Sunday look into a mirror and it will become proud. 103. Der erscht f rfik gs en kind 5"grikt daerf ken $lter sei' schunscht waerts en schlgpp. {Be, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr; Heidelberg) If the first dress put on a child is not a new one, it will become a slattern. 104. En kind §.s zwe jor g,lt is is hglb so Ig^ng gs es waert. {Bu) A child at the age of two has attained half its height. Drei jahre Htbg. 105. W&xnmerme kind 's erschtmol di schtrimpelcher k~ dut, muss merm 's rechts 's erscht a'dii'', oders waert links. {Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, 8n; Heidelberg) When putting stockings on a child for the first time, the child will become lefthanded unless the right stocking is put on first. 106. Kinner waerre net gros -wgmmer si summers gbge- went. {8c) If children are weaned in summer time they will die young. 107. En kind gs mer gbgewent, warm di bem bile waert glei gr6. {Be,D,8c) If a child is weaned when the trees are in blossom, its hair will turn gray early. In der baumbltjte ist kein kind zn entwohnen, sonst be- kommt es graue haare. G 3. 767. 108. Mer soil en kind net abgewene so lg,ng as schne leit, schunscht waerts jung gro; §, net wanns l&b fun de bem fgUt, schunscht waerts jung blot {Lb, Lh, 8c, 8n) A child should not be weaned as long as there is snow on the ground, else its hair will soon turn gray; nor when the leaves fall, else it will soon become bald. CHILDHOOD. 47 Eutwohneu darf die mutter das kind nicht, so lauge schnee liegt, sonst bekommt es zeitig weisse haare; auch nicht wenn das laub von den baumen fallt, sonst verliert es dieselben zeitig. B 8 33. 116 109. 'S erscht wjisser as mern kind drin wescht muss mer zum el5erscht-schpeicher fenschter naus uf en b&m schitte, no grikts kind en hocher gescht. {D, Lnc, Mr, 8n) A person will become highminded if the water in which it was washed immediately after its birth is thrown out of the garret window and oh a tree. Das badwasser ist unter einen griinen baiun zu giessen, so bleiben die kinder stets frisch. G 3. 738 ; cf . also M D V 103 110. Dafvp^sser schitt mer ilSern r6se schtok, no grikts rote b^ke. {Be, C, Lh, Lnc, Sn) A child will have red cheeks if the water used in baptism is poured over a rosebush. Das taufwasser muss mad nach der taufe in einen rosen- strauch schiitten, so bekommt das kind rote wangen. Wu 391 111. En kind muss grM heile'w&nns uf di welt kummt. Wgnns net dut, bletscht mers bis es dut. {Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, 8c) A child should cry immediately after its birth, and it should be slapped until it does. Das kind gilt erst dann wirklich lebendig und lebensfahig, wenn es die vier wande beschrieen hat. Daher gibt man ihm wohl gleich nach der geburt einen klaps an den hintem, damit es sich ins leben schreie. M D V 107 112. En kind waxt net bis es bezSlt is. {Lh, Lnc, Sc) A child will not grow until the doctor's fee is paid. 113. Der dak ^s en kind gebore is soUe mg,nn un fra net ftl zg,mme schwetze. {Mt; Heidelberg) Husband and wife should not talk much to each other on the day when a child is bom. 48 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 114. En kind daerf mer net ding, dingel, dingelche oder grot hese, schunscht wgxts net. {Be, Bu, C, Lh, 8c) If you call a child "thing" or "toad" it will not grow. Kinder darf man nicht ding, krot oder aas nennen, sonst verkommen sie. B 8 33. 115. 115. Hes en kind seili oder wutzli, no wgxts. (Bu, D, Lnc, Mt, 8n) Call a child "piggy" and it will grow. 116. En kind bosst mer net nfs maul bis es gezSnt hot oders zSnt haert. {Lb, Lh, Na, Sc, Y; Lustmann) A child should not be kissed on its mouth before it has cut its teeth or it will teethe hard. 117. En kind art seim peter oder gedel no. {Be, C, D, Lh 8c, 8n, T) A child will take after its godfather or godmother. Der taufling nimmt geistige eigenschaften von paten an. BA 210 118. 'S erscht mol §.s mem kind aus em bans nemmt, daerf mers net zu junge keierte leit nemme, schunscht grige si a ens. {Be, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, T) The first time a child is taken out of doors it must not be taken to the home of a newly wedded couple, or else they too will soon have a child of their own. Verkehrt eine junge verheiratete frau mit anderen frauen, die in gesegneten umstanden sind, so wird auch sie bald kinder bekommen. A A S5 119. Me kind sei" ngBelschnur hebt mer uf, no waerts gscheid. {D, Lnc, 8c) A child will become clever and bright if you preserve its umbilical cord. Von der nabelschnur des kindes muss eiu stiickchen aufbe- wahrt werden, so hat das kind so lange gliick, so lange man dasselbe sorgsam verwahrt. A A Si 120. En kind wii mit Ignge hor uf di welt kummt waert net CHILDHOOD. 49 ftlt wgim selli hor net glei ausgene, (Be, C, Lh, Mr, Na, Sc, Y) A child bom with long hair will not live long unless it soon falls out. Kinder, welche mit langen haaren zur welt kommen, ster- benfriih. Wu 217 121. Wgnn en kind mit ze" nf di welt kummt, l§bts net Igng. (.4/) A child bom with teeth won't live long. Kinder, die die zahne mit auf die welt bringen, verlieren sie und bekommen keine.neue, d. h. sie leben nicht lange. Wu2n,AA30 It is ill luck to be bom with teeth in the head. T 8 L2. 115 122. Wgnn en kind im schlof Igclit hots bauchwe. (Bu, Mt, Sc) If a child smiles in its sleep, it has colic. 123. En kind as im schlof lacht waert glei gridlich waker. {Be, Bu, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sc, Sn) A child that smiles in its sleep will soon wake up fretful. 124. Wann en kind im schlof lacht, sakt mer di engel dede mit im schpile. {Be, Bu, C, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sc, Sn) If a child smiles in its sleep the angels are playing with it. Lachelt ein kind im schlaf, pflegt man zu sagen: jetzt schertzt sein schutzengelein mit ihm. V A 8 1, 492 125. En kind gewent mer ab im Fisch. {C, D, Lnc, Sc; Freiburg) Wean a child in the sign of Pisces. 126. Mer soli en kind net im Leb abgewene schunscht greischts wischt. {Be, C, Lh, Mr, Sc; Heidelberg) If a child is weaned in the sign of Leo it will yell like a lioa 127. En kind gewent mer net ab wann di bem blie schunscht waerts jung grokeppich. {Sc) If a child is weaned while fruit trees are in blossom its hair will turn prematurely gray. Cf . 107 50 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPEESTITIONS. 128. Zaerniche kinner hokt mer uf en kglter scht5". {Bu, C, Lnc, Mr, Mt) Seat a peevish child on a cold stone. Zornige kinder scoU man auf einen kalten stein setzen. 129. Wammerme kind sergleder flike muss ebs en jor git is, waBrts en schlgpp. {Be, C, 8, Lh, Mr, Me, Y; Hei- delberg) If a child's clothing must be mended before it is a year old it will become slovenly. 130. Wammern kind kitzelt ebs en jor g,lt is wftxts S". (C) If a child is tickled before it is a year old it will be liver- grown. 131. En kind gs fll im gringel rum schpringt waert dumm. {Bu, C, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Nu, 8c, Sn) A child that whirls much will become stupid. Es wird dumm nnd dappig (tappisch). Hlig. 132. Der esel hots kind aus der w§nd gschlg,ge. {Be, Bu, C, 8c) The donkey kicked the child out of the wall (it is a bastard) . 133. Di kinner kumme aus de hole bem. {Be, C, Mr, Mt, 8c) Children come from hollow trees. 134. Der schtorich bringt di kinner. {Be, Mr, 8c) The stork brings the children. This is common in Germany and England. 135. Der dokter holt di kinner aus re grik oder aus fltsend wgsser un bringt em si. {Af) The physician fetches children from a creek or flowing water. Der bach bringt die kinder. Z / P M 2. 345 136. Mer soil en kind net le leie losse in re schtub, schunscht schtele di hexe es. {Lnc) Never let a child lie alone in the room, the witches will steal it. OBILDHOOO. 51 Hat man das feuster offen stehen lassen, und ist niemand als das wiegekind in der stube, kommt gem eine heze zmn fenster herein und stiehlt das kind V A 81. 313 137. Wg,mmern kind schpot oBeds aus em haus nemmt, waerts leicht ferhext. {Be, Lnc) If a child is taken out of doors late at night, it is easily bewitched. Wenn man spat abends ein kind aus dem hause tragt, wird es leicht ferhext: Z 31 138. Me kind sei" nachgeburt em im gsicht rum gerilSe macht em en scheni haut. {Be, D, Y) Rub the child's face with its placenta to make it fair of complexion. Das muttermal kann die hebamme gleich bei der entbin- dung vertilgen; sie muss die stelle, noch ehe es sonst jemand gesehen hat, mit der nachgeburt bedriicken Oder bestreiehen. Kn 155 139. Wammern f rS, im kindbett bsucht soil mer sich nimmi setze wammers kind mol gsene hot kg,t. {Mr) If you call on a woman in confinement, do not sit down after you have seen the newborn child. 140. Wgmmer aergets hfget wii en gle bobel is soil mer sich 's ffirscht setze eb mers bobli fi-gukt, oder mer nemmt em di ru. {Be, D, Lb, Lnc, Nu, 8c, Sn, Y) If you make a call at a home where a child has just been bom take a seat before you look at the baby or you will cast a spell over it. Geht ein fremdes in die stube, so soil es niedersitzen, dass es den kindern die ruhe nicht mitnehme. 3. 15 141. En kind gebore mit me bel iters gsicht is gliklich. {Y} It is an omen of good luck to be bom with a caul. Var. 1. Son kind wsert schtolz. {Be, D, Lb, Lnc, Na, Nu, 8a, 8u, Y) Such a child will be proud. 52 PENNSYLVANIA GEBMAN SUPEBSTITIONS. Var. 2. un kgnn d»rich en serdschpigel sene. (J) And can see through a semaphora. Kommt das kind in der einbryonenhaut auf die welt^ so wird es ausserordentlich viel gliick haben. M D V 103 I believe you were born with a caul on your head, you are such a favorite among the ladies. Y 8 L 2. 124 142. En nei gebore kind muss mer wige, no wgxts erscht recht. {Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, Sc) A newborn infant, to grow rapidly, must be weighed. It is bad luck not to weigh a baby before it is dressed. C SA38 143. En nei gebore kind daerf mer net wige, schunscht wgxts net. {Be, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, Sc, Sn, T; Freiburg) A newborn infant will not grow if it is weighed. If a new bom child is weighed, it will die or not thrive. Dj/9; CS439 , 144. Sd gs en kind gschwind schwetze Isernt soil di got oder der peter em kind der leffel kSf e wus gUe dak mit esst, di got fers mgdel, der peter fer der bfi. iBe, Lh, Mt, Sc, Sn, Y) A child will learn to talk more quickly if the sponsors buy for it the spoon which it uses every day in eating. The godmother should buy the spoon for a girl and the god- father for a boy. Die paten soUen dem kind ein loffelchen kaufen, sonst lemt es geifem. O 3. 48 Lemt das kind das sprechen lange nicht, so kauft ihm der gote einen loffel, womit man dem kinde zu essen gibt; langt es bald zu sprechen an. A 8 1. 392 It was formerly the custom for the sponsors at baptism to present the children with spoons. D Eng 180 145. Fll leit gebe ire kinner der n&me 9s im kalenner scht6t uf der d&k wu si gebSre sin. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc, Sn) A child bom on a saint's day, often bears the saint's name. f CHILDHOOD. 53 En kind erhalt haufig (im katholischen Deutscbland) den namen des kalenderheiligen, an de^en tag es geboren iat. M DV113 In many county parishes a child is invariably called by the name of the saint on whose day it may happen to have been born. D Eng 178; C 8 A 5 146. Wftmmem bobbel an der bottel ufzikt soil mers nt di milich §,11 aus der bottel drinke losse. Selli gebt mer der k§,tz, n5 grikt di k^tz 's Q,bnemmes un nets kind. {Be, Lh, Lnc; Heidelberg) To prevent a child from having marasmus a small quan- tity of milk should be left in the bottle from which it is nursed. This milk should be given to the cat, which will then have marasmus. 147. Wann en kind f erhext is nemm f um kind seim w^sser, dtis in en bottel nn sex n5dle dezii', no m^ch di bottel teit zu un f erschtekel si. {Lb, Lnc, T) If a child is bewitched put some of its urine and six new needles into a bottle, cork it tightly and hide the bottle. A bit of steel, such as a needle, protects one from witches. C 8 A 1417 Several fetid and stinking matters, such as old urine, are excellent means for keeping away all evil intentioned spirits and ghosts. V 8 L 2. 1. 460 Comment est bonne contre le rheume 1 'urine des J>etits enfans? V 8 L 2. 2. 489 148. Wgnndme kind as juscht kumme is net en alti windel STdaacht, kgnns ken schtulggng mgche. {Bu; Hei- delberg) Unless a newborn child is clothed with an old diaper it cannot stool. 149. W^mmerme kind as juscht uf di welt kumme is net en glti windel fi'dut grikts en weer &rsch. {Bu; Hei- delberg) Put an old diaper on the newborn child to prevent sore buttocks. 54 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPBESTmONS. 150. Glei ze", glei me. {Be, D, Lh, Lnc, Sic, Y; Heidelberg) If a child cuts its teeth very early, there will soon be an- other child in the family. Soon teeth, soon toes, i. e., another baby. H N C 19 151. En kind gs mer in der schpigel guke losst ebs en jor git waBrt wsert schtolz. (Af) A child that is permitted to look into a mirror before it is a year old will be vain. Var. Der dritt dak losst mers nei''guke. (Be, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sn, Y) Permit it to look into the mirror when three days old. It is unlucky to allow a baby to see itself in a mirror before it is a year old. E Y 43 152. En frk §s en bebi hot soil trm kind W9.sser ime finger- hut hole, no schlg,15erts net. {Lb, Lh, Mr, Y; Hei- delberg) A child will not drool if it is given water to drink out of a thimble. The first time after childbirth the mother went to fetch water, she did so, not in a pail but in her thimble or in a vessel of very small content, to prevent the child's mouth from continually running saliva. O Scot 6 153. 'S erscht jor schneit mer me kind di negel net gb, mer beisst si §,b, schunscht wsBrts en dib un Isernt schtele. {Af) Do not cut an infant's nails before it is a year old or it will become a thief. Das erste jahr soil man die nagel des kindes abbeissen, nicht abschneiden, sonst kriegt es lange finger. Alem 27. 229; G 3. 23 Never cut an infant's nails until it is a twelvemonth old or it will be lightfingered and addicted to stealing. W Ir68,C 8A55 154. W§mmern kind messt wg,xts nimmi. {Af) Measure a child and it will cease to grow. Misst man die lange eines kindes, dann wachst es nicht mehr. Z 32 CHILDHOOD. 55 To measure a child is to measure it for its coffin. B F 181 155. W§mmern kind engel best lebts net l^ng. (Lh) Call a child "angel" and it will not live long. 156. En kind gs mer mit weide wipt wsert daerr (Y), oder grikt di auszering (C), oder die weitschwelling. (Lnc, 8c, Sn) A child whipped with willows will emaciate or develop tuberculosis or synovitis. Man darf das kind nicht mit einer weidenrute strafen sonst bekommt es abzehrung. Wu 393 ; 6 3. 416 157. En kind gs uf di welt kummt nochdem gs sei" fgder gschtaerbe is kann faer enich ebbes brauche (Bu), fer blohiischte (Be, Y), faers besding.' (Be, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, 8n, Y) A posthumous child can cure whooping cough, felons or anything else by powwowing. Nach des vaters tod geborene kinder haben die kraft, felle, die auf den augen wachsen, drei Preitage hinter einan- der abzublasen. G 3. 1009 A posthumous child was said to possess the gift of curing almost any disease simply by looking at the patient. 6 Scot 37 158. "Wg,nn en kind katzehor ins maul grikt schtaerbts gn der aus'zering. {Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Y) If a child swallows a cat's hair it will die of tuberculosis. Wenn jemand ein katzenhaar schluckt, bekommt er die ab- zehrung. Z 800 You will die if you get a cat's hair into your stomach. F /8 i 2. 1 401 159. En grexich kind lekt mer in en sei nescht bis es wSrm is, no ferget em sei" grexe. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) Lay a grunting child into a pig's lair to cure it of its grunting. 160. *S kind wu dem no kummt ^s uf der erscht d&k fume zeche gebore is is wider en bu (bezw. en medel). 56 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Waun sich der zeche ^.ber der nekscht dak wexelt is 's nechscht wu kumint net fun der seme saert. (D, Lh) If a child is bom on the first day of a zodiacal sign, the next child to be bom will be of the same sex. If how- ever the sign of the zodiac changes, the sex of the child following will also change. Wenn ein frau an einem tage gebiert, auf welchem im Kalender noch mehrere tage mit demselben himmels- zeichen des tierkreises folgen, so folgen noch ebensoviel kinder desselben geschlechts. B S 33. 114. "When a birth takes place on the growing of the moon, the next child will be of the same sex, but if on the waning moon the sex will change. Corn 157 161. 'S dreizent kind gebt en schpilmg,nn. (Mt) The thirteenth child will be a musician, i. e. no good. 162. Der siBet su' gebt en grosser mg,nn. (D, Lnc, Y) The seventh son will be a famous man. Der siebente wird schon und gescheid. Slbg 163. Der siBet su" gebt en paerre odem dokter. {Be, D, Na) The seventh son will be a clergyman or a physician. Der siebente sohn ist gliickselig etwas zu heilen, pflanzen oder sonst auszurichten. G 3. 180 The seventh son will cure diseases. H 45 164. Wann en m^jm sex kinner hot fun enre saert is 's silJet schur fun der gnre. {Lh, Mr; Heidelberg) There are never seven children of the same sex in succession in a family. 165. Mer schtekt en kind &s juscht uf di welt kumme is grSd in kg-lt wasser, no waerts haert. {Be, D, Mt, 8n,¥) Dip the newborn child into cold water immediately after birth to harden it. 166. Gscheite kinner waerre net §lt. {Af) Precocious children will not live long. Gescheite kinder werden nicht alt, Z 43 CHILDHOOD. 57 Children prematurely wise are said not to be long-lived. D Eng 176 167. Wann en kind schtaBrbt as noch am drinke war soil mer sei" hemm der mutter an di bruscht lege, no grikt si ken drubel mit der milich. (Lh; Heidel- berg) If a child dies before it is weaned lay its chemise on its mother's breasts to prevent them from becoming sore. 168. Wann en kind aerik heilt hot di mutter hunger kat faer ebbes gs si net grikt hot. (C; Heidelberg) If a child cries constantly its mother was hungry during pregnancy for something which she never got. 169. Wgnn en kind mit ze" uf di welt kummt is es en schleehti sein. {Be, Bu, D, Lnc, Mt, Sn, Y; Heidel- berg) It is a bad sign to have a child born with teeth. 170. 'S siBet kind gebt en grSsser mann. {D, Lnc, Y; Heidelberg) The seventh child will be a prominent man. 171. Wammern jung kind drakt un hot selfeert kens aerbts. (Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Sn; Heidelberg) If you carry a young child and have none of your own you wiU soon have one too. FUTUEE HUSBAND 172. W&nnd kgffi ausschittscht, wgnnd bsuch grikscht, kgnnscht 's pikter fume marm oder fr& sene. {Na; Heidelberg) "When you pour the coffee from the cup you can see from the picture in the cup whether your visitor will be a man or a woman. 173. W^mme weibsmensch der frak hinne nufgedret is laft re en widmann no. {D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu) A woman whose skirt turns up in the back has a widower as a suitor. Schlagt sich der saum des kleides um, so wird man von ei- nem witwer geliebt. A A 20 174. W§,mme weibsmensch der frak hinne nufgedret is, hot si en bo {Be, C, D, Lh, Mr, Mt) ; oder si waert dis- appoint seller dak (Sn) ; oder si grikt seller dSk noch geld, after si muss uf der fr9,k schpaue. {8n) If a woman 's dress turns up in the back she has a lover ; or it is an omen of disappointment that day ; or she will re- ceive some money, but she must spit on her dress. 175. Wann en weibsmensch en daern oder hek noschleft laft re en bo no. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Nu, Se, Y) A bramble in a woman's skirt indicates a lover. Hangt sich ein dornenzweig an dich, so will dich ein witwer zur frau haben. A A 20 176. Schpell en fir blettrich gleblat oBich di dlr un der erscht mannskaerl as zu der dir nei" kummt gebt dei' mann. {Af) Pin a four-leafed clover over the door and the first man to enter by that door will become your husband. Vierblattrigen klee soil man unter die sohlen legen, um eine person zu gewinnen. L V 152 58 ' FUTURE HUSBAND. 59 177. Henk en hinkelgnoche olSich di dir un der erscht mgnskaerl as rei" kummt gebt dei" mann. (Sn) Hang a wishbone above your door and the first man to en- ter will bfecome your husband. 178. Mer soil en firblettrich gleblSt schluke un an sei" bo denke, no grikt mem. {Be, Lh, Na, Y) You will marry the man whom you think of while swallow- ing a four-leafed clover. Wer vierblatterigen klee findet, soil ihn wert halten; so- lang er ihn hat, wird er gliickselig sein. G 3. 119 A four leaved clover is a beneficent attractor of the op- posite sex. H 25 179. Eiif di Sent 4gnes a" uf der Sent 4gnes dSk (21. Jenner) si sott dich dei" mann sene losse, un sak: "St. 4gii6s, sei" en freind zu mir, loss mich di nacht mei" man (oder fra) sene. (Lh) On St. Agnes' day call upon St. Agnes beseeching her to show you your future spouse, saying: "St. Agnes be a friend of mine. Permit me this night to see my future spouse. ' ' Am Andreasabend, vor dem schlafengehen, am besten in der mitternach, spricht das heiratslustige madchen : " heiliger Andreas, ich bitte dich, du mogest lassen er- scheinen den herzallerliebsten meinen, wie er geht imd wie er steht, wie er mit mir zur kirche geht, im namen usw. Wu 249 Sweet St. Agnes work thy fast, If ever I be to marry man. Or man be to marry me, I hope him this night to see. H N C 91 180. Di med in re familie grige ken menner wgmmer p6- li§.ne fedre im bans hot. {Lh, Lnc, Y) Your daughters will not marry if there are any peacock's feathers in your house. Pfauenfedern bedeuten iiberhaupt ungliick. Hlbg. If peacock feathers are kept in a house for ornament, the 60 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. young ladies in the house need never expect to be mar- ried. CFY2.76 181. W§mmer p6li§,ne fedre im haus hot grige di med in der fgmilie menner. (Bu, Mt) Tour daughters will get married if you have peacock's feathers in the house. 182. Obeds fer neij5r soil en medl di schtub auskere, no kann si ir mann im schpigl sene. {Be, Lnc, Nu, 8n) Sweep your room (or parlor?) backwards, on New Year's eve, and you will see your future husband in the mirror. In der Neujahi-snacht kann ein madchen ihren zukiinftigen auf diese weise erkennen: sie kehre nachts van 12 uhr nackt und rucklings die stube aus, dann erscheint im Spiegel Oder fenster das bild des brautigams. V A S 1. 469. 183. Wammer nein olJed nein schtaerne zelt, der erscht as mer hands schekt mit, hot der name fum m9.nn gs mer grikt. (Nu) Count nine stars on nine successive nights, and the first man with whom you shake hands bears the name of your future husband. Count nine stars on nine nights in succession, and the first young gentleman with whom you shake hands is to be your future husband. C 8 A 270 184. Wammer ftr zwiWe namt un lekt si oBeds unners bett Oder unich der ofe, selli wii maergets ausgewaxe is hot der nSme fum mgnn as mer grikt. (Be, Lh, Mr, Sn) Take four onions, name them and place them under the bed or the stove in the evening. The one which has sprouted next morning bears the name of your future husband. Die Gasteiner dirnen nehmen vier zwiebeln, stellen sie in die vier winkel der stube und geben ihnen namen von junggesellen ; die zwiebeln lassen sie stehen von "Weih- naehten bis auf Dreikonigstag, Wessen zwiebel nun keimt, der wird sich als freier nielden. 3. 956 FUTURE HUSBAND. 61 185. Wammer midd&ks zwischich elf un zwelfe esst dar was kummt gebt em sei" mann. {Be, Lh) The man who comes to your house between eleven and twelve while you are at dinner will be your future hus- band. ,aber nur am Neujahrstag. Hlbg. 186. Wann di mad di drebbe nuf fallt, grikt si en neier bo. (^) If a servant girl falls upstairs she will have a new beau. 187. Wann di mad di drebbe nuf fallt grikt si sibe jor ken mann. (Y; Heidelberg) If the servant girl falls up stairs she will not marry for seven years. 188. Wann di mSd di drebbe nuf fallt, so fil drebbe as noch faer re sin, so ftl jor muss si warte, bis si en m^nn grikt. {Be, Lh, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, 8n, Y) If a servant girl falls up stairs, the number of steps to the top of the stairs indicates the number of years which will elapse before she marries. 189. Wammer neie schu grikt, soil mer si a'losse fer ins bett. Nachts kummt ener fer em si ausdii". Seller gebt em sei" mann. {Lh) When going to bed, keep on the new shoes which you have just bought, and the man who comes to take them off will be your future husband. 190. Wffirs erscht zu re dtr nei" kummt wu en bruschtknoche fume hinkel obich der dir henkt gebt sellem medl wu en hi'kenkt bot sei" mann. {Be, Bu, C, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Su, Y) The first man to enter a room by a door over which a wishbone is placed, will become the husband of the girl who put it there. Put the breastbone of a fowl over the front door and the first one of the opposite sex that enters is to be your future companion. C 8 A 220 62 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 191. ^ re hochzich soil mer sich kuche mit hein nemme un oBeds eb mer ins bett get en schtik defun' unichs koppekissi lege. Des wgs mer ngchts dramt defun waert em sei" mann (oder frS). (Af) Take home with you a piece of wedding cake. Before re- tiring put it under your pillow and the person you dream of will become your futur^ spouse. Am Andreastage nehmen oft' die madchen ihre kleider un- ter das kopfkissen um von ihrem zukiinftigeu mann zu traumen. Alem. 25, 52 Place tiny scraps of bridecake under the pillow at night to dream of "him". H 9 192. W^nn en medel bosscht wann en dgtteldautehasrz im maul hoscht muss sell medel dich gleiche. (D, T) Kissing a girl, with the heart of a turtledove in your mouth, acts as a .love charm. Dass dich cine lieben muss, nimm eine turteltaubenzung ins maul, rede mit ihr lieblich, kiisse sie damach auf den mund, so hat sie dich so lieb, dass sie dich nicht mehr lassen kann, oder sie kann dir nichts versagen. AM 2, 9 393. En medl daerf net ^n bulSe denke eb si en mannshemm m§che kann un en boi'dek rund ausroUe. {Be, Lnc; Freiburg) A girl must not think of marrying until she can make a man 's shirt or roll a round pie crust. 194. Dser wu mer drS," denkt wammern hinkelhaerzel ro schlukt gebt em sei" m^nn. (C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Nu, Sn) Swallow a raw chicken heart and the one you are thinking of while doing it will be your future husband. 195. Dr&k en eilehserzel im skh no wannde f il a'gsene sei' Witt bei de med. {D, Lb, Mr, Na, Y) If you would have the admiration of the opposite sex, carry the heart of an owl on your person. 196. finer §,s ftl S'gsene sei" will bei de med muss finf- fingergraut im s&k nodrage. {Be, Lh, Mr, T) FUTURE HUSBAND. 6'3 To gain the admiration of girls carry cinquefoil [potentilla canadensis) in your pocket. Die wurzel des fiinffingerkrauts Johannis vor sonnenauf- gang gegraben hilft zu mancherlei und erwirbt dem, der sie bei sich tragt, die zuneigung andrer. G 3. 850 197. En droppe blut aus em linke glene finger me medl ins wasser gedii" macht sell medl em mann wus dut no- ISfe. (Lnc) ^ A drop of blood taken from the little finger of a man's left hand and put into the water which a girl is about to drink, will cause her to fall in love with him. WoUte man jemanden sich geneigt machen, so musste man einen tropfen schweiss von sich ins essen or in den trunk fallen lassen, den die geliebte person zu sich nahm, und sie war gezwungen zu lieben. Z f D Ml. 242 198. Wgnn en weibsmensch sich f erschlappt iberm wesche grikt si en sifer. (5e, Lh, Lnc, Nu) If a woman wet her apron in washing her husband will be a drunkard. Weibsbilder oder frauennamen, so beim waschen nasse sehiirze bekommen, kriegen einen trinker zum mann. A 8 1. 415 If a maid gets her clothes very wet when she is washing, she will have a drunken husband. C F L & B 1. G6; C 8 4 368 199. W§nnd zum medl witt un si will dich net, nemm zuker, dii'' den unich der arm bis er warm is un ire no ins drinke, no losst si dich. {Na, Y) Sugar which is held in the armpit until warm acts as an I aphrodisiac if put into the drink of a girl who spurns your advances. Man tragt obst, besonders einen apfel, oder weissbrot, oder ein stlick zucker so lange auf der blossen haut imter dem arme bis er vom schweiss durchdrvmgen ist und gibt es dem anderen (d. h. dem madchen) zu essen. Wu 366 64 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 200. Schel en §bbel so as di schal g^nz bleibt un schmeis selli schal no iber di links schulter, Der buschtgfee wus ing,cht fgngt em seim bo sei" name a". (Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu) Pare an apple and then throw the whole paring on the floor over your left shoulder. The letter formed will be the initial of your beau's name. Wenn man einen apfel vom butzen zum stiel schalt, und zwar alles an einem stiick, diese schale sodann riickwarta iiber sich wirft, dann kommt der anfangsbuchstabe des kiinftigen mannes zum vorschein. V A 8 1. 478 October 28th is the most propitious day for the dis- covery of the future one's initials. Take a fine round apple, peel it in one whole length. Take the paring. . in the right hand . . drop it over the left shoulder and it will form the initial of your future husband's name; if it breaks in pieces, you will die an old maid. H 70 201. Mer soil en scblissel in di bibel lege §n der schtell Hohelied 8, 7. Wammer an der buschdaBe kummt "wii em seim bo sei' name a"fangt mit, dret sich der schlissel in der bibel. {Be, Bu) Take a key and place it in a bible on the seventh verse of the eighth chapter of the Song of Solomon. When you reach the initial letter of your sweetheart's name the key will turn in the bible. Die schliisselprobe geschieht f olgendermassen : in ein ge- sangbuch wird ein schliissel gesteckt, urn das buch ein band gebunden, dann der ring des eingesteckten schliis- sels auf die finger gesetzt, so dass er darauf umlauft, und nun geschehen fragen. G 3. 932. Divinations also by Bible and key. ct H N C 235-7 If two persons wish to marry, they must take the churchkey and place it over Song of Solomon 8, 6-7. C F Suf 1. 95 202. Mer muss blei schmelze un no daerich en loch ime schlissel in en gl&s wasser du" un w^se^'er di mottle sin, sell hgndwaerk hot der mann as mer grikt. (Be, D, Lh, Lh, Na, 8c, Y) FUTURE HUSBAND. 65 Pour molten lead into a glass of water through the hole of a key. The figures thus formed represent the occupa- tion of your future husband. Giesst eine ledige in der Christnacht heiss blei in kaltes wasser, so bildet sich das handwerksgerat ihres kiinftigen brautigams. O 3. 97 ; 6? 3. 579 ; J5 /S 33 p 124 ; 6. und 7. Buck Moses p. iOO; C 8 A 288; H 5 203. Koch en oi haert, schneits in der mitt dsericli un fill e" helft mit sals. Ess selli una wasser gedrunke un ge" no hinnerschich di schtek nuf f er ins bett. Der mgnnskaerl as dir n§,chts wasser bringt gebt dei" mann. (Be, Lh) Boil an egg hard, cut it in halves and fill one of them with salt. Eat this without drinking water, going back- ward up the stairs to bed. The man who will bring you water during the night will become your husband. Boil an egg hard, take out the yolk, and fill its place with salt. Eat it before going to bed. The one you dream of as bringing you water is your future husband. To be done by two girls in silence, going backward as they re- tire. C 8 A228;Dy 33 If the dumbcake be eaten, strict silence must be observed from the moment the slice is cut. The person walks back- ward from the room, up the stairs, and after undressing goes to bed, still backwards. It is presumed that happy dreams of ' ' the loved one ' ' will occupy the hours of slum- ber. H12 204. Wanns gschaerrwasser kocbt grikt mer silSe j5r ken mann. (Af; Neustadt) A boiling tea kettle is a sign of not getting married for seven years. MARRIAGE 205. Es heiere fil Dunnerschdakmargets frt. (D, Nu, 8n) There are many weddings early on Thursday mornings. 206. Dinschdak un Duimerschdak sin di hoch'zichdSk. {Be, Bu, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc, Sn, Y) Tuesday and Thursday are favorite wedding days. Zum heiraten ist der Dienstag gut. A 8 1. 390; Donners- tags heirat, gliickheirat. Wu 60. 207. Es gebt a del hochziche Sunndaks. (J) There are some weddings on Sunday. Sunday is an exceptionally fortunate day upon which to enter the holy state. H 22 208. Sginschdaks is der hochzichd&k unich de steilische leit un de nlger. {Lnc) Saturday is the wedding day among society folk and negroes. Hochzeiten werden gewohnlich am Samstag gehalten. Z 11& 209. Es heiern a ftl Mittwochs. (D) Many weddings are held on Wednesday. 210. Sg.mschdak un Sunnd&k sin di beschte hochzich d&k. {Be, C, Lb. Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, 8c) Saturday and Sunday are the best wedding days. Sunday is an exceptionally fortunate day on which to enter the holy state. H 22 211. Mer soil heire wann di zoier fun re ur eBer'schich gene, §,lso noch de sex ur. {D, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Y) Marry when the hands of the clock are moving upward, that is, after six o'clock. Das ehepaar bekommt viele kinder, wenn es sich zwischen llund 12 uhr, also den hochsten stundenzahlen trauen lasst. B M20 66 MARRIAGE. 67 212. Mer soil in ebbes gilentes heiere fer glik. {Be, D, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sn, T; Freiburg) Marry in something borrowed. 213. Wann zwe in enre fgmilie heire ime jor hen si ken glik. (Af; Heidelberg) Two weddings in one family and within a year are unlucky. 214. W§nn zwe par mingnner heire heiert 's ent em annere 's glik wek. (Af; Heidelberg) If two couples are married at the same time by the same clergyman, one of them will be unhappy. 215. Wammem schwaerzi katz a^'drefft nf em wek zum paerre fer heire bedeits as mer schlecht glik hot. {Be, C, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Sc, Y ; Heidelberg) It is a bad omen to meet a black cat when on one's way to the clergyman to get married. To meet a priesl, hare, cat, dog, lizard or serpent on going to church to get married was considered unlucky. C P , Lnc, ¥\) If a needle breaks while sewing, the person for whom the dress is being made will be married before it is worn out. Bricht man drei nadeln ab beim nahen eines kleidungs- stiickes, so wird die tragerin braut darin. A A 5 92 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 363. Wammer an ebbes denkt un ntst debei wserts wor. {Af) Sneezing while thinking of something is a sign that it will come true. Beniessen eines vorfalles bedeutet dessen bestatigung. L V 232 364. 'S gebt bsucb wsnn en sober uf der bode f allt un bleibt schteke. (5m, Mr, M*, ^o), odem messer. {Be) A pair of scissors or a knife falling to the ground and sticking fast indicates visitors. Wenn eine schere oder ein messer auf den boden fallt und mit der spitze stecken bleibt, kommt ein besuch. Z 244; C 8 A151 365. Wann der hund sich in der schtub roUt bedeits bsuch. {Af; Heidelberg) A dog rolling on the floor indicates visitors. 366. Wann der bund der kajrpet ufkikt, gebts bsuch. (^m; Heidelberg) If the dog disarranges the carpet, you will have visitors. 367. So fil fleke as mer hot uf de fingernegel, so fil jor lebt mer noch. {D, Lb, Lnc, Na, Y ; Heidelberg) The number of spots on your fingernails indicates the num- ber of years that you still have to live. To have white specks on one's fingernails shows that hap- piness is in store. H 51 368. So fil fleke as mer uf de fingernegel hot, s6 fil presents grikt mer di Grischdak. {D, Lnc, Mt, Sn) You will receive a Christmas present for each white spot on your fingernails. Blumen, d. h. flecken auf dem daumen bedeuten geschenke oder einen gewinn an der lotterie. B 8 33. 138 White specks on one's fingernails are sometimes called gifts. n51;C8A 116 369. Der deibel gukt raus wammer n§,chts in der schpigel gukt. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh,Nu, Sn, Y) The devil stares at you when you look into a mirror at night. OMENS AND WISHES. 93 Welcher des nachts in einen spiegel sieht, der sieht deii teufel darin. Z / P il/ 3. 315 To look into a mirror at dusk or nighttime, unless the room is well lighted, is not pleasant: for there is a dread of something uncanny peeping over the shoulders; such an apparition would portend death. H 56 370. Fil mike im summer, fil granket. {Bu, Y ; Kaiser s- lautern) Many flies, much sickness. 371. Wamis im summer fil mike hot is g^nz wenich granket. Many fiies in summer, little sickness. There is a superstition in Italy that when there are no flies in summer the cholera is sure to come. V 8 L 2. 627 372. Mer soil net ofteds in der schpigel guke oder mer gukt em deibel in der arsch. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na,Nu,8c,Y) You will look at the devil's rump if you look into a mir- ror at night. Wenn man bei der nacht in den spiegel sieht, schaut der teufel heraus. Z Sli; 3. 104 It is ill luck to see one 's face in the mirror by candle light. V S L2. 173 373. Wg,nn ems or brennt denkt ebber an em. (C, Mt, 8c) Mt, 8c) If your ear bums, someone is thinking of you. If the ear tingles somebody is talking about you. 8 & C 8 13 374. Wann ems links or beisst schwetzt ebber schlecht fun em. {Af) If your left ear burns, some one is speaking evil about you. Boses wird von einem gesprochen, wenn ihm das linke ohr klingt. Z 195 If one's left ear bums, then the friends are "picking holes in one 's jacket. " ff 59 94 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 375. Wgnn ems recht or beisst schwetzt ebber gut fun em. Uf) If the right ear itches, some one is speaking well of you. Klingt einem das rechte ohr, wird gut von einem gespro- chen. Z 194 If one's right ear gets very hot it shows that one's friends are speaking in laudatory terms of one. H 59 376. Wann ems links or brennt, beisst mer in der schaerz un sikt: ich hoff du beisscht der in di zung. (D, Lnc, Mr, Y) If your left ear bums, bite your apron and say: I hope you will bite your tongue. Wenn einem die ohren klingen, so beisst man in den linken rock- oder schurzenzipfel oder in den ellbogen, so beisst sich der verleumder auf die zunge. Wu 287; 3. 802 When your left cheek burns, some one is abusing you. A knot tide in the apron-string will cause the slanderer to bite his or her tongue. Corn 170; C 8 A 1342 377. Wann en g&feel fallt kummt en mannskaerl. (Af) If a fork drops, the visitor will be a man. C 8 A 764 378. Wgnn en butschermesser f§,llt kummt der parre. {Be, C, D, Lnc, Na, Nu, Sc, Y) If a butcherknife falls it is a sign of a visit from your pastor. 379. W&nn en messer fgllt kummt en weibsmensch. {Af; Freiburg) If a knife is dropped a woman will come. If you drop a knife, it is a sign a lady is coming to see you. 0/8 A 764; or 105 S80. Maergets w^mmer ufscbtet muss mer der recbts fuss 's erscht a"du", schunscht grikt mer schtreit eb olSed. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y; Freiburg) Upon getting Tjp in the morning, clothe the right foot first to avoid a quarrel during the day. To clothe the left foot before the right is a sign of mis- fortune. D r 85 OMENS AND WISHES. 95 381. Wg,iin zwe leit mirmgnner ebbes s&ge kummt noch en esel. {Lh; Kaiserslautern) If two persons say the same thing at the same time you may expect an ass. 382. "W^mmern butze fume inpchlichlicht mit em finger ^b- roppt un er brennt em net gleicht sell medel em vm. mer selli zeit dra" denkt. {Be, Bu, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Sc, Sn, Y) If you can snuff a tallow candle with the fingers without burning them, the girl whom you are thinking of at the time loves you. 383. "W^mmer ibers greitz li9.nds schekd gebts hoehzich. {Lnc, Na, 8c, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) If you cross arms in shaking hands it is a sign of a wedding. 384. Wann en schpinn gegich em kummt oder is uf em ka,m- mer bsuch ekschpekte. {Lh, Lnc; Heidelberg) If a spider comes toward you or gets on you, you will get company. 385. Wammer di hose uf de gni daerich wert waert mer reich. {D,Mt,8n) Wearing holes into the trousers at the knees is a sign of riches. 386. Wammer di hose uf em sitz daerich wert wsert mer irni. {C,D,Mt,8c,8n) Wearing holes into the seat of the trousers is an omen of poverty. 387. Wammer ebbes esst as mer sell jor noch net gesse hot kat, soil mer druf winsche; was mer winseht wsert wor. {G, D, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, 8c) When eating anything for the first time in a season, make a wish and the wish will come true. man wiinscht, so was gutes mochte man jeden tag haben. Hlbg. 96 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 388. Wammer Mundak msergets fer de nein ur geld grikt, grikt mer fU selli woch after W9.inmer ausgebt fser de nein ur muss mer selli woch fll ausgefte, (Af) If you receive money on Monday morning before nine, you will receive money all week; but if you pay out money before nine on Monday morning you will have to pay out money all week. 389. Der butze fum fettlicbt weist weller wek as em sei" bo haerkummt. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, 8n,Y) The wick of the lard lamp indicates the direction from which you may expect a beau. Oder besueh. Heidelberg. 390. Wann em di nas beisst grikt mer en boss. {Bu, Lb, Lnc, Sn, Y) If your nose itches, you will be kissed. If your nose itches, you will be kissed by a fool. V S L 2. 1. 284 391. Wann em di nas beisst grikt mer schtreit. {Bu, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc) If the nose itches it is a sign of a quarrel. Juckt einem die nase, so reizt man einem zum zom. Z f DM3.n5;C8A 1355; V 8 L 2. 1. 284. 392. Wann em di nas beisst waert mer bes seller dak. {Mt) If your nose itches you will become angry during the day. Itching of the nose is an omen that you will be crossed. V 8L2.1. 284 393. Wann em die nas beisst grikt mern brtf. {Af) If your nose itches, you will receive a letter. C 8 A 1361 An itching in the nose indicates that a letter is lying in the postoffice for you. Scot 27 394. Wann ems recht ak beisst sent mer ebbes g»rn; es links, net gaern. {Af) If your right eye itches you will see something pleasing; the left, something disagreeable. OMENS AND WISHES. 97 Wenn einem vormittags das reehte auge beisst, so wird man etwas gem sehen; wenn das linke, so hat man leid. Wu 218 Itching of the right eye — ^you will laugh; itching of the left, you will cry. V S L 2. 1. 286; C S A 1349, 1350 395. So ftl dubbe as mer uf de fingernegel hot, so ftl jor lebt mer noch. (D, Lb, Na, Nu, Sc) The number of spots on your fingernails indicates the num- ber of years you will live. So viele weissen "dubbe" auf den fingernageln, so viele jahre muss man warten, bis man heiratet. Hlig. LUCK AND OMENS OF LUCK 396. Ng,gel en hufeise obich di dtr fer glik. {Be, Bu, Lh, Mt) Nail a horseshore over the door for luck. Ein auf der strasse gefimdenes hufeisen, welehes auf die haustiir genagelt wird, mit der offenen seite nach aussen, ist eine machtige schutzwehr gegen alle bosen geister. . . . Wm130 397. Wann em en loch in der schaerz brennt grikt mer dru- feel wiis loch is. Wg,nns f §,nne is kummt der druBel ; wgnn hinne, is er ferbei. {Lnc, Nu; Heidelberg) A hole burned into an apron is a bad omen. If the hole is in the front of the apron trouble and sorrow are in store for you ; if in the back, they are past. 398. En schaufel oder grubh§,k ins haus zu nenune bringt schlecht glik. (Nu; Kaiser slautem) It is unlucky to take a shovel or mattock into the house. 399. Wanns erscht as di neijor in em sei" haus kummt en weibsmensch is bedeits unglik fer sell jor ; en mann, glik, (D, Lnc, T; Heidelberg) If the first visitor on New Year's is a woman, you will have bad luck all year ; if a man, good luck. Of. y ^ /Sf 1. 469; Z / D M 2. 421 400. Wammer dehem faertget faer uf bsuch ge" un 's schpringt em en katz itJer der wek gengt mer juscht so giit hem. {Y) If when leaving home to make a visit a cat crosses your path you would just as well turn back. 401. Wammer schisse get un's schpringt en k9,tz faer em iber di schtross det mer besser rumdree un hSm ge". {Be, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, 8n, Y) If a cat crosses your path when starting out to go hunt- ing, you would better turn back. 98 LUCK AND OMENS OF LUCK. 99 402. Wgmmern schwserzi kgtz schpot ng,chts fi'drefft be- deits schlecht glik ; en weissi, gutes. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc, Y) Meeting a black cat late at night indicates bad luck; a white one, good luck. Eine iiber den weg laufende katze, besonders eine schwarze, bedeutet ungliick. Wu 200 403. En schpinn dodmache bringt em schlecht glik. {Bu, Mt) Killing a spider brings bad luck. Man darf vormittags keine spinne toten. Wu 206 404. Mer dasrf bei leibe net uf en pement gret drete, oder mer hot unglik. {Lnc; Heidelberg) Absolutely never step on a grating in a pavement, it brings bad luck. 405. Es bedeit gut glik wgmmern freint net gr^d kennt wammern S'drefft. {Lnc; Heidelberg) It is a sign of good luck not to recognize a friend alone. 406. Wgrnmer em Homan sei" buch net im haus hot hot mer ken glik. {Lnc, Y) The possession of Hohmann's "Long Lost Friend" brings good luck. 407. Mer daerf net unich me geilskopp dserich schluppe, mer hot ken glik. {Lb, Lnc, Mr, Sc, Y) To pass under a horse's head brings bad luck. Weim eine sehwangere frau zwischen dem leib und dem kopf eines tieres durchgeht, so kann sie dann nicht ge- baren, wenn sie nicht wahrend der geburtswehen wieder zwischen dem leib und dem kopf eines tieres riickwarts durchgeht. L 369 408. njer ebber sei" schulter in der schpigel guke bringt schlecht glik. {Be, C, Lnc, Mr, Nu, Sc, Y; Neustadt) Looking into a mirror over some one 's shoulders brings bad luck. 100 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 409. Wgmmer nist bedeits gut glik un mer sSkt ala : gsund- het. {Af) Sneezing presages good luck and the customary salutation is: "Your health!" The customary salutation is: "God bless you." C P & P 540. 410, Wann en weibsmensch der schserz ^xident^Uy letz §l~- dut grikt si ebbes geschenkt. {Mt; Heidelberg) Putting on an apron wrongside out by mistake presages a gift. 411. Wann en weibsmensch der schserz unwissend letz ^'dut is si gliklich. W&nn si en rumdret gebts en unglik in der fgrnilie. (Af; Heidelberg) Accidentally putting on one's apron wrongside out is lucky; turning it will bring accident or misfortune. 412. Wgmmer geld finnt soil mers net ausgelBe oder mer gebt sei" glik wek, {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, 8c, 8n) To find money and keep it insures good luck. C 8 A 718 It is ill luck to keep found money, therefore it should be spent. C P d; P 5S1 413. Der links hinnerscht fuss fume has qs mer nachts ime kaerichhof schisst bringt em glik w§,mmern nodrikt, (Be, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Nu, 8n, Y) Wearing the left hind foot of a rabbit shot at night time in a cemetery brings good luck. Die pfoten des fliichtigen und mit offenen augen schlafen- den hasen auf dem leib getragen sind fiir den rekruten ein mittel, militarf rei zu werden ; sie bringen, neben das kopfkissen gelegt, gesunden sehlaf. B M 21 414. Wgnn di fenschtre schittle un 's is net windich, oder der of e grgcht, oder w§,nns enichi zucht im haus gebt wii ken urs9,ch derfor is gebts en unglik (C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, 8c; Heidelberg) ; oder schtaerbt ebber. (Y; Heidelberg) LUCK AND OMENS OF LUCK. 101 If the windows rattle and it is not windy, or if the stove cracks, or if there is any inexplicable noise in the house, it forebodes accident or death. 415. En lerer dodewage a'dreffe bedeit unglik ; en gfiUter, glik. (Be, Lnc, Sc; Heidelberg) Meeting an empty hearse is unlucky; one containing a corpse, lucky. 416. Wammer sich maergets ^.^dut tins reisst en gnopp 9,b, bedeites en unglik seller dak. {Lnc, Y) Tearing off a button when dressing in the morning is a bad omen. Wenn morgens beim ankleiden ein knopf losbricht, bedeu- tet es ungliick fiir den betreffenden tag. Z 241 417. W§,nn en k§,tz an em vorbei get is es gut glik ; en hund, schlecht. {Nu; Freiburg) A cat passing you brings good luck ; a dog, bad luck. 418. Gewittere uf der Himmelfaerdak bringe unglik. {Lnc) Thunderstorms on Ascension Day bring bad luck. 419. Wammer drei loges fligel in der hut dut hot mer fil glik ebbes zu finne. {Lh) Wearing three locust wings in one's hat gives exceptional luck in finding things. 420. W&mmer gens a"drefft bedeits en unglik. {Be, Lnc; Kaiser slautern) To meet geese is a sign of bad luck. 421. Wann em sei' fingemegel weisse blake hen bltts hols noch fer em sei" lad. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Sc) "White spots on the fingernails indicate that the wood for one's coffin is still in the tree. Wer an den daumennageln weisse flecken hat, bleibt in sei- nem vaterland. G 3. 1070 Weisse flecken auf den nageln der rechten hand bedeuten gluck. Z 191 422. Wann em di rechts hand beisst grikt mem haudidu'. Uf) 102 • PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN aUPERSTITIONS. If your right hand itches you will shake hands with some one. Itching of the right hand indicates that one is soon to meet a stranger with whom he will shake hands. S H 8 259 423. Wgnn di hinkel gree un di weibsleit peife is es en schlechti sein. {Af) It is a had omen to hear a hen crowing or a woman whist- ling. "Wenn ein madchen pfeift, so weint unsre liebe frau. Z f Z) ilf 430 A crowing hen, a whistling girl and a black cat are con- sidered most unlucky. Ir 2. 63 424. Wgmmer ime f^sst hot mer gut glik, after mer muss si sergets schunscht bei grige. {Be, 8c, T; Kaisers- lautern) It is a sign of good luck to hive stray bees. It is considered lucky for a stray swarm of bees to settle near your house. Com 137 425. W^nn re frS, der schaerz ufget un er f g,llt re g.b, f erltrt si Ir mg,nn. (Be, C, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, Y) If a woman's apronstrings become untied and the apron falls to the floor she will lose her husband. Verliert ein frau oder magd auf der gasse das strumpfband, so ist ihr der mann oder freier ungetreu. G 3. 124; C S A365 426. Wammer di schtrimp tinbedenkt letz §,"dut grikt mer ebbes geschenkt. {D, Lh, Lnc, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) Accidentally putting on the stockings wrong side out means a present. It is lucky to put on stockings wrongside out, but unlucky to turn them on discovering the mistake. D F 85 427. Wg-mmer der schasrz letz &"dut, soil mem so losse oder mer tschentscht sei" glik. {Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, 8c,Sn,Y) Changing an apron put on wrong side out alters the luck. Changing a garment put on wrong side out alters the luck. V SL2.28 LUCK AND OMENS OP LUCK. 103 428. Wsmmer uf me greizwek geld finnt, soil mers leie losse, schunscht hot mer unglik. {Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lnc, Mt) Never pick up money from crossroads, it will bring bad luck. Wenn man auf einem kreuzwege geld findet, soil man es liegen lassen. Z 319 It is a bad omen to find money. D F 132 ; C P c& P 477 429. Wann em di recht hand beisst grikt mer seller dUk noch geld. {Af; Heidelberg) If the right hand itches, you will receive money. C 8 A 724 Itching of the palm of the right hand indicates a gift. y ^ £ 2. 1. 283 430. Wgnn en komet' gm himmel schtet gebts grik. (Af) A comet is a sign of war. Bin komet bedeutet krieg. Z 1065 ; Wu 196 Comets announce the approach of wars, seditions, changes of kingdoms and the like. V S L 2. 556 431. Wammer mol dehem g,bgschtjert hot fer sergets hi" ge' un mer hot ebbes fergesse, soil mer net zurikge" fers hole, oder mer hot ken glik. (Af) It is unlucky to turn back for anything after you have set out. Wer aus dem hause geht und etwas vergessen hat, darf nicht wieder umkehren um es zu holen, sonst hat er an dem tage kein gliick. Braucht er das vergessene notwen- dig so muss er es durch einen anderen holen lassen. B 8 33. 139 It is ill luck to go back for any purpose after having set out. V 8L2.n2;C8A656 432. Wammer sich gBer im haus hi' hokt wgmmer zurik- ggnge is ebbes zu hSle nochdem as mer schun gschtart hot k§,t fer aergets hi" ge", hot mer doch glik. {D,Lb,Lh) 104 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPEESTITIONS. If you sit down for a moment when you return home to get something which you had forgotten until after you had set out, you will avert misfortune. If however you are compelled to it, fail not to sit down. It averts some of the evil. V S L 2. 172; C 8 A 658 433. Wginmer f errest' soil merm erschte bettelmaim §.s mer d'drefft en daler gebe, no hot mer glik. {Lh, Na; Heidelberg) You will have a successful journey if you give a dollar to the first beggar whom you meet. It is bad luck to refuse charity to a beggar woman, when setting out on a journey. V 8 L 2. 161 434. Unnere leder daerich lafe bringt scUecht glik. {Lb, Lnc, Mr, 8c; Heidelberg) Passing under a ladder brings bad luck. Dr. Johnson objected to going imder a ladder. C P & P 478 It is ill luck to walk under a ladder set against a wall. V 8L2. 162 435. Wammern rotkopp a'drefft un sent net glei en weisser gaul gebts en unglik. {Bu) If you meet a redhead and do not soon see a white horse you will have an accident. To meet a man with red hair or a woman with a red pet- ticoat the first thing in the morning forebodes evil. Ir 2. 114 436. Mer daerf ken omberell' im bans ufschpanne schunscht gebts en unglik. {Af) Opening an umbrella in the house means bad luck. Es gibt streit. Hlhg. Opening an umbrella in the house brings trouble to your- self or the inmates. V 8 L2.14t9,; C 8 A105 437. Schwalme soil mer keni schtsse oder dodschlgge, mer hot ken glik. {Af) You will have no luck if you shoot or kill swallows. LUCK AND OMENS OF LUCK. 105 Man soil keine schwalben schiessen, denn das bringt un- gliick. Z f D M2.'t20 It is unlucky to kill a swallow. H 54 438. Wgnn em nachts di zwe ore singe bedeits gut glik. {Nu) Both ears tingling at night is a good omen. Both left and right Are good at night. C S A 1347 Tingling of the ears, you will hear sudden news. V 8 L 2. 1. 286 439. W§,nii en fremmer mgnn ame haus zu enre dir nerget un zu re annere naus, nemmt er de leit tr glik mit. (Af; Heidelberg) A stranger entering your home by one door and leaving it by another takes away your luck. 440. Wgmmer in en haus get soil liier sich setze oder mer nemmt de leit di ru. {Be, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Sc, Sn, Y) Always sit down when you enter a house or you will rob the family of its peace. Wenn man jemand in seinem hause besucht soil man sich setzen, sonst nimmt man die ruhe mit. B 8 33. 135 441. En fremmer mann muss sich immer hi"hoke w§,nn er g.n en fremm haus kummt oder er nemmt de leit di ru. {Be, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, 8c, Sn, ¥) On entering a house a stranger must always be seated or he will rob the family of its peace. Geht ein fremder aus dem zimmer ohne sich gesetzt zu haben, so nimmt er ruhe und frieden mit fort. AA 15 442. W§,nn en hund unich me fenschter heilt bedeits un- glik. {Be, D, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Na, 8n) The whining of a dog beneath a window is a sign of bad luck. Hundeheulen bedeutet ungliick. G 3. 159 443. Wann dern schwaerzi k§,tz iber der wek ISft gebts en unglik. {Bu, C, Lb, Mr, Mt, Na) If a black cat crosses your path it is a bad omen. 106 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. It is an Irish superstition that if you go on a journey and meet a cat you should turn back. Ir 2. 20 444. Mer hot glik seller d&k wgrnmer msBrgets drei m6l ntsst. (Be, Lnc, Mt) Sneezing thrice in the morning brings luck for the day. Wenn man friih morgens dreimal niest bedeutet es gliick oder eine angenehme uberraschung. Z 234 445. Mer daerf nimand as faertget no'guke oders hot ken glik. {Lnc) Never watch a person out of sight, for it will bring bad luck. It is unlucky to watch any one out of sight. II N C 117 ; C 8 A 1304 446. Wgnn en schpinn maergets gegich em kmnmt bringt si em glik seller dak. {Bw, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sn, T) A spider approaching you in the morning is an omen of good luck. Eine spinne, welche sich dem menschen des morgens nahert (ihm in den weg lauft) bringt gliick, des nachmittags un- gluck fur den tag. B 8 33. 135 ; G 3. 134 "When a spider is found on our clothes we use to say, some money is coming toward us. H N C 111 447. En grixel ime haus ment glik. {Be, D, Lb, Lnc, Mt) oder unglik. {Be, 8c) A cricket in the house is an omen of luck or of misfortune. Grillen in dem hause bedeuten gliick. Z 783 ; G 3. 313 The cricket is looked upon as the most lucky inmate of a house and woe to the person who may happen to kill one. W Ir. 74 448. Wgmmem schpel ufhebt mit em kopp gegich em hot mer unglik. {Lh, 8c, 8n) Picking a pin with the head toward you will bring bad luck. Man darf kein spitziges ding aufheben. Hlig. 449. W^nn en schpel uf em bodem leit mit em kopp ge^ch em bedeits glik. {Be, C, Lb, Mr, Na, 8n, Y) LUCK AND OMKNS OP LUCK. 107 A pin on the floor with the head toward you brings good luck. 450. Wammem schpel sent leie mit em schpitzich end gegich em is es glik. (Lb) It is lucky to see a pin lying with the point toward you. 451. En schpel ufheCe bringt glik. (Af; Heidelberg) Picking up a pin brings good luck. See a pin and pick it up, All the day you'll have good luck. 8 & C 8 9; DY 98 452. Wgmmern finfblettrich glebldtt finnt hot mer fil glik. (Be, Bu, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Nu) To find a five-leafed clover is very lucky. Gegen verhexung soil gut sein, wenn man fiinfblatterigen klee bei sich tragt. V A 8 1. 330 453. W9,mmem finfblettrich gleblat finnt hot mer ken glik. (G, D, Mr, Na, 8c, 8n) To find a five-leafed clover is unlucky. C 8 A 699 Wenn man einen fiinfklee findet, bedeutet es ungliick. Z 924 454. Es gebt en unglik wammern finfblettrich gleblSt finnt. (Ncn, Sn) Finding a five-leaved clover is a sign of bad luck. 455. En schreksagicher mgnn a^zudreffe bedeit glik. {Be, C, Lnc, Na, Y; Neustadt) Meeting a crosseyed man brings luck. It is good luck to meet a squinting person of the opposite sex. V 8 L2.20 456. En schreksSgicher m§nn S'dreffe bedeit unglik. (Sn) Meeting a crosseyed man means bad luck. 467. Es bedeit unglik en schrSksSgichi frh ^'zudreffe. (Be, C, Lnc, Na, T; Neustadt) It is bad luck to miset a cross-eyed woman. It is good luck to meet a squinting person of the opposite sex. V 8 L2.20 108 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 458. Wgimner di schtek nuf f§llt hot mer glik. {Be, Lnc, Nu,Y) Falling up steps brings good luck. To tumble up stairs brings good luck. F ;Sf i 2. 20 459. Wg,nn maergets 's erscht as ins haus komt en m§,nns- kaerl is hot mer glik. {Be, Lnc; Heidelberg) If the first person to visit you in the morning is a man, it will bring you good luck. It is unlucky to meet a eat, dog or woman when going out first in the morning. Ir 2. 105 460. Wgnmier schpotjors der saffron net raus roppt tin uf di schtross schmeisst hot mer ken glik. (L6) If saffron is not pulled in fall and thrown into the street you will not have good luck. 461. Wgmmern schpel oder enich ebbes schpitziches, odern messer geschenkt grikt, muss mers mit me sent bezSle, schunscht bringts em schlecht glik. {Be, C, D, Lnc, Mr, Sc, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) A pin or anything pointed or a knife, given as a present, will bring ill luck imless a cent is paid as recompense. Var. Mer muss si erscht in der rokaermel schteke un no nemme. {Nu) Stick it into the coatsleeve before accepting it. 462. W&nn dem weissi kgtz iber die schtross schpringt, gengscht besser wider hem. {Lnc) If a white cat crosses your path, you had better turn back. 463. Wgnn dern schwaerzi k§tz iber di schtross schpringt, gescht besser wider hem. {Mr, Nu) You had better turn back if a black cat crosses your path. 464. Waim em en hSs iber die schtros schpringt, bedeits nnglik, §ber winner di schtrSs naus fser em hSr schpringt bedeits glik. {Lnc, Na, Sc, Y; Heidel- berg) A rabbit crossing your path is an omen of ill luck ; but if it runs along ahead of you, good luck. LUCK AND OMENS OF LUCK, 109 465. Di zwe schtrimp soil mers erscht itTdvL" un no di scM, no hot mer me glik. {Bu, C, Lnc, Sn, Y; Heidel- berg) It is luckier to put on both stockings first and then the 466. Wammern schpel uf em bodem leie sent mit em kopp gegich em bedeits glik. {Be, C, Lnc, Mr, Na, Sn, T) It is a good omen to see a pin lying on the floor with the head towards you. Wenn man eine nadel findet, die einem die kappe zukehrt, wird man gliick haben. G B 424 It is unlucky to find a pin with the point toward you. F SL2. 178 467. Wann en schpel uf em bodem leit un mer sent sie mit em kopp gegich em hot mer unglik. {Lb, Lnc, 8c, Sn; Heidelberg) A pin on the floor with the head towards you means bad luck. 468. Mer kerts glik naus wammer di kich fer sunnufgg,ng kert. {Lb; Heidelberg) You will sweep out your luck if you sweep out the kitchen before sunrise. 469. Di kich soil mer net noch sunnunnerggng auskere, mer kerts glik naus. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Nu, Sc, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) Never sweep the kitchen after sunset, you will sweep out your luck. Never sweep out your kitchen after sunset or you will sweep out your luck. C 8 A 651 470. Noch de fir iir oder w§,nn di sunn unner is kert mers haus net aus oder mer kerts glik naus. {Lh) The house must not be swept after 4 P. M., or after sunset, or you will sweep out your luck. 470. Ngchts es haus auskere bringt unglik. (J) Sweeping the house at night brings bad luck. 110 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 472. Mer dserf ken kerdrek zu der dtr nauskere, mer kerts glik wek. (Af) You must not sweep the dirt out of your house, you will sweep away good forutne. Man kehrt ihn herein, nicht hinauH. Hlbg. It is ill luck to sweep the dust out of your house by the front door. You sweep away good fortune of your fam- ily. It must be swept inwards and carried out in a bas- ket or shovel and no harm will follow. V 8 L 2. 176 473. War glik hot mit karte hot gewenlich kens mit de weibsleit. (C, Z>, Lh, Lnc, Sc, Sn) Lucky at cards, unlucky in love. Wer gliick im spiel hat, hat ungliick in der liebe. B S 33. 198 Lucky at cards, unlucky in love. V 8 L 2. 80 474. W^nnd en schpigel ferbrechscht, hoscht ken glik m5. Uf) Your luck is gone if you break a mirror. 475. Wgmmer aergets ht" get uns schpringt em en h&s iBer der wek, gengt mer besser zurik oders det em en un- glik wederfSre. {D, Lb, Lh, Na, 8c, ¥) If a rabbit crosses your path when going on a journey, you had better return or an acident will befall you. Wer verreist, imd es lauft ihm ein base iiber den weg, das ist nicht gut. G 3. 10; C P <£ P 477 476. Wammern fir blettrich gleblat finnt, soil mers gb- roppe un esse fer glik. {¥) If you find a four leaved clover, pluck it and eat it for luck. 477. Wg^mmern fir blettrich glebl&t finnt soil mers net gb- roppe, schunscht ferhaust mer sei" glik. {Be, G, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, 8c) If you find a four leaved clover, don 't pluck it, or you will spoil your luck. LUCK AND OMENS OP LUCK. Ill 478. Wg^im zwe leit minng^nuer IMe dserf utmgnd gschwischich ne daerichl&fe schunscht hot kens ken glik. (Af) When two persons are walking together, nothing must eome in between them, or it will spoil the luck of both. "Wenn man mit einer zweiten person auf einem geschafts- oder spazierwege begriffen ist, darf man keine dritte per- son zwischen sich durch lassen; dieselbe nimmt beiden ersten sonst das gliick mit. B 8 33. 139 t.'y, Daerich en sehpinneweb l&fe bringt gut glik. {Lh, Lnc, Na, Sc) Walking through a spiderweb brings good luck. Wem friihmorgens eine spinne iiber den rock kriecht, der wird des tages gliickselig sein. B G 208 480. Sibe jor hot mer ken glik wammem schpigel ferbrecht. {Be, Lb, Lnc, Y; Heidelberg) Breaking a looking glass forebodes seven years of ill luck. Breaking a looking glass means seven years of trouble or sorrow. V 8 L 2. 18i; C 8 AllO 481. En schpigel ferbreche bedeit en unglik. {Af; Hei- delberg) It is unlucky to break a mirror. It is unlucky to break a looking glass. V 8 L 2. 184 482. Wann en 9,lti fra zu em gelofe kummt ments en un- glik. {Lnc) Meeting an old woman is a bad omen. Es ist nicht gut, wer morgens ausgeht, und es begegnet ihm ein alt weib. G 3. 58 For a sportsman to met an old woman when going out shooting is a sure sign of bad sport. V 8 L 2. 201 483. Wammer baerik nuf fallt bedeits glik. {Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, 8c) Falling up hill brings luck. 484. Wffir en ftrblettrich gleblSt nodrSkt hot glik. {Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Nu, Sc, Sn, Y) 112 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Carry a four leaved clover for luck. Wer vierblattrigen klee findet, soil ihn wert halten; so lang er ihn hat, wird er gliickselig sein. O 3. 119 The possessor of the four leaved shamrock will have luck in gambling, luck in racing, and witchcraft will have no power over him. Ir 2. 103 485. Grosse schwaerze schlgnge sene bringt schlecht glik. (Be) Seeing big blacksnakes brings bad luck. 486. Wammer fische get un 's laf t em en weibsmenseh ilSer der wek fgngt mer ken fisch seller dak. {C, Mt) If a woman crosses your path when going fishing you won't catch any fish. 487. Wgminer sich ebbes a'nee oder Alike losst wgmmers ^'hot, grikt mern feind. (Nu) If you let anyone sew or mend anything when you have it on, you will get an enemy. 488. Wgmmer sich ebbes a'nee oder flike losst wammers 8,~hot, net mer sehmserze k" fer jeder schtich. {C, 8c) If you let anyone sew or mend anything while you have it on you will sew on a pain with each stitch. 489. Mer soil ntmand nix iTnee losse w§,mmers ^'hot oders Itkt ebber weich em. {Lb, Lnc, Sc) If you let anybody sew anything while you have it on, some one will lie about you. 490. Mer soil nini§,nd nix a'nee oder mer net em drnl5el a". (C, Lnc) Never sew anything on for any one or you will sew trouble on. 491. Mer soil nlmand nix S,"nge oder mer net em di gidanke fescht. {Lb,Sc) Never let anyone sew anything while you have it on, or he will sew your thoughts in. LUCK AND OMENS OP LUCK. 113 492. Wammer ebber em ebbes li'iiee losst wammers fi'liot, nets em 's glik wek. (Be, Lb, Lh, 8c) If anyone sews anything while you have it on, he will sew your good luck away. 493. Mer soli nimand nix ^'nee winners a'hot oder mer net drubel k". {Be, C, D, Lh, Lnc) If anyone sews or mends anything while you have it on, he will sew trouble on. 494. Mer soil nimgnd nix a^nee losse wammers a'hot oder mer waert dumm. {Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Na, Nu, Sn) If one has anything sewed or mended while he has it on, he will become a simpleton. Wer sich das zeug am leibe flicken, einen knopf oder band annahen lasst, verliert das gedachtnis, seine kraft oder verunreinigt sich noch im tode. B 8 33. 181 495. Wgnn en schtaern fallt un mer sents iber di links ^.xel bedeits schlecht glik. {D) Seeing a meteor over one's left shoulder means bad luck. 496. Wammer der neimiind 's erschtmol iber di links §xel sent mi hot geld in der hand, grikt mer me, {Lb, T; Freiburg) If, when you see the new moon for the first time over your left shoulder, you have money in your hand, you will get more money. OMENS op DEATH 497. Wann em di leine in der hgnd zgmmerl&fe lebt mer net Igng. (Lnc) If the lines in the palm of your hand run together, you will not live long. Wenn die falten in der hand zusammenlaufen, lebt man nicht lange. Z 189 498. Wann in der kaerich gebet wsert fern grgnkes uns ia alles schtill, schtaerbts. (Lh) If there is perfect silence in church while prayers are be- ing offered for a sick person, he will die. Herrscht beim krankengebet in der kirche voUige stille, so stirbt der kranke ; hustet einer oder rauscht etwas, so bleibt er leben. G 3. 490 499. Wg-nns windschtill is uf Neijor schtaerlSe fil glte leit. (Be, Lb, Lh, Mr, Nu, 8c; Heidelberg) If it is perfectly calm on New Year's, many old folks will die. 500. Wgnn en schtaem nfs bans fallt get ens nans. {Be, Sc) If a meteor falls on a house, some one there will die. Bin haus, bei welchem ein stern niederfallt, darin wird nachstens einer sterben. G 3. 1115 501. Wammer midd§,ks frisch brot uf em disch hot un di ur schlgkt 12 wgmmer am disch hokt, schtaerbt ens aus der familie, (D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Y) If the clock strikes twelve when taking dinner at which fresh bread is served, some one will die in the family. 502. "W§,nn di geil greische schtaerbe fil leit. (Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt,T) If horses neigh there will be many deaths. "Wenn die pferde ungewohnlich stark wiehem, so bedeutet es krieg. Wu 199 114 ' OMKNS OF DEATH. 115 503. Wffir en weissi schpinn sent schtaerbt. (Na) He who sees a white spider will die. Wenn's eine kreuzspiime ist. Hlbg. 504. Wgnns hausrot grext gebts en unglik in der freind- schgft oders schtserbt ens. {Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Nu, Sn, Y) Creaking furniture is an omen of death or misfortune among your relatives. Es stirbt jemand im hause, wenn dielen, schranke, tische usw krachen. Wu 212 505. W§,nn di hinkel obeds gaxe gebts en leicht. (Af) The cackling of hens in the evening is an omen of death. Wenn die hiihner nachmittags nach der melkzeit gackem, so muss bald jemand im hause sterben. Wu 202 506. Wgnn en hinkel gret bedeits en leicht. (Af) A crowing hen is a sign of a death. Krahende hennen bedeuten ungliick. G 3. 83 507. Es schtasrbt ens aus der freindschgft wgnn di hinkel maergets fri ggxe. (Be, C, D, Lh, Na; Kcdserslau- tern) A relative will die if the hens cackle early in the morning. 508. Wg,nn di hinkel msergets frt gg,xe gebts en leicht; obeds schpot, en hochzich. {Lnc, Y; Freiburg) Cackling of hens early in the morning presages a death; late at night, a wedding. 509. Wann en schmesmik ins haus flikt hert mer fun re leicht. (Bu, Lh, Lnc, Na) If a blowfly enters your house you will hear of a death. 510. Wann grautschtek 's erscht jor schlsse gebts en leicht. {Mr; Heidelberg) Cabbage plants running to seed the first year are an omen of death. 511. Wgnn rotribe 's erscht jor schisse un sume grige be- deits en leicht. (C; Heidelberg) If beets run to seed the first year it presages a funeral. 116 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 512. Wgnn die ur zwelf e schlakt wgininer am disch is, gebts en leicht oder bsuch. (Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Sn) A clock striking twelve while taking dinner presages a death in the family or visitors. 513. W^mmer f ergesst del f um sg.ch in der ofe zu du' wam- mer am bake is schtserbt en g9,nz nekschter freind. {Lb,Lh,Mr,Sn,Y) A very near relative will die if you forget to put in the oven all the articles you intended to bake. 514. Wgmmem schpigel ferbrecht gebts en leicht. (Af) Breaking a mirror is an omen of death. 515. Wgnns brot iberm bgke in der mitt nf schpringt bedeits en leicht. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sc, Sn, Y; Kaiserslautern) If the crust of a loaf of bread cracks across the middle it forebodes a death in the family. 516. W§nn di brotgruscht losschpringt iberm bgke schtaerbt ens aus der familie. (.4/) If the crust separates from the loaf of bread while baking, it is an omen of death in the family. 517. Wffir SunndSks gr9,nk waert schtet nimmi uf. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, 8c, T) If you fall sick on Sunday you will not get well. Wenn man am Sonntage krank wird, muss man sterben. Wu 59 518. Wgnn en dischmesser eberschich uf em disch leit, gebts en leicht. {Be) A table knife lying on the table with the edge upward fore- bodes a death. 519. Wann em sei" schatte ken kopp hot der obed fer nei- j5r, muss mer inner me jor schtaerbe. (D) If your shadow is headless on New Year's eve, you will di« within a year. OMENS OF DEATH. 117 Weihnachtsabends, wessen schatten bei eingebrachtem licht keinen kopf hat, der stirbt in selbigem jahr. G 3. 55 520. Wgnn en hund unich em fenschter heilt bedeits en leicht. {Be, Mr, Nu, Y) The whining of a dog beneath a window is an omen of death. If a dog is heard to howl near the house of a sick person all .hope of his recovery is given up. Ir 2. 2 521. Wgnn di geil unriiich sinn gebts en leicht. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) If horses are restless it is an omen of death. 522. Es schtaerbt ens aus der familie wanmer en loch in di dir macht oder ausre wand reist fern fenschter nei*" zu mache. {Lnc, Mr, Na; Freiburg) There will be a death in the family if a window is put into a door or wall of the house. To rebuild a house is always fatal to one member of the family. D Y 54 523. Wammer fergesst en leb brot aus em ofe zu nemme, schtaerbt ens. {Lb, Lnc, Sn) Forgetting to take a loaf of bread out of the oven will cause a death. If you overturn a loaf of bread in the oven, you will have a death in the house. C F Suf 1. 30 524. "Wann en grankes es maul im bett uf schpsrrt is es en schlechti sein. {Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Nu, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) Yawning while sick in bed is a bad omen. 525. Wammem leri wik schokelt, schtserbts kiad ball. {Lnc) Rock an empty cradle and the child will not live long. Wird eine leere wiege geschaukelt, stirbt das sonst darin liegende kind bald. Z 24 Hocking a child's empty cradle will kill the child. H N C 18; C 8 A49 118 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 526. W9,mmern schpigel ferbrecht gebts en leicht. (Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, Ss, Y) To break a looking glass is a sign of death in the family before the year closes. C 8 A 1204 "When a mirror breaks it presages a death. B T 42 527. Wgnn en piktscher fun der w^nd f allt bedeits en leicht. A picture falling from the wall is an omen of death. Wenn ein bild von der wand fallt, bedeutet dies langluck. Z249 "When pictures fall from the wall it forebodes a death in the family. E T i2 528. "Wann en hinkel gret gebts en leicht. (Af) If a hen crows there wiU be a fimeral. Krahende hennen bedeuten ungliick. 3. 83 The crowing of the hen foretells death. V S L 2. 550 529. Wann en hund heilt gebts en leicht. (Af) When a dog howls there will be a funeral. Wenn ein hund vor einem hause heult, so zeigt dies den nahen tod eines bewohners desselben an. Z f D Ml. 408 If a dog howls three successive nights against a house, that house will soon be in mourning. Y S L2. 550 530. "W§nn di hSne fil gree gebts en leicht. {Bu) The continual crowing of cocks indicates a funeral. Young cocks crowing at night are a death warning. V 8 L 2. 550 531. Wg,nn en grixl sich ins haus schg,fft bedeits en leicht. {Be, D, Lh, 8c, J) If a cricket gets into a house, there will be a death. Das zirpen der grillen im hause bedeutet einen nahen todes- fall in der familie. B 8 33. 119 , Z f D M 1. 236; C P &P519 The chirping of crickets foretells of death. V 8 L 2. 550 532. Wg,nn di ur uf gmol schte" bleibt gebts en imglik odern leicht. {Af) OMENS OF DEATH. 119 If the clock stops suddenly there will be an accident or a death. Wenn die uhr plotzlich stehen bleibt, so gesehieht ein un- gliick, meistens ein todesfall. V A 8 1. ilA, M 8 T 268 533. W^nn en gr§,nkes gm bettsach zoppt schtaerbs ball. {Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Nu, Y) If a sick person pulls at the bedclothes he will soon die. Wenn ein kranker an der bettdecke pfliickt, stirbt er bald. Z410 Picking the bedclothes forebodes impending dissolution. V 8L2. 573 534. W^mmem gr^b uf der schtros §,"drefft, ments en leicht. {Lh) Meeting a crow on the street is the sign of a funeral. When a single crow flies over you, it is the sign of a fun- eral ; two, of a wedding. V 8 L2.1. 335 535. Grtne Grischdak, fetter kaerichbof. {Af) Green Christmas, means a fat churchyard. A green Yule means a fat kirkyard. V 8 L 2. 1. 215 536. W§,mmer fergesst en fruchtschemel zu see, schtaerbt mer sell jor. {Be, Lb, Lh, Lnc, 8c, 8n, Y) If, while sowing grain, you miss a strip, you will die within a year. If the drill go from one end of the field to the other with- out depositing any seed, some one on the farm will die. V 8 L2. 570 When sowing grain, if a strip of land is missed there will be a death inside of a year. C 8 A 1228 537. W^mnier ferfelt en roi zu blgnze im gkrde, scbtaerbt mer sell jor {Be, D, Lb, Lnc, Na, 8c, 8n) ; oder wam- mer ferfelt in &" loch ebbes zu blanze. {Be, D, Lb, Lnc, Nu, Sn, Y) If while planting vegetables in the garden, you miss a row or even a single hole, you will die that year. Vergisst der saemann ein ackerbeet zu saen, so muss er sterben. M D V 223 120 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SXJFERSTITIONS. 538. Wann en schpigel ferbrecht itJerm ztge schtaerbt §ns. (Be, Bu, Lb, Lnc, 8c, Y) oders gebt en tmglik, {Mt, Na; Freiburg) If a mirror breaks when moving some one will die or therfl will be an accident. 539. Wanuner drSmt es wSr em en zS" rausgfgUe, schtaerbt ebber in der freindschaft (Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, Sn) oder em sei" beschter freind (Nu, Sc, Y; Heidelberg) To dream of losing a tooth means the death ot a relative or one 's best friend. To dream of losing a friend means a death. V S L2. 552 ; C 8A5i9 If a man dream that his teeth fall out, he will hear next day of the death of a friend or relative. V 8 L 2. 299 540. Wann en kind heilt wgnns gedSft waert, schtaerbta jung. (Lh) If a child cries while being baptized, it will die young. Wenn das kind bei der taufe schreit, wird es nicht alt. Wu 222 541. W^nn en f ogel ins haus flikt ments §,8 bgU ens schtaerbt oders gebt en imglik. (Af) A bird flying into the house is an omen of death or ill luck. When a bird flies into a room and out again it forebodes the death of some inmate. V S L2. 557 542. Wann en grautschtok odern rotriBeschtok 's aerscht jor schisst, schtaerbt ens aus der fgmilie. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu) If cabbage or a beet (Beta vulgaris) shoots the first year, some one in the family will die. Wenn eine kohlpflanze im ersten jahr bliite tragt, bedeutet es tod. W207;6 3. 1114 543. Wgnn dreize' am disch hoke, schtaerbt ens defun inner- me jor. (Af) If thirteen sit down to a meal, one of them will die within a year. OMENS OP DEATH. 121 Wenn bei einer festlichkeit zufallig dreizehn personen an einem tische speisen, stirbt einer von ihnen im laufe dea jahres. B 8 33. 119; G 3. 555; Z 255; C P & P 211; V SL2. 560 544. Wann en grautschtok es erscht jor weisse blatter grikt bedeits en leicht. {Be, C, Lb, Mr, No), Nu, 8c, Sn, Y) If a cabbage plant has white leaves, it means a funeral. Wenn eine kohlpflanze im ersten jahr weisse stellen an den blattern bekommt, entsteht in dem hause des besitzers ein ungliicksfall. G 3. 1114 If in a row of beans one should come up white instead of green, it means a death in the family within the year. V 8L2. 570 545. Es daerf ke" ungradi nummer an der disch ge", schunscht scbtaerbt ens. (Bu, D,Lb, Lnc, Na, Sn) The number of persons sitting down to a meal must never be odd, else one will die. 546. En grautschtok 's ^erscht jor siime grige ment en leicht. (Be, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, Sn, Y) If a cabbage goes to seed the first year, it portends a death. Wenn eine kohlpflanze im ersten jahr weisse stellen an den in dem hause des besitzers ein ungliicksfall. G 3. 1114 547. Wg,nn di geil greische an re leicht schtaerbt glei wider ens. {Af; Heidelberg) Neighing of horses at a funeral indicates another death. A horse neighing at your door betokens coming grief. V 8 L2.1. 327 548. Wann obschtbem schpotjors bite, schtaerbt ens in der familie. (Af) The blossoming of fruit trees in fall is a sign of death. Wenn ein apfel- oder birnbaum im herbst bliiht, gibt es eine leiche, bes. des hausherrn, Wu 207 The flowering of a tree twice in the same year is a death omen. V 8 L 2. 558 122 FENNSTLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 540. Wftim en kind di ^tSerschte z§" 's ersoht grikt, I8bts net Igng. (Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, 8c, 8n, Y) If a child cuts the upper teeth firat it will not live long. Wenn ein kind die zwei vorderen zahncheu zuerst oben kriegt, dann zahnt das kind unter dem boden, d. h. es stirbt unter dem zahnen. Alem 27. 229 ; Wu 217 If an infant cut its front tooth in the upper gums, it would be shortlived. Scot 48 550. W&nn en dodes en kk uf hot, ments gs glei wider §ns schtaerbt uns gukt ebs glei nokummt. (Af) If the eye or eyes of a corpse remain unclosed, there will be another death, for it is looking for the next one to follow. Wenn dem verstorbenen trotz alles zudriicken die augen offen stehen bleiben, stirbt bald einer aus der familie nach. B S 32.119, Z f D M 4t.U8; M D V 270 ; Z 424 If the eyes of a corpse are difficult to close it is said they arc looking after a follower. V 8 L 2. 571 551. Wftnn ens ibler wsert Sunnd&ks gets d6d. {Bu, Lnc, Mt, Nu; Heidelberg) If a person becomes worse on Sunday he will die. 552. W&nn di gr^nket sich Sunnd&ks wekselt is es en schlechti sein. (Be, Bu, D, Lnc, Mt, Y; Heidelberg) If a sick person becomes worse on Sunday it is a bad sign. 553. Wannen gr^nkes Sunnd&ks besser is, is es en schlechti sein 8,8 es drifter kummt; w^nns Sunnd8,ks fttJer schlimmer is, is es besser di wooh di-uf. {Be, Bu, Mt, 8n, Y) Improvement in the condition of a sick person on Sunday is a bad sign ; but if the patient is worse he will be better the ensuing week. Wenn sich der kranke am Sonntag beser fiililt als an den andem tagen, so stirbt er. Wu 221 In Scotland illness was expected to be more severe on Sun- day than on any other day ; and a relapse was anticipated if the patient felt easier. 5 F 133 OMENS OF DEATH. 123 554. En nei hemm muss mer wesche eb mers 8,'dut, schunscht wg,mmer gr&nk drin waert wart mer nimmi gsund. i8c,¥; Heidelberg) A new shirt must be washed before it is worn, for in case you are taken sick in an unwashed shirt, you will never get well. 555. Wgmmem nei gled S'dut un wsert grgnk drin waert mer nimmi gsund. (Be, D, Lh, Na, 8c, 8n, Y) If you are taken sick while wearing a new article of cloth- ing for the first time, you will never get well. 556. Wgnn di ur zwelf e schlgkt wammer gm disch gm bete is faerm esse, gebts en leicht. {Lnc) If a clock strikes twelve while saying grace there will be a funeral. "Wenn die turmuhr wahrend des lautens zum gebet schlagt, so stirbt bald jemand aus der Gemeinde. Wu 215 557. "W§,nn der bakofe singt schtaerbt ens. (Be, Bu, Mt; Heidelberg) If the bake oven sings it is an omen of death. 558. Wann ebbes ferbrecht as ggnz wSr uns w&r nlm§nd um de wek, gebts en leicht in sellem haus. (Af) If anything breaks without being touched or handled, it means a funeral. Wenn ein trinkglas oder eine fensterscheibe von selbst zer- springt, stirbt jemand im hause. Wu 212 559. Wanns dunnert in der darre wgld Schtaerbt jung un alt. (Be, Lb, Mt, 8c, 8n) If it thunders when the woods are bare, both old and yoiuig will die. Wann's dunnert iiwwern dorre wald, Geht's iiwwer jung und alt. Alem 20. 286 560. Wgnn di kroner 9,llz§,mme unferhofft hem kumme, kumme si 's nekscht mol hem gn en leicht. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Y; Freiburg) If all the children come home unexpectedly, they will come home next time to a funeral. 124 PBNNSYLVANU GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 561. Wu der wipperwill nekscht greischt gebts en leicht. {Be, D, Lb, Lh, Na, T) The call of the whipporwill nearby is an omen of death. Der ruf der enle bedeutet nahen todesfall in der familie. B 8 33. 119 562. Wgnns windschtill is uf der Unschuldich Kindelsdak schtaerbe ftl kinner 's nekscht jor. (Be, Lh) If the weather is calm on Innocents' day (Dec. 28), many children will die the following year. Am tage "der unsehuldigen kindlein (28. Dez.) bedcuten lammerwolken, schafchen, fiir wochnerinnen ein un- gliickliehes jahr, und es werden bes. viel knaben sterben. Wu 197 564. Wgmmer Sunndaks grg,nk wsert waert mer ninuni gsund. (Be, Lnc, 8c; Heidelberg) If you are taken sick on Sunday your sickness wiU be fatal. 563. W^nns gewittre gebt nf der Himmelferdik schtaerbe fil im kindbett. (Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Sc) Many women will die in confinement if there are thunder- storms on Ascension Day. 565. Wannd grgnk bischt un si muke dich aus enre schtub in di anner, waerscht nimmi gsund. {Be, Lnc, Sc; Heidelberg) Change a sick person from one room to another and he will die. 566. Wanns jingscht oders eltscht ^m disch ntst hert mer fun re leicht. {Be, Bu, C, Lh, Na, Sc, Y; Kaisers- lantern) If the youngest or oldest sneeze at the table you will hear of a funeral. 567. Wgnn ens maergets 9,m disch nlst, hert mer fun re leicht. {Sn) Sneeze at the breakfast table and you will hear of a funeral. 568. Wgnn ens g,m diach nlst hSrt mer fun re leicht. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Sc) Sneezing at the table is a sign, of death. OMENS OF DEATH. 125 569. Wftminer zwifele blgnzt un ferfelt en roi schtserbt ens. {Be, D, Lnc, Sn) If you miss a row in planting onions, some one will die. 570. Wgnns nix wi glene gummere an di schtek gebt, gebts en leicht. (Mr) If cucumbers bear only small fruit, it forbodes a funeral. 571. Wg,mmer der Qu§,tember Mittwoch wescht un waert grgnk waert mer nimmi gsnnd. (Lb; Heidelberg) If you wash on the Wednesday nearest an Emberday and are taken sick, you will never get well. 572. W§,nn di eile nekscht am haus greische gebts en leicht. (Lb) The hooting of owls near a house is an omen of death. DEATH OMENS CONCEENING DEATH 573. "W&nii ens fun de dr§ger schtolpert gebts noch en leicht. iBu,Mt) The stumbling of a pallbearer is an omen of another fun- eral. 574. Wgnn di dreger gs en dddes drkge fserme haus schtoppe, schtserbt ens aus sellem haus. (Be, Lb, If pallbearers stop in front of a house, some one in that house will soon die. Wenn ein leichenzug vor dem hause stehen bleibt, stirbt jemand im hause. Wu 213 575. Wgnns in en gr&b regert schtserbt noch en nekschter freind. (D, Lnc, Y) If it rains into an open grave a near relative will die. Wenn es in ein neues grab regnet, so stirbt bald wieder jemand. Wu 197 576. Wgnn en dodewage schtopt uf em wek gebts noch en leicht. {Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, 8c, Sn) If a hearse stops on the way to the cemetery or church, another funeral may be expected. Der leichenwagen darf unterwegs nirgends stehen bleiben. Wu^66 577. Wgnn en grSb ei'f §,llt gebts b&U wider en leicht. {Be, C, D, Lnc, Mr, Nu, Sc, Y) If a grave caves in there will soon be another funeral. Wenn ein grab einsinkt, kommt bald eine leiche. Z 409 578. Wgnn en leicht ferbei is uf em kaerichhof uns get en weibsmensch 's erscht fum kaerichhof is es nekscht §s schtserbt wider en weibsmensch ; wgnn en mg,nns- kserl, en mgnnskffirl. {Be, Lh, Lnc, Mr; Heidelberg) The sex of the first person to leave the cemetery after the funeral forebodes the sex of the next person to die. 126 DEATH OMENS CONCERNINQ DEATH. 127 If the first person a funeral procession meets on taking a corpse to the church for interment is a male, a female is sure to be the next who dies in the village, and vice versa. Ben 2. 49 579. Wann di leit aerik schtaerik life oder f&re gn re leicht gebts glei mder eni. {Bu, D, Lnc, Mt) There will soon be another death if the funeral procession moves very rapidly. Wenn die pferde am leichenwagen stehen bleiben oder zu rasch eilen, so folgt noch eine leiche. Wu 199 If when the funeral left the house, the company walked very quickly, it was a bad omen. N Scot 63 580. Wann en nekschter freind zu echpot an en leicht kummt gebts glei wider eni. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Na; Heidelberg) If a near relative is late at a funeral, it is an omen that there will soon be another death. If any one comes to the funeral after the procession starts, another death will occur in the same house. C S A 1192 581. Wann di leicht ferzottelt fum haus faertget gebts glei wider eni. (Bu, C) If the funeral procession leaves the house in a scattered, straggling manner, there will soon be another funeral. If, when a fimeral left the house the company should go in a scattered straggling manner, this was an omen that before long another funeral would leave the same house. N Scot 63 582. Wgnn ens schtaerbt un wsert net gr&d kalt nn schteif , schtaerbt glei wider ens. (Be, Bu, C, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na) If a corpse does not become cold and rigid immediately after death, there will soon be another death in the fam- ily. Wird ein leichnam nicht bald kalt und starr, so holt er binnen jahresfrist ein weiteres familienglied. V A S 1. 476; (7 3. 368; MDy 272 128 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. If the neck of a dead child remains flexible for several hours after its decease, it portends that some person in that house will die in a short time. V S L 2. 571 583. Wann en dodes in der kaerich oder uf em kaerichhof mit em kopp gege hem leit, schtaerbt wider ens. (Be) If the body of the deceased in church or on cemetery faces its home, there will soon be another funeral. Dass der verstorbene nicht mehr kommt, so tragt man ihn mit dem kopf zuerst aus dem haus. A 8 1. 396 The custom of placing the corpse with the feet toward the door has descended from early times. V 8 L 2. 584 584. Wgmi der kaericliliof itf is gschwische Grrischdak un Neijor gebts fil leichte sell jor, {Be, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc, Y) If there are any funerals between Christmas and New "5 ear, there will be many funerals in that congregation the fol- lowing year. Begrabnisse in der zeit der zwolfnachte bedeuten viele todesfaUe. Wu 63 A death in Christmastide betokens many more. V S L 2. 1. 234 585. "Waims so ferhudelt heerget an re leicht, gebts glei wider eni. (Af) If everything is in confusion at a funeral there will soon be another one. 586. Wgnns singe so schlecht get an re leicht gebts glei wider eni. (Bu, Lh, Mt, Na, Sn) If singing at a funeral is wretched there will soon be an- other funeral. Wenn der gesang beim aussingen einer leiche sehr hell und weit klingt, so stirbt gleich wieder jemand. En p. 164 587. Mer daerf en leicht net schtoppe oders get glei ens no. {Af; Heidelberg) A funeral procession must not halt or another death will soon follow. SUPERSTITIONS CONNECTED WITH DEATH 588. Mer dserf net zele wi ftl fure gn re leicht sin. {Be, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu) Never count the number of vehicles in a funeral procession. es bedeutet ungliick. Hlbg. 589. En dodes begrabt mer net mit rings un so weiter a". iBe,C,D,Lnc,8c) All jewelry should be taken from the corpse before burial. Dem verstorbenen soil man alle ringe usw. abnehmen, sonst kann er nicht selig werden. Z 432 590. Wgmmern ierdlichtel sent bedeits gs en mann gschtaer- be is un zurikkumme is un seine leinfense nogukt. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, 8n) An ignis fatuus is the spirit of the deceased who has re- turned to earth to look after his line fences. Irrlichter sind die seelen solcher, die grenzsteine verriickt haben. Wu 478, 475 591. Wann fil kinner ngnner no aus re familie schtser^e, soil mer guke ebs erscht as gschtaerBe is net ferleicht ebbes fun de dodegleder ins maul gzoge hot. {Be, D,Lh,Mr,8c,8n) If there are many deaths in a family in rapid succession, the grave of the first of those to die should be opened, to see whether the corpse has not drawn a part of its shroud into its mouth. Der tote muss so angekleidet werden, dass er nichts von seiner kleidung in den mund bekommen kann, sonst zieht er bald einen nahen verwandten durch den tod zu sich. BSp. 120 592. Wg,nn ens schtaerbt, get gUes was es gblanzt hot noch un noch dot. {Bu, Lh, Lnc, Mt) Everything planted by a person before his death will grad- ually die. 129 130 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPEBSTrTIONS. Stirbt der saemann in Westfalen im laufe des jahres, so gedeit die von ihm gesaete frucht nicht mehr. M DV 224 593. WsBr sich faercht soil en dodes H'rege. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, 8c, Y) A fearful person should touch a corpse. War grosse angsten hat, riihr an die grosse zehe eines toten, so wird er frei davon. G 3. 544 594. Wgim di leicht am haus fsertget muss mer di ime rike Oder si gene dod {Sc) oder si sin nix me w»rt. (Be, Lh, Lh) Move the bee hive when the funeral leaves the house to pre- vent the bees from dying or becoming worthless. Stirbt jemand im hause, soil man die bienenkorbe riioken, sonst stehen die bienen ab. 6 3. 576 On the death of a relative the bees are acquainted of the event by moving the hive. 8 t& C 8 9 595. Mer muss ken grabschte" fern dodes uf du' eb en jor f erbei is, schunscht schtaerbt wider ens. (Be, Bu, Lb, At least a year should elapse before a tombstone is erected to the memory of the deceased, else there will be another funeral in the family, Dann kommt noch eins auf die welt und es stirbt noch eins. Hlbg. 596. W§,mmem gltd abnemme losst un mer hot noch serf e schmaerze im schtumbe, is f erleicht 's gbgenumme dSl net grSd im grSb. {Be, Bu, D, Lh, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y) If you have great pain after an amputation, the amputated member is probably not buried straight. Wenn man einen fuss abnehmen muss, so muss man ihn aufrecht begraben, sonst- tut er immer noch weh. V A S 1.486 597. Mer soil sich di grefige gbschneide mit me dSde seim bg,ll5trmesser. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Nu, 8n, Y; Freiburg) Cut your corns with a dead man's razor. SUPERSTITIONS CONNECTED WITH DEATH. 131 598. Wftinmer sich bglMrt mit me dode mgnn seim b&lWr- messer, grikt mern weisser bSrt. (Bu; Heidelberg) If you shave with a dead man 's razor, your beard will turn prematurely gray. 599. Mer f erltrt der giruch w^mmer gn blume richt g.s uf me grfib wgxe oder uf re l&d gelege hen. {Bu, Lh, Lnc, 8n, Y) Smelling at flowers which grow on a grave or have lain On a coffin will destroy the sense of smell. An blumen oder kranzen, die auf dem sarge des toten oder auf seinem grabhiigel liegen, darf man nicht riechen, sonst verliert man den geruch. B 8 33. 120 600. Blumeschtek daerf mer keni aus em kaerichhof hemhole im bl§nze, es schtaerbt ens aus der f amilie. {Be, G, D, Lnc, Mr, Na, Nu, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) Some member of the family will die if flowers which grew in a cemetery are brought home and planted. 601. Wgnn ens im haus schtaerbt, misse di blumeschtek rumgschtellt waerre. {Bu, C, Lnc, Mr, Na) Potted plants should be rearranged immediately after a death in the family. Nach einem todesfaU soil man blumentopfe verstellen, die pflanzen sterben sonst ab. Alem 6. 174 602. Wgnnd en gicht'roseschtok wek'gebscht schtaerbt ens aus der fami'lie in'nerme jor. {Be, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mt; Heidelberg) If you present some one with a peony plant (Paeonia offici- nalis), some one of your family will die within a year. 603. Wgim ens zurik'gukt g,n re leicht schtaerbt glei wider 5ns. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Na, Sc, Sn) If any one in a fimeral procession looks back there will soon be another funeral. Bel dem leichenzuge darf keiner der begleitenden sich nmsehen, sonst stirbt er bald. Wu 466 132 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 604. Wgnn en gr§nkes bang is es misst schtaertJe, duts ; wgnns gber schtaerlBe will kanns net. {Be, Lh) If a sick person is afraid he will have to die, he will die ; if however he wants to die, he can 't. Fiirchtet sich ein kranker vor dem tode, dapn stirbt er; sehnt er sich nach dem tode, wird er gesund. Z 413 605. So g,s en grankes leichter schtaerBe kgnn branch mer em juscht 's koppekissi weknemme, no schtaerbts glei. (Af) So that a sick person may die easily, take away his pillow. Dem sterbenden muss man das kissen unter dem kopf fort- nehmen, dann wird ihm der tod leichter. B S 33. 119 ; Z / D itf 4. 4 606. Wann ebber g,s Ime hot net schtaerbe kann, soil mer der imekaerb rike, no schtaerbt er glei. {Be, Lh, Lh) If a bee owner lingers and cannot die, move the bee hive and death will soon come. 607. Wann eris net schtaerbe kgnn muss mer gUes im haus ufschlise, schublSde am gUes. {Lnc, Mr, Mt, 8n; Heidelberg) If a sick person cannot die, all locks, doors, drawers etc. should be unlocked. Boxes in the house being unlocked makes them die easy. V SL2. 577. In many places it is supposed that the departure of life is delayed so long as any locks or bolts in the house are fastened, as they are supposed to hinder the soul in taking its leave of the body. Z> Eng 229 608. Wgnn ens net schtaerBe kg,nn muss mer der baerme- di'kel §n der ur schtoppe. {Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sn, Y) If a person dies hard, stop the clock and the end will soon come. Wenn jemand im sterben liegt, muss man die uhr stehen lassen. Wu 457 SUPEBSTITIONS CONNECTED WITH DEATH. 133 609. Wg,nn en grankes net schtaerlSe k§,nn nemmt mem fun de federe wu er druf leit, n5 schtaerbts glei. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, 8c, 8n, Y) To hasten dissolution, remove the feather bed or pillows from imder the sick person. Wenn ein kranker oder sterbender huhner-, tauben- oder andere vogelfedem imter sich hat, so kann er nicht sterben. G B 529 In Yorkshire occurs the notion that cocks' feathers in a bed retard death. D Y 59 610. Wann en grankes net schtserlSe kann lekt merms teschtement' u'nich der kopp. (C, 8c) To hasten death, put a Testament under the head of the sick person. Man legt dem sterbenden eine bibel oder ein gesangbueh unter das kinn. Wu 458. 611. Wanns hesst 's waer ebber gschtaerbe nn er is net, lebts noch lang. (Af) A person erroneously reported dead will live for a long time. Von wem es irriger weise heisst, er sei gestorben, wird sehr lange leben. Z 358 612. In alte zeite hen si §,ls en dodes uf en bord gelekt un der kopp driber nunner henke losse, so as es dod grid in der himmel guke hot kenne. {Be, Lh, Sn) In olden times the corpse was laid on a board, so that the head hung down over the back of the board and thus enabled the deceased to look straight into heaven. Nach dem waschen und ankleiden der leiche wird in Ober- franken der tote auf das totenbett gelegt. L V 104 613. Wanndme dode e'nich gled a'duscht fume lebe'ndiche warts glei grank un a nimmi gsund oder schtaerbt glei no. {Be, D, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Sn, Y) It the clothes of some one living are used as a shroud for a corpse, that person will soon fall fatally ill or die. 134 PENNSYLVANIA GEBMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Kein getragenes hemde soil man zum sterbekittel schenken, sonst zehrt der, dem es gehorte, so lange ab, bis das hemde verwest ist. G 3. 1063 A corpse is not allowed to be buried in the clothes of a living person, lest as the clothes rot in the grave, that person to whom they belonged should waste away and perish. D r83; C 8 A\2m 614. Mer muss es fenschter ufm§,clie wgnn ens schterbt, so gs di sel naus kgnn. {Be, Bu, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Y) Open the windows in the death chamber immediately after death so that the soul can get out. Die fenster in der stube des gestorbenen offnet man sofort, damit die seele hinausfliegen konne. L 372 ; 3. 191 In West Gloucestershire they throw open the windows at the moment of death. T 8 L 2. 577 Doors and windows should be opened and the locks in the house unfastened at the moment of dissolution, to facilitate the spirit's departure. V 8 L 2. 577; Guy Mannering, chap. 27. 615. Di tme muss mer rike va^na. di leicht faertget oder si gene dod {Sc) oder sin nix me w»rt. {Be, Lb, Lh) The bee hives should be moved when the funeral leaves the house, else the bees will die or be worthless. The bee hives should be turned at the moment the corpse is carried out of the house. V 8 L 2. 590 616. Lek en dodes uf wa'sem, sell h^lts. {Mr, 8c) A corpse should be laid on sod to prevent decomposition. A fresh sod laid on the breast of the corpse prevents de- cay. V 8 L2. 586 617. FU leit ferhenke di schpigel mit grep wgnn ens dod leit im haus. {Af) Mirrors should be covered with crepe immediately after a death in the house. Die leiche darf sich in keinem spiegel sehen, sonst holt sie sich einen aus der familie nach. Man muss daher den spiegel aus dem totenzimmer entfemen oder ihn wenig- SUPERSTITIONS CONNECTED WirS DEATH. 135 stens mit einem laken verhangen. B 8 33. 119 ; M D V 269 Looking glasses and all shining objects in the room are to be covered with white cloths and the clock is stopped and shrouded to show that with him time is over. V 8 L 2. 590. 618. Wgnn ebber schtaerbt muss mer di piktschers im leichehaus ge'ich di wg,nd dree. (Be, C, D, Mr, Na, 8c) Pictures must be turned to the wall in the house of mourning. Sobald jemand gestorben ist, verhangt man die bilder usw. bis nach dem begrabnis mit weissen tiichern. Wu 459; C 8 A 1243. 619. Wg,nii ens schtaerbt muss mer di schpigel rumdree. Uf) The mirrors should be turned to the wall immediately after death in the family. Die leiche darf sich in keinem spiegel sehen, sonst holt sie sich einen aus der familie nach. B 8 33. 119 620. Wanns me d5de ins grSb regert, gets dod in der hun- mel (Be, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Y) oder wanns nei" schnet. (Be) If it rains or snows into a grave the dead will go to heaven. "Wenn es in ein neues grab regnet, so ist der gestorbene selig. Wu 197. If rain falls on a coffin it is supposed to indicate that the soul of the departed has arrived safe. V 8 L 2. 591 621. Wems ins grSb regert is gut ernert. (Nu) Well cared for is he into whose grave it rains. 622. W§,nn ens fersof'fe is un mer k§nns net finne, dut mer'n leb brSt ufs wgsser. Wii der kaerper leit bleibt der iSb brot schte". (Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y) If any one has been drowned and the body cannot be found, throw a loaf of bread into the water. The loaf 136 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. will remain motionless over the spot where the corpse lies. Um die leiche eines ertrunkenen zu finden, schreibt man seinen namen auf ein brot und wirft es ins wasser, so schwimmt es an den ort, wo der ertrunkene liegt. L 344 A mode of discovering a body drowned in a stream or river was to put a loaf into the water at the spot where the unfortunate fell. The loaf floated down the stream till it came above the body when it began to whirl round and round. G Scot 208 623. Es waert fll en licht gebrennt in der schtub wun dodes leit. (Af) A light is frec[uently burned in the room where the corpse reposes until the day of burial. In dem zimmer, in dem die leiche liegt, darf bis zur be- erdigung derselben das licht nicht ausgehen, sonst spukt der tote oder zieht bald einen noch lebenden nach sich. B 8 33. 119 A candle or two were kept burning constantly beside the corpse. 6 Scot 207 ; 8 H 8 241 624. Wammer der schpigel net rum'dret §.n re leicht gebts glei wider eni. (D) If the mirror is not turned to the wall while the corpse is still in the house there will soon be another funeral. WITCHES 625. En Bchtreissel hexegraut soil mer uf der S§.nt Johftn- nisdSk an di dir henke. Sell halt di hexe draus. {Bu, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Nu, 8c) un di mike wek. (Mr) Fasten a sprig of St. John's wort {Hypericum perfora- tum.) to the door to keep out witches or flies. Johanniskraut vertreibt hexen und teufel, daher dieser aus bosheit alle blatter mit der nadel durchsticht. G 3. 190 626. En gensfus uf di schtgUdir mache halt di hexe draus. {Be, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Na, Sn) Put the foot of a goose [draw a pentagram?] on the stable door to keep the witches out. Macht man ein trudenfuss an die tiir, so miissen die hexen fern bleiben. G 3. 644 627. Wgnn di ki ferhext sin nagelt mern gro'tefus g.n di dir no gen di hexe wek uns hg.lt si k draus. {Be, C, D, Lh, Lh, Lnc, Na, 8c) Nail a toad's foot over the stable door to drive and keep the witches out of the stable. Macht man einen trudenfuss an die tiir, so miissen die hexen fern bleiben. G 3. 644 628. Mgch gro'tefls mit greid an di bett'lad, sell halt di hexe wek {Be, Mr) oder i'newennich o'bichs fensch- ter oder dir. {Mr) To keep away witches, draw toads' feet with chalk on the bedstead or in the room above window or door. Gegen hexen werden in der nacht vor neujahr und drei konige drei kreuze an die stalltiire gemacht. Alem 20. 281 629. Schneid re schwaerze kgtz di ore ab, f erbrenn di ore un flder der hex selli esch. {Lnc; Kaiserslautern) Cut off the ears of a black cat, bum them and feed the ashes to the witch. 137 10 138 PBNNSYLVANU GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 630. Wgrnmer ferhext is soil mer der bese fser di dtr l§ge, uns erscht gs der wek kummt un schtellt en uf is di hex. (Af) When bewitched, lay the broom before the door. The first person to come along and pick it up is the witch. Legt man einer hexe einen besen so in den weg, dass sie dariiber schreiten muss, so wird sie unmachtig und kann kein imgliick stiften. G 3. 250 631. Wgnunern leb brot ins wg-sser schmeisst ferdreibts di hexe. {Nu, Y; Kaiserslautern) Throwing a loaf of bread into water will drive out witches. 632. Wgnns brot net get is es ferhext. {Be, Lnc, Y; Hei- delberg) If bread won't rise, it is bewitched. 633. Fasr en hex zu f gnge, schneit mer di zwe hemm'aermel aus em seim mann seim hemm un ferbrennt si. {Be, Lb, Y; Neustadt) To discover a witch: cut the two sleeves out of your hus- band's shirt and bum them. 634. Schtell der besemschtll in di dtr, no kumme ken hexe ins haus. {Na; Heidelberg) Put the broomstick against the jamb of the door and no witch can enter. 635. W§nnd ausfinne witt w»r di hex is, ge'drS, "un m5l si ab un nemm en flint wud en zee sent schtik nei'ge- ISde hoseht un schlss noch em bild. Wuds bild dreffscht, hot di hex en masrik uf em leib. {Lh) To discover a witch: draw a picture of the suspect, load your gun with a dime, and shoot at the picture. The spot where you hit the picture wiU correspond to the mark to be found on the body of the witch. Eine hexe kann man verwimden, wenn man mit einem geldstiick schiesst. Wu 160 636. "W&nn en hex im haus is soli mer mit der linke h^nd en hgndfoU grop s§lz ins feier schmeisse. {Be, Lnc, Sn,Y) WITCHES. 139 If there is a witch in the house throw a handful of coarse salt into the fire with the left hand. Sind verdachtige leute im hause gewesen, so wirft man salz ins feuer. Wu 283 637. W&nn en kind ferhext is soil mer sei" hemmli auszige i'Ber der kopp so as es letz is un di sermli {Lnc, 8n, Y) Oder gleder {Nu) hinner di dtr fescht petze. (Heidelberg) "When a child is bewitched pull its shirt over the head wrongside out and wedge the sleeves or clothes behind the door. 638. Mer soil ken g,b'gschtumpter besem ins freie schtelle schunscht nemme di hexe en un reide druf dserich di luft. {Lh,Na) Witches will take a wom-off broom and ride on it through the air. Die hexen reiten auf besen und mistgabeln. Z 514 639. Wgnn ebber ferhext is 's erscht gs kummt fer ebbes lene di hex. (Af) If you are bewitched the first person to come to you to borrow from you is the witch. Hat eine was verhext und man verbrennt es, so kommt die hexe und will etwas entlehnen. G 3. 645 640. En hex schritt net t'bem besemschteke. (Lnc) A witch will not step over a broomstick. Die hexe stosst den besen weg, gute leute schreiten driiber. Wm130 641. Wgnn en hund ferhext is §-s er net blgffe (gauze, Lnc) kann, branch merh juscht "wgsser" hese, no kgnn er wider bl&ffe. (Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Lnc, 8c, Sn, Y; K(Mserslautern) If a dog is bewitched so that he can't bark, call him "water" and he will be cured. 642. Mer ISd enhor'nikugel in enferhex'tiflint. {G,Mr; Kaiserslautern) Load a bewitched gun with a bullet of hair. 140 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 643. Wsfln en flint f erliext is schtekt mer zwe schpelle ilSer ngnner so §.8 es en greiz m9.cht uf der flint. {C, D, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c, 8n, Y) When a gun is bewitched stick two pins on the gun in the fonn of a cross. 644. Wammer gm sefkoche is un en -weibsmensch kummt is di sef ferhext. (Lnc, 8c, T) If you are boiling soap and a woman happens along, the soap will be bewitched. 645. W^nn di hex wek is is gewen'lich en schwaerzi k^tz do. {Be, C, Lb, Lnc) ' "When the witch disappears, a black cat appears. In schwarzer katzengestalt kommen die hexen geme. V A 8 1. 325 The familiar form of a witch is always a black cat. Ir 2. 10 646. Es mgcht di hexe kumme wgnnd sitSe neie nodle ime kind sei" wasser in en bottel duscht un si no ei"- schlisscht. {Be, Lb; Kaiserslautern) The witches will appear if you put seven new needles and some urine of a child into a bottle and then put the bottle under lock and key. 647. Wgnn en mgnn en firblet'terich glebiat nodr&kt kg,im en nimgnd ferhexe. {Bu, C, Lh, 8c) Wear a four-leafed clover and nobody can bewitch you. Gegen verhexnng soil gut sein, wenn man fiinfblattrigen klee bei sich tragt. V A 8 1. 330 "Witchcraft will have no power over the possessor of the four-leafed shamrock. Ir 2. 103 648. En ki'fotz in der geilschtg,!! kenkt hglt di hexe draus. {Y) Hang the vagina of the cow into the horse stable to keep out witches. [This is a direct survival of the old Germanic heathendom. Of. Golther, Handbuch der Oermamschen Mythologie, pp. 575-6.] WITCHES. 141 649. En ferhexti flint k&mmer mit re hSr'ne kugel fixe. (C, Mr) Load a bewitched gun with a bullet made of hair. 650. W§nn en flint ferhext is muss mer si mit re sillSerne kugel l&de. (C, D, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c, Sn, T) To break the spell in a bewitched gun, load the gun with a silver bullet. Silver is always considered an antidote against witchcraft. C F Nu4t. 54 651. Dtt"en zee sent schtik in en ferhexti flint. (Be) Put a dime into a bewitched gun. Verwunden und toten kann man die hexe, wenn man ein silbernes geldstiick auf sie sehiesst. Ww 283 652. WgJin en flint ferhext is muss mer si mit re silBerne kugel lade. {C, D, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc, 8n,Y) To break the spell in a bewitched gun, load the gun with a silver bullet or a dime. Eine hexe kann man verwunden, wenn man mit einem stiick erbsilber oder einem geldstiick sehiesst. Wu 160 Shoot at a witch, if you wish to hit her, either with a crooked sixpence or with one having a hole in it. C F Nu 4.54 653. Wgnn en flint ferhext is, lek si in en grik im loss was- ser daerich l&fe. No kg,nn di hex nimmi pisse bis si zu der kummt. {Bu, Mt) If you lay a bewitched gun into a creek the witch can 't urinate until she comes to you for forgiveness. 654. Oierschale muss mer ferbrenne, so as di hexe ken gewalt hen iber di himmel. {Lnc; Heidelberg) To prevent chickens from being bewitched, the eggshells should always be burned. DOGS AND CATS 655. En schwserzi k&tz bringt unglik. {Bu, C, D, Lb, Mt, 8n,T) A black cat brings bad luck. Man soil im hause keine scliwarze katze halten, sondem eine graue. Alem 20. 284 656. En schwaerzi katz is es glik uf me h6f. (Be, D, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Nu, 8c) A black cat brings luck to the premises. If a black cat comes of her own accord to your house, keep her, she is a good spirit ; but do not bring her, she must come freely, of her own good will. W Ir 69 657. Wann en schwaerzi kg,tz em engege kimmit, bringt si em glik. {Lh, Mr, Na, Sc, T) Meeting a black cat is an omen of luck. If a strange cat comes to your house and remains domesti- cated it brings good fortune. F B 1. 8 658. En schwserzi kg,tz is en unglik in re fgmi'lie. {Be, Lh, Lnc, Na, T; Heidelberg) A black cat brings bad luck into a family. 659. WSr hund un katze gleicht, gleicht sei' mg,nn oder f rfi. {Af) A person fond of dogs and cats will make a good husband or wife. Wer die katzen gerne mag, mag auch die madchen. V A 8 1. 117 Welche jungfer die katzen lieb hat, die bekommt einen frommen mann. Q R 552 660. W&mmer junge kgtze ^'rekt eb si di Sge uf hen losst di ftlt si ferhun'gere. {Af) If you touch kittens before their eyes are open, the mother cat will let them starve. Dann kriegen sie "matze" augen. Hlhg. 142 DOGS AND CATS. 143 661. Enich ebbes wu fume wi'diche hund gebisse is wsert in nein d&k, nein woche, nein mii'net oder nein jor widich. (Af) An animal or human being that was bitten by a mad dog will go mad in nine days, nine weeks, nine months or nine years. Die wasserscheu nach einem biss von einem tollen hunde soil am 9. tage, in der 9. woche, im 9. monat, oder nach 9 jahren auftreten. A J 257 662. Wammern katz schlsst hot mer ken glik. (Bu, Na) Shoot a cat and your luck is gone. 663. Wammern katz schisst hot mer ken glik mit de geil. Uf) If you shoot a cat, you will have bad luck with your horses. 664. Wammern katz schisst hot mer sil5e jor ken glik. (Af) Seven years of bad luck follow the killing of a cat. "Wer eine katze totet, hat 7 jahre lang kein gliick. W 72 665. Wammer dr schptUumbe im k^ffi kocht un gebt dr kgtz oderm hund defu'n, life si net faert. (D, Lh) If you boil the dishcloth in coffee and give some of it to dog or cat, they will not stray from home. 666. W^nn di katz sich Sun'dak maergets wescht, seller wek wu. der schwanz hfpoint kummt der bsuch h»r. (Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c, Sn, T) The direction in which the cat's tail points when she washes herself on Sunday morning indicates the direction from which visitors may be expected. 667. Di flint oder bix wu mern katz mit schisst dut nix me dete. (Af) The gun or rifle with which you shoot a cat won't kiU after that. 668. Wammern hund Wasser oder Feier hesst k^nn en nt'- mg,nd ferhexe. (Be, D, Mt, Lnc, 8c, 8n, Y) 144 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Call a dog "Water" or "Fire" and he can't be bewitched, Um den hund vor behexung zu schiitzen, nennt man ihn "Wasser oder Strom, denn das wasser kaun nicht behext werden. Wu 434 669. Wann en katz ir junge fum wasser weknemmt gebts hochwgsser. {Lnc, Nu) When a cat removes her kittens from near the bank of a stream, it is a sign of high water, 670. En hund get der net faert ^s aus deim schii fresse losscht. {Be,Sn,T) Let a dog eat out of your shoe and he will not stray away. Um hunde dem menschen anhanglich zu machen, legt man sich ein stiick weissbrot unter die ferse, lauft damit, bis man in schweiss kommt imd gibt das so vom schweiss durchdrungene brot dem hunde zu fressen, Wu 433 671. En bei'gelof ni ka,tz bleibt wgmmere di dobe nf em o'fereibt. (Be) A stray cat will not run away, if you rub her paws on the stove, Damit katz und hund nicht entlaufen, treibe man sie drei- mal um den herd und reibe sie an die feuermauer. 3.155 If a cat from a distance becomes restless and tries to make her escape, put her into the cold oven, for it is said that the effect upon her will be that she will forget her former home as completely as if she had lapped Lethe's water, i?- 12 1,8 672. So gs en hund net fasrtlaft, wsermt merm brot u'nich em arm un fi'derts em. (Be, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sc, 8n, Y) To prevent a dog from running away feed him some bread which you have warmed in your arm pits. Wenn man einen hund schnell an sich gewohnen will, so lege man brot oder kase unter die achsel, laufe, bis man in schweiss kommt und gebe ihm dann das brot. V 798 • V A SI. 118 DOGS AND CAT8, 145 673. So gs di kfttz {Be, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, Sc, 8n, Y), oder der hund (D, Na) net fsertlift, soil mer ne di ftr disch- eke absch&tee xax ins f resse du". Scrape the .four comers of the table and put the scrapings into the food of dog or cat and they will not leave their home. Man schabt drei oder vier tischecken an und tut dies dem vieh in den trank, um es zu gewohnen. Wu 435 674. En kgtz g.s mer net bei der n8,cht holt laft em faert. {Be, C, D, Lh, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, 8c, 8n, Y; Heidel- berg) Fetch a cat at night if you would have her stay. 675. Wgmmern kgtz in der schpigel g^ke losst laft si net fsBrt. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, 8c, Y) Show the cat her image in the mirror and she'U stay. Haustiere besonders katzen macht man anhanglich, wenn man sie dreimal in den spiegel sehen lasst Alem. 20. 284 676. Wgmmern hund grikt soil mem loch in di dtreschwell bore wu mer uf un gb get, fum hund seine hor fanne uf der schtsern abschneide, oder di hor fum tip fum sehwgnz {Lnc) un selli hor no ins loch dii'". No m§cht mem zappe un schlakt en in drei schtrech nei", nn der hund get net faert. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Na, 8c) To prevent a dog from rimning away, bore a hole into the doorsill, cut a heft of hair from the front of the dog's head or the hair from the tip of his tail and put it into the hole. There make a peg and close up the hole with it, driving the peg home with three blows. 677. Wann em sei' kind faert is muss mer sei" nSme drei mol rufe daerich en gnaerreloch un gege sunn'uf. {Bu, 8c, Y) If your child is lost, call it three times through a knothole facing the east. 146 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 678. Wgnn em sei" hund fart is soil mer nein maerge daerich en gnaerreloch gege stmn'uf em hund rufe, gber der ochtem halte, no kummt er zuri'k, (Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c) If your dog is lost call him through a knothole facing the east nine mornings in succession, holding your breath, and the dog will return. 1st einem ein hund fortgekommen, so muss man ihn an drei abenden wahrend des abendlautens dreimal durch ein wagenrad mit namen rufen, so kommt er wieder. Wit 434 679. "Wg.nn en hund gautzt, roppt mem f en'seschtS.ke raus un schtekt en 's un'nerscht *s etJerscht nei", sell schtopts. (8n) If a dog barks, pull a fence rail out of the ground and put it back upside down. "When you hear a dog howl, take off your shoe from the left foot, and spit upon the sole, place it on the ground bottom upwards and your foot upon the place you spat upon, which will not only preserve you from harm, but stop the howling of the dog. D Eng 101 680. Schneit re k§,tz hor fum schwanz ab un dr&k si im rechte schu, no llift der di katz net fsert. (Nu; Kaiserslautern) Cut some hair from the cat's tail and wear it in your shoe, and the cat will not stray away. 681. Wgmmern hund schserrt wii er sich net grgtze kgnn bleibt er. {Be, Na) If you scratch a dog where he can't scratch himself he won't run away. 682. Schab di disch'eke gb un fider si em hund, no IMt er net faert. {Lh, Mr) Scrape the comers of the kitchen table and feed the scrap- ings to the dog to prevent him from running away. Schabe dem hunde oben am tiseh von den vier tischecken ab und gib ihm zu fressen. Hoh 15 MOVING 683. 'S §rscht gs mer in en haus dut wu mer ht'ztkt is di bgk'mol. {Bu,D; Freiburg) The first article to be carried into a house at a moving is the kneading trough. 684. Wanuner gme zuk der ofe 's erscht ins haus dut fechte dileitftl. iD,8c) At a moving, never put the stove into the house first, or there will be many quarrels. 685. 'S is gut glik ebbes zurik'zulosse wgromer ztkt. {Be, Mt; Heidelberg) Leaving something behind when removing is a lucky omen. 686. 41ter besem daerf mer ke'ner mitnemme wgrnmer zikt. (D, Lnc, 8c; Heidelberg) Never take an old broom when moving. 687. Mer hot ken glik wgrnmer zikt un nemmt oier mit. {Bu, D, Lb, Lnc, Mr,Mt, 8n) Never take eggs with you when moving. Die braut muss ein brot und andere lebensmittel in das neue haus mitbringen, aber nie darf sie eier mitbringen. Wu37B 688. Wgnn en f^mi'lie aergets ht"zikt soil merm kind grM k§,lt wgsser gebe, no grikts ken hemwe. (D) The child should be given some cold water immediately after moving to prevent its becoming homesick. 689. Wann ebbes ferbrecht ame zuk gebts unglik. (Be, 8c, 8n, Y) If anything breaks during a moving it forebodes bad luck. 690. j^e zuk miiss ebbes fun gl§,s ferbreche un w§nns juscht e" schtik is oder mer hot ken glik. {Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt; Heidelberg) The breaking of glassware, even if only a single piece, at a moving is lucky. 147 148 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPBBBTITIONS. 691. M'r soil me m^nn gs uf seim pr^'perti wunt net helfe zlge Oder mer nemmt ems glik. (Be, Lh, Sc) It is unlucky to help your tenant in moving. 692. Eb mer zlkt muss mer zu'ker, s^ls mi peffer ins bans du" wu mer M'zikt, no hot mer glik. {Lnc, Na, 8n, Before removing to a new home, send on ahead some sugar, salt, and pepper ; this will bring good luck. Wenn man salz tmd brot zuerst in ein haus bringt, das man bezieht, so hat man darin keinen lebensmangel. Q 3. 1142 To place a Bible, some salt and some oatmeal in the cup- board of a dwelling house on entering on the occupation of it brings peace and plenty. V 8 L 2. 132 694. Wammer aer'gets ht"zikt, soil mem be'sem mi en leb brot fgnnehsl'r schike, no grikt mer ken hemwe. (C, B, Lh, Lnc, Na, Y; Heidelberg) "When removing to another house, you should send a broom and a loaf of bread on ahead, to prevent homesickness. 695. Wgrnmer zikt soil mer di katz net mitnemme oder mer hot ken glik. {Af; Heidelberg) Taking the cat with you when moving brings bad luck. When changing your residence it is unlucky to bring a cat with you. W Ir 69 696. Mer dserf di k^tz net mitnemme der dSk wn mer ztkt, mer muss si schpeter hole. {Af) You must not take the cat with you the day you move, it should be fetched later. Die katze muss allein kommen. Mlbg. 697. Di kgtz dae'ref mer gkc net mitnemme wgmmer zlkt. {Bu, Mt) The cat must not be taken along when moving. It is unlucky to take a cat with you in removing. C P dt P 523 MOVING. 149 698. Wgim en fremmi k§tz in em sei" bans kummt grfid w^mmer gezSge is soil mer si pglte fer glik. {8n; Heidelberg) If a stray cat comes into your house immediately after moving keep her for luck. 699. Wgrnmer in en nei haus zikt, schtaerbt ens aus der fg,mi'lie oders gebt ens dezu'. {Nu) Move into a new house and there will be a death or a birth in the family. Aus einem neuerbauten hause wird spatestens im zweiten jahre eine leiche getragen. Wu 209 To build or even rebuild a house is always fatal to one member of the family. D Y 54: 700. Freidaks gflitzt— kserz gsitzt. {C, Lnc, Mr, 8c, Sn) Friday flittings Short sittings. Am Preitag darf man die wohnung oder den dienst nicht wechseln. Wu 61 Never move into a new house on Friday. W Ir 63 701. Me zuk dSrf mer net nSguke oder si hen ken glik. {Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Na; Kaiserslautern) Never watch a moving out of sight, for it will bring bad luck. 702. W&mmer Mittwochs oder FreidSks zikt hot mer ken glik {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, Sc, 8n) oder mer hot fil grgnke leit. (do.) Moving on Wednesday or Friday will bring bad luck or much sickness. Mittwoch und Freitag sind verworfene hexentage. 3. 613 703. Wg,mmer Miind&ks ztkt hot mer ken glik. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, 8c, 8n) It is bad luck to move on Monday. Man muss auf keinen Montag in den dienst treten, in ein haus Ziehen, oder sonst was beginnen, solches wird sonst nicht wochenalt. G 3. 1140 150 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. No one should remove on a Monday, because the house affairs wUl not thrive. T 8L2.1. 260 704. Mittwochs gflitzt— kaerz gsitzt. {Be, Bu, Mt, Mr, Na) Na) Wednesday flitting Short sitting. 705. Wjer S^m'schdaks zikt bleibt net l^ng. {Be, G, D, .Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) Move on Saturday and you will not stay long. Never remove from a house or leave a situation on Satur- day. Ir 2. 115 706. W§,mmer zikt muss mer kt faniie hser schike scliunscht hot mer ken glik. {Be, Bu, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc, 8n, Y; Freiburg) The covins should be sent on ahead of the moving. 707. 4^me zuk gen di kt hinneno'. {C, D, Lb, Lnc; Heidel- berg) The cattle follow the moving. HOMESICKNESS 708- Wgnn ens hem'we hot soil merm en messerschpitze foil grund fume greiz'pad im gSrde in der kaffi du". {C, D, Lh, Lnc, Na, 8n, Y) As much ground taken from a cross-path in the garden as will cover the point of a knife, will cure homesickness when put into coffee. Wenn jemand in die fremde zieht, so soil man ihm, ohne dass er es weiss, kaffee kochen, in den man erde von einem frischen grab getan hat, damit er nicht heimweh bekonune. E Z 4n 709. De weibsleit net mer sg.lz un brot in der nn'nerrok, no grige si ken hemwe. {Mt, Na, Lb, Sc) "Women will not become homesick if you sew salt and bread into their petticoats. "Wer aber in die fremde zieht, nimmt ein stiick hausbrot mit sich, dann ist er unterwegs sicher vor bosen geistern und bleibt in der feme frei von heimweh. Wu 129; cf . Wu 282 710. Wg,nn ens 's hemwe hot, soil mer sei'gledufmache un sglz in di sam nee. (Be, Lnc, Na, 8c, Sn, Y) If a person is homesick, rip some part of his clothing and sew salt into the seam. 711. Wgrnmer ebber un'wissend S9.IZ in der ho'ses§k net grikts ken hemwe. (Be, C, Lb, Lnc, Na, Nu, Sc, Sn, Sew some salt in a man's trouser pocket without his knowing it, and he will not become homesick. 712. So as ens 's hemw8 net grikt soUe di leit wiis dehem is im fl'sglz ins hemm nee. {Be, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sn, Y) If a person gets homesick let some one in the family where the person is staying sew coarse salt (or rock salt) into his shirt. 151 152 PENNSYLVANIA GEBUAN SUPERSTITIONS. 713. Wg-nn ens hemwe hot soil mer gmnd fun de- hem' mitnemme un en tm in der kgffi du". {Be, Bu, C,Mt,Y) Take ground with you from home and put it into your coffee to cure homesickness. 714. Mer soils hemm ausztge un letz S'du", no grikt mer ken hemwe. {Af) To prevent homesickness take off the shirt and put it on again wrong side out. Gegen heimweh schiitzt man sich, wenn man das hemd verkehrt anzieht. W« 408 715. Mer soil der kg,'ffi dserich der schptUumbe seie, no grikt mer ken hemwe. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Mr, Mt, Sc, 8n) To prevent homesickness, strain coffee through a dish cloth. SERVANTS 716. Koch der neie mad der schplUumbe im kS'ffi, no laft si net fsBrt. (C, Mt, Na, 8c, 8n, Y ; Freiburg) Boil the dishcloth in coffee, so that your servant will not leave. 717. Sei der neie mid w§,sser daerich der schptUumbe, no laft si der net fsert. (C, 8c, 8n, Y) Water strained through a dishcloth and given to the new servant to drink will prevent her leaving her new home. 718. Wannd en neii mad grikscht, mach. si grad en emer foil wasser hole. (Lb, Lh, Na, 8c, 8n, Y) Require the new servant girl to fetch a bucket of water immediately on her arrival. Wenn eiae magd neu anzieht, so muss sie vor allem einen eimer wasser holen, dann bleibt sie dem hause treu. Wm403 719. Di nei mad muss grad zum schanschte" nufguke, no grikt si ken hemwe. (Af) The new servant girl must look up the chimney im- mediately on her arrival to prevent homesickness. Die magd gewohnt sich an, wenn sie zum kamin ihres diensthauses hinaufsieht. B M 20 720. Ne der neie mad salz in di gleder, {Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, 8n, Y) Sew some salt into your new servant's clothes. 721. Schab der neie mad fun der direschwell ab un dus re ins esse, no laft si net fsert. {C, Lnc, Mr, 8c, 8n, Y) Put some of the scrapings of the doorsill into your new servant's food, so that she will not become homesick and leave. 153 II • ' • 154 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 722. Wannd en neii mM grikscht schab di disch'eke §,b un dus re ins esse, no laft si net faert. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Nu, Sc, Sn, Y) Scrape the edges of the kitchen table and put the scrapings into the victuals of your new servant girl; then she won't be homesick and leave. 723. Di nei mad sott di bglge zele oBeds wg,nn si ins bett get, no grikt si ken hemwe. (C, Sc) The new servant should count the timbers in her room the first night she sleeps in her new home. 724. Wammer Samschdaks ei''schtet bleibt mer net l9.ng. {C, Sc; Heidelberg) If you hire out and begin work on Saturday you won't stay long. STOCKRAISING AND VETERINARY MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS 725. Wann en kti der i'drich f erlore hot soil mern schpU- lumbe schtele un en re ftdre. {Bu, C, D, Lb, Mr, Nu, Sc, Y) If a cow has indigestion, steal a dishcloth and feed it to her. 726. Wgnn en ku der i'drich ferlore hot soil mer rergets hfge" un en schtik brot schtele uns der ku fldre. {Be, Bu, C, Lh, Lnc, Mt, 8,c, Sn) To cure indigestion [lit. if a cow has lost its cud] in a cow, feed it some bread which you have stolen. 727. W§nn en kii der t'drich ferlore hot soil mer butter- brot fume noch'ber hole xms re fldre alSer mer daerf nix schwetze. (Lnc, Nu; Kaiserslautern) A cow's indigestion may be cured by going to a neighbor's house and in silence getting a piece of bread and butter, which is fed to the cow. 728. Wann en gaul gfaun'dert is, nemm en abbel oder gru'mbir, schneit si in der mitt daerich, dii" drei wischel hor nei" fume ferbaergne blatz un fiders 'm gaul. (Be, Lnc, Na, 8c; Neustadt) Three locks of hair, cut from a person's private parts and placed between the halves of an apple or potato, when fed to the horse, will cure founder (laminitis). 729. Ftder me gaul as gf aundert is en f ei'gschnittni wi'sel- haut. (C, Lnc, Mt, Sc) Cure founder (laminitis) by feeding the horse a weasel's pelt cut fine. 730. H5r fun drei ferborgne bletz nemmt en faunder. {Mt) Hair taken from three private parts of a hiunan being and given to a horse will cure founder (laminitis). Wenn sich eine kuh blaht, nimm drei haare von einer frauen scham und gib sie der kuh ein. Alem 8. 125 155 156 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 731. En gaul mit zwe kl'schlek is ex'trS gut. (C, Mr, Y) A horse with two cowlicks on its head is extra fine. Hat das kind zwei haarwirbel, wird es ein kluger mensch. Z13 732. "W§nn en ku dik waert ni9.cht mer si itJern schtrik oder fens tschnmpe. {Bu, C) Cure tympanitis in a cow by making it jump a rope or a fence. 733. Reibs we eider §,n re ku mit me hunnskopp. {Be, Lnc, Mt, Sc, Y; Kaiser slautern) Cure manitis in a cow by rubbing the udder with a dog's skull. 734. Wg,nn en gaul schpite hot, reibt mern mit me hunns- koppgnoche. {Be, C, Sc) Rub the spavined leg of a horse with a dog's skull. 735. WindggUe gme gaul reibt mer mit me hunnskopp im lekt en no o'Bich di dir im geilsscht§,ll. {D, Lnc, Mr, 8n, Y; Kaiser slautern.) Bub windgalls on a horse with the skull of a dog, then lay it on the doorjamb in the horse stable. 736. Schneider, schneider, sak mer wa mei" ki sin oder ich ropp ders lengscht be" raus. {Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc, 8n) Spider, spider [probably the vine beetle, Lethrus cepha- lotes] tell me where my cows are, or I'll tear off your longest leg. Wenn der hirt den langbein an einem beine halt, so weist das tier mit dem andem bein nach der richtung, wo er sein verlaufenes vieh zu suchen hat. L 330 737. Fer ringbon binnt mern leBen'dichi grot druf bis si dod is. {Lnc, Sn) Tie a living toad on a ringbone and leave it there till dead. Gegen den krebs der brust des weibes hilft eine krote da- rauf gebunden, nachdem man vorher fiber dieselbe das kreuzeszeiehen gemacht hat. V A S 1. 485 STOCKRAISING AND VETEEINABY MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 167 738. Wgnn der schtgll foil schpinneweb xa, is 's fi gsund. (C, D, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu) When the stable is covered with cobwebs the live stock is healthy. Im stalle, in dem spinnen sind, ist das vieh gesund. Z f D M1.236;Z 833 739. Eeib re ku ir gschwoUe eider mit mUich. (Bu) Eub the udder of a cow suffering with mahitis with milk. 740. Wgim en ku en gschwoUe eider hot, soil di melkern 's eider reibe. mit me wolkie im'nerrok {Be, Bu, B, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, 8c, Sn) oder mit em nn'- nerroksSm. (D, Mr, Na) To cure manitis, rub the udder with a woolen petticoat or the hem of the petticoat. Lasse der kuh ein weibsbild mit dem letzten teil des rockes iiber das geschwoUene eiter (einer kuh) fahren, so wird die geschwulst naehlassen, wenn sie noch nicht iiberhand genommen hat. Alem 11. 93 741. Bassem haut is gut fer kumetbloder. {Lh) The pelt of the oppossum cures coUargall. Am kummet befestigt man gegen hexen ein dachsfell. Wu 452 742. Fer ku'metbloder dii'' en wis'selhaut u'nichs kumet. Be, Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sc, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) To cure coUargall fasten the pelt of a weasel on the collar. 743. En kalb as mer uf'zige will, soil mer juscht nein ims gn der ku saufe losse. {Sc) A calf which is to be raised should suck the cow only three days [lit. nine meals]. 744. En kglb ^s mer uf'zige will, biant mer i" drei d&k fer folUicht. {Be,Lh,Mr,Y) Wean a calf three days before full moon. Kalber miissen bei voUmond entwohnt werden, oder bei zunehmendem. Wu 443 158 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 745. 'S erscht fealb fume rind ztkt mer net uf, mer fer- k&fts. {Af) The first calf dropped by a cow should not be raised, it should be sold. Das erstgeborene kalb einer jungen kuh (farsenkalb) darf nicht geziichtet werden, weil jede erstgeburt zur zucht untauglich ist. B 8 33, p. 127 746. Eeib kol'el un fett uf all di sei so as si net fechte wgnnd en fremmi ziine in der sehtall duscht. (Sn) Grease all the pigs with coal oil and fat upon putting a strange pig into their pen, to prevent them from fighting. 747. Sei fechte net w^mmer si §11 mit kol'el schmtrt. (2), Nu, 8n) Pigs will not fight if all of them are greased with coal oil. 748. Mer schmtrt all di sei mit brg,n'dewei" oder daer w§m- mern neii zune in der schtall dut. {D, Lb, Mt, Nu, Sc, Sn) Rub whisky or tar on the backs of all the pigs when putting an additional pig into their pen. Wird zur kuh ein fremdes kalb gebunden, so streicht man die mauler beider mit branntwein, dann gewohnen sie sich an einander. Alem 20. 282 749. Wammem sau zu annere in der sem scht§,ll dut, muss mer si mit daerbedt'n schmire, no kenne si di fremm net fun de annere kenne. (Af) Pigs will not be able to distinguish the additional pig put into their pen if turpentine is put on the backs of all of them. 750. Wammem neii ku grikt soil mer, eb mer si zu de annere dut, all de kt en wischel hor fun der schtsern zwische de haerner abschneide, no fechte di kt net. (Be, Na, 8c, Y) Before driving the newly purchased cow into the herd cut a tuft of hair from the head of each animal, between the horns, and the newcomer will not be homed by the rest. ST0CKBAISIN6 AND VETERINARY MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 159 Man schneidet der kuh zwischen den ohren einen biischel haare ab und vergrabt ihn vor die stalltiir, so gewohnt sie sich ans haus. Wu 439 751. W«r sei" ft erscht fidert di nei'jornacht hots schenscht fi sell jor. (Be, Lh, Lnc, Mr) "Who feeds his stock first on New Year's night has the sleekest animals all year. Merkwiirdig ist, dasz seit uralter zeit der glaube lebt, das futter, welches nach der [Karfreitags] naehmittemachts- stunde, je balder, desto besser, dem vieh gegeben wird, dasz das besondere kraft gebe. In der Saulgauer gegend standen die leute oft schon um 2 uhr auf. Wer jetzt noch zuerst erwacht, muss in den stall. A 8 1. 387 752. Wammern kii druke schte" losst, melkt mer si 's letscht mol uf der bo'dem, (C, Lb, Na, Sc) The last time a cow is milked before going dry she should be milked on the ground. 753. Wammern kii druke schte" will losse melkt mer si 's letscht mol Sunndaks. (Be, C, Lh, Lh, Lnc, Na, 8n, Y) To dry up a cow she should be milked the last time on Sunday. Eine abgemolkene kuh lasst man Sonntags trocken stehen. Wu 447 764. En mannskaerl soil en rind 's erscht mol melke n5 schlakts rind noch'hier net. {Be, Bu, D, Lh, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc; Heidelberg) To prevent a heifer from kicking during milking, it should be milked the first time by a man. 755, Wann en kii blii'tichi mi'lich gebt melkt mer di milich dserich der jut fun re sau. {Lh, Na) If a cow gives bloody milk, milk it through the atlas bone of a pig. Man milkt die milch durch eine schweinsblase. Wu 445 160 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 756. Wann en os'fogel ifter di scheier flikt gebts d5d fl. {D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Y) If a turkey buzzard flies over a bam some of the cattle will die. Wenn die raben fiber ein haus fliegen und schreien, so stirbt eins aus demselben. Alem 19. 166 757. Wsminer di junge sei im Leb fua der 16s dut greische si wlscht. (Be) If pigs are weaned in the sign of Leo they will squeal con- stantly. 758. Wgmmer ft schlacht, daerf mers net dauere oders get lang net dod. (Af) If you pity an animal which is being slaughtered, it will die hard. Wenn man ein vieh, das geschlachtet wird, beklaget, so kann es nicht ersterben. Q B 561 759. Wammern ges'bok halt ferdrage di ki net. {Be, Bu, Mt; Freiburg) A billy-goat on a farm prevents cows from miscarrying. It is still a generally received opinion that a goat kept about an inn or farmstead is not only conducive to the health of the other domestic animals, but also brings good luck to the owner. Den 2. 75 760. Di schtell dserf mer net mischte obeds noch sunn- un'nergang oder maergets fer sxinnuf'g§,ng, schunscht nemmt merm fi 's glik. (Be, C, Lh, Lnc) Cattle will not thrive if their stalls are cleaned before sun- rise or after sunset. Man muss es vor sonnenaufgang und nach sonnenunter- gang besorgen. Hlhg. To clean a stable after dusk brings ill luck. V 8 L 2. 150 761. Wammern schei'erschwalm dotmgcht gebe di ki blut'- ichi mi'lich. (Be, Bu, D, Lh, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, Sn,7) Kill a barn swallow and the cows will give bloody milk. STOCKBAISING AND VETERINARY MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 161 Wenn man eine schwalbe totet odef fort treibt, geben die kiihe rote milch nind man hat ungllick mit dem vieh. Z744 If a robin or swallow is killed the farmer will be punished with bloody milk from his cows. V S L 2. 203 762. Di ki gelSe a roti milich wammern grot dotmacht. (Be, Bu, C, Na, 8c, Sn) The cows will also give bloody milk if you kill a toad. 763. Ft wsert daerr oder grikt gelwg-sser wammers mit weide h§kt. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, Sc, Sn) If you strike cattle or horses with a willow wand they will emaciate or have oedema. Das vieh soil nie mit einer weidenrute geschlagen werden. Alem 20. 282 Mit einem geschalten stecken schlage man weder vieh noch menschen, denn was damit geschlagen wird, muss verdorren. G 3. 416. 764. Me k§,lb schneit mer hor fum schwanz ab un ftdert si der ku, no blaerrt si net. {Lnc, Nu) A cow will not low if it is fed with the hair cut from the tip of the calf's tail. Soil ein kalb entwohnt werden, so schneidet man ihm ein biischel haare von der stirn und gibt es der kuh unter das fressen, so briillt sie dem kalbe nicht nach. Wu 443 Hair cut off a calf's tail and put in the cow's ear makes her forget the calf when it is taken from her. V S L 2. 401 765. Fun de hor fum kalb seinre schtsern abgeschnitte un der kii gfidert mgcht as di kii ken hemwe grikt. (P, Lnc, Na, Nu, Sn, Y) A cow will not miss her calf if it is fed with a tuft of hair cut from the front of the calf's head. Soil ein kalb entwohnt werden, so schneidet man ihm ein biischel haare von der stirn und gibt es der kuh unter das fressen, so briillt sie dem kalb nich nach. Wu 443 162 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPEESTITIONS. 766. Wxr schwserze k&tze hot, hot glik mit de geil. (Be ; Heidelberg) Black cats bring luck to horses. 767. Freidaks soil mer ken geilschtell ausmischte. {Be, Lnc, Sc, Y) Horse stables must not be cleaned on Friday. Am Freitag darf man nicht mist ausfahren. Wu 61 768. Zwillingskelfeer fun en're ssert zikt mer uf, ^ter net wann si net ^Ue zwe bul'lekelCer oder §.lle zwe kt- kelber sin. {Lh, Lnc, Mr, 8c, Y) Raise twin calves if they are both of the same sex, but not if they are of different sex. Zwillingsvieh ist gliickbringend und wird hoch bezahlt. Wu 434 When twin calves are bom they may be both perfect bull or perfect cow calves. When one is a bull calf and the other is a cow calf, the latter in general will not breed from malformation of the genital organs. V 8 L 2. 624 769. Me lame gaul biimt mer halbergaul urns be' no gebts wider en ggnzer gaul. {Bu; Freiburg) Cure lameness in a horse by tying dock {Bumex crispm) roimd the lame leg. 770. Wann en kii der wolf im schwanz hot, schlitzt mem uf un dut sals un peffer nei' (Af) un rus {C, 8c) un binnt der schwanz wider zii. (Freiburg) If a cow has "wolf" in the tail, make an incision into the tail, put salt and pepper and soot in it, then bandage it up. Worm in the tail is a sort of imaginary disease wonder- fully common in homed cattle, to cure which the general fashion is to make in it a perpendicular incision near to the end, and to rub therein a composition of salt, soot, tar, turpentine and garlic, tightly enveloping all with a rag and cord. Den 2. 66 STOCKRAISINQ AND VETEBINAEY MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 163 771. Wgnn en ku der wi'derferkau ferltrt hot si hole haer- ner un der wolf im schwgnz. No bort mer en loch in jeder hsern un schtritzt fun ire egne milich nei". Wanns haern net blut is si schlimm grgnk. No schlitzt mer der schwanz uf und dut salz, oder sglz un peffer, oder rus uf der schwanz un binnts zu. No maeht mern bgUe fun holler oder fum gfusser wu sich in willne gleder sgmmelt un schibt en der hals nunner. Sell gebt re der I'drich. Oder mer schitt re salzwasser in di ore. {Af) When a cow has indigestion, she has "hollow horns" and ' ' wolf in the tail. ' ' Bore a hole into each horn and inject some of the cow's milk into it. If there is no bleeding, she is seriously sick. Lance the tail and put salt, or salt and pepper, or soot on the bony part of the tail, and bandage it. Make a ball of elder bark or of the fuzz which collects in woolen clothing and make her swallow it by pushing it down her throat. Or pour salt water into her ears. This will restore the cud, i. e. cure the in- digestion. 772. Wann en ku der wi'derferkau ferltrt, hot si hole hser- ner un der wolf im schwanz. N5 bort mern loch in jeder hsern un schtritzt fun tre egne mi'lich nei". Wgnns horn net bliit is si schlimm grank. N5 mg,eht mern bg-Ue fun holler rinn un schtbts re der hals nunner. (Af) When a cow has indigestion it has "hollow horns" and "wolf in the tail." Bore a hole into each horn and in- ject some of the cow's milk into it. If there is no bleeding, the cow is seriously sick. Make a ball from the bark of the elder bush and push it down her throat. Bohre ein loch in das horn, das hohl ist, und melke von der namlichen kuh milch imd spritze sie in das horn. Dies ist die allerbeste kur fiir hohle kuhhomer. Hoh p. 36 773. Wgnn en schtik ft der i'drich ferlore hot, schmirt mern schtik butterbrot un dut en zwi'Bel druf . Sell schibt mer no der kii der h^ls nuimer. {Be) ct 164 PENNSTLVANU GERMAN SUPEBSTITIONS. To cure indigestion in cattle, make an onion sandwich and push it down the cow's throat. Der kuh gibt man nach dem kalben butterbrot, mit kreide und safran bestrichen, zu fressen, dann gibt sie gute milch. Wu 443 774. Schtel en schptUumbe un wi'kel en me l&me gaul urns bg~. {C,D,Mr,Mt,Sc,Y) Steal a dishcloth and tie it roimd the horse's lame leg. 775. Schtel me weibsmensch der schserzbendel mi binn en em gaul ums be' wu er ferrenkt hot. (Be, Na, T; Heidelberg) Tie a stolen apron string round the sprained leg of the horse.'' 776. Me Ifime gaul binnt mern gschtolner sg'kbendel fume flaur'sg,k ums be". {Be, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, 8c, Sn) Tie a string, which has been stolen from a flour bag, round the leg of the lame horse. Ein gestohlenes band vom mehlsack gilt fiir heilsam. 6 2. 952 777. Ftder de sei ho'lzkole, no bleibe si gsund. {Af) Feed charcoal to pigs to keep them healthy. [This is a direct survival of the old Germanic heathendom. Cf. Oolther, Mythol. 575-6; also Alem. 20.283.] 778. Di seicher dut mer S9.'mschd§,ks fun der 16s, no roUt si wider glei. {Be, D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, 8n, Y) , -If pigs are weaned on Saturday the sow will come in heat sooner. Donnerstags Elbg. 779. Wann leit geblokt sin g,s kelber zu frt kumme, grSbt mer ens defu'n unner di scht^Udlr, no kumme si recht. {Bu, Lh, Lnc, Sc) If you are troubled with calves being born too soon bury one under the stable door and they will come at the right time. STOCKBAISINQ AND VETEEINABT MEDICAL SITPEBSTITIONS. 165 780. Wann en ku der wi'derferka f erlore hot gebt mer re sauerdek. (Be, Lnc, 8c, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) When a cow has indigestion feed it old fashioned yeast. 781. Ringbon f erget wammern lelSen'dichi grot druf binnt bis si dod is. {Lnc, Sc) Tie a live toad on a ringbone and keep it there tiU it dies. 782. Wann en ku Mittwochs kglbt daerf mers kalb net nf- zige mitau's mer schneit em k§lb en schtik fum or §,b, schmeissts wek un sSkt: do, Mittwoch, hoscht dei" sgch. (Be) A calf born on Wednesday must not be raised unless you cut off a piece of the calf's ear and throw it away, saying: here, Wednesday, is your share. Die, die Mittwoche auf die welt kommen, bleiben nicht lange leben. Hlbg. 783. En bull daerf en kii juscht dreimol tscliumpe, schunscht ferdr§,kt si. (Bu, Mt; Freiburg) If a cow is covered more than three times she will abort. 784. Wann en kii fermacht, schneit mer re di hor an der desch §,b un schitt re si ei", no ferdrakt si nimmi. {Lh, Lnc, Sn, Y ; Freiburg) If a cow aborts, cut off her vaginal hair and give them to her internally. 785. W§,nn lose nimmi rollich waerre soUe, nagelt mer en alter kupperner bens in der drok. {Sn, Y) Nail an old copper penny into the pig's trough to prevent cestruation of the sows. 786. Schitt re schpi'liche los sefich wg,sser ei", sell schtopts. {Be, Lb, Lh, Na, Sn) To stop cestrus in a sow give it some soapy water. 787. Nggel de sei kupper in der dr5k, no waerre si net rol- lich. {C,8c,8n) Copper nailed in the pig's trough wiU prevent cestruation. 166 PENNSYLVANIA QEBMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 788. Wann en l5s schpilich waert, schitt re 's sefew9,sser fum bglBire ua di hor gs mer sich im bglMre g,b- schneit ei", oder mer gebts re im saufe. {Af) "When a sow comes in oestrum give it the soapy water and the lather after shaving, either directly or in its food. 789. So as en sau nimmi roUt duseht pS.r schrot mit re hoUerflint daerich di fotz in der dr§,ks§k. (C, Lh, 8c) To prevent oestration in sows insert, hy means of a elder popgun, several shot per vaginam into the uterus. 790. So as en los nimmi roUt dut mer pHr schrot in ir drak- sak mit re hoUerflint. (C, Lh, 8c, T; Heidelberg) To prevent oestruation in sows insert, by means of a blow- gun made of elder wood, a few shot into its uterus. 791. Me gaul en ku'metbloder zu f erdreifte, waerm di hgnd an deim gemech un schtreich di bloder no mit sellre hgnd. (Be) To cure coUargall warm your hand on your exterior geni- tals and with that hand rub the sore. 792. Fer kumetbloder am gaul. Der mann as schtri'gelt soil sei"" hand an^eim sekel waerme un si no uf di kumetbloder hebe bis si ab'gekllt is. Des muss er drei maerge hinnich nanner no du". (Be, Lh, Lnc, Na, 8c) To cure coUargall. The man who curries the horse should warm his hand on his penis and hold it on the collar gall until the hand has cooled off. This should be done three mornings in succession. 793. Wgnn en gaul en ku'metbloder hot, reib si mit deim egne geme'ch. (Be, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, 8c; Kaisers- lautern) Cure coUargall in horses by rubbing your privates on it. 794. Wg,nn en gelser um'g§,ng k§t hot mit seinre f rl, f erre'kt em alles as er schneit der ngkscht dS,k. (Be, Lh, Mr, Mt; Heidelberg) STOCKRAISING AND VETERINARY MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 167 If a gelder had intercourse with his wife, every animal that he unsexes next day will die. 795. Schitt me gaul gs gfaun'dert is me weibsmensch Ir blitz ei". (C, 8c; Kaiserslautern) To cure founder in a horse give it human menstrual dis- charges. 796. Ftdre kii §s net dri'gend bleibt du'libiine blotter. {Bu; Heidelberg) If a cow does not stay fertile, feed her tulip leaves (TuMpa Oesneriana). 191. Warm en kii sich net butze kann noch 'm kalbe, muss mer re brot ftdre. {Be, Lh) If a cow retains the afterbirth feed her some bread. Wenn eine kuh sich nach dem kalben nicht reinigen kann, so gibt man ihr sieben nuszsattel und brot. Wu 443 798. Wgnn en ku net dr&gich bleibt f tdert mer re di/ schale fun aus'gebrite oier. {Be, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sc; Heidelberg) If a cow does not stay fertile feed her the shells of in- cubated eggs. 799. Wann en gaul gfaun'dert is, nemm en frischer menschedrek, wikel en in en willner lumbe un diin um gaul sei~ gebi'ss, {Af) To cure founder (laminitis) wrap human feces in a woolen rag and tie it to the horse 's bit. Wider die rehe, nimm dem pferd seinen zaum imd ziehe das gebiss durch menschenkot, zaume das pferd damit auf und hebe ihm die nasenlocher zu bis er niesen muss. Eo p. 85 ; cf . Alem 20. 282 800. Wgnn en kii dik is schmirt mern schtro'sel mit daer un schlbts der kii ins maul, {Af) Cover a strawband with tar and force it into the cow's mouth, to cure her of tympanitis. 168 PENNSYtiVANU. GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Um der aufblahving des viehes vom klee zu helfen, nimmt man ein strohseil tind taucht den knopf davon in teer und steckt dem kranken vieh den geteerten knopf ins maul und bindet das sell hintei" den homern zusammen. Ho p. 129; at Z fDMi. 116 801. Warm en ku f erdrg,kt f ergrSbt mers k§,lb aus'ewennich am kischt&U an der dtr xm'ich der dg,chdraps wii di ki driver lafe misse. {Be, Bu, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, 8c, Sn,Y) "When a cow aborts bury the dead-born calf under the barn eaves just outside the cow stable door. Dies erepierte bald, es wurde imter der stalltiire vergraben, und der viehfall unterblieb von da an. J O A 3. 15. Wenn dem bauer ein fiillen oder kalb zu wiederholten malen fallt, so vergrabt ers im garten. 3. 838 Ein totenkopf im pferdestall vergraben gibt den pferden gedeihen. G 3. 815 The untimely calf is carefully buried beneath the thres- hold of the cow-byre, the admitted object being to avert a like disaster. C F T 2. 68 802. Fer re'ichket, bruns me gaul ufs fuder. {Be, Na, 8c, Y) To cure founder from overfeeding urinate on the horse's fodder. Wenn ein pferd zur rehe ist, so schneide man dem pferde von alien vier fiissen kreuzweise von den warzen, die es inwendig imter den knien hat, tue es zusammen in dei- nem urin und giesse ihm solches in die ohren. Ho p. 86 803. W§,nn en gaul di ko'lik hot oders wasser net m^che k§nn, loss en kel'leresel em gaul der bibs nufgr§,dle. {Bu) To cure colic or retention of urine in a horse, let a wood- louse crawl up the horse's sheath. Wenn ein pferd nicht stallen kann, nimm drei lause von einem knaben, der unter 7 jahren alt ist, und stecke sie dem pferde in den schlauch. Ho p. 84 STOCKEAISING AND VETERINARY MKDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 169 804. Reib schpate ame gaul mit me ganze gnoche. (Af) Rub the spavined leg of a horse with a whole bone. Du nimmst einen knochen, wo du ihn findest, darfst ihn aber nicht suchen, und reibst damit dem pferde das gewachs; es muss aber im abnehmenden licht geschehen. Das gewachs wird alsdann gewiss vergehen. Lege aber den knochen wieder, wie er gelegen. Hoh p. 38 805. W§,nn en kH dik is schitt re mischtbrt ei". (La, Na, Sc,Y) To cure tympanitis in a cow give it manure drainings. Einige nehmen 1 peint starkes mistwasser und schlitten solches dem aufgeblahten vieh ein. Ho p. 129 806. W9.nn en kii dik is schtecht mer si. (Be, Lh, Mt) Puncture a bloated cow, i. e., if she has tympanitis. In den wannst stechen ist das sicherste mittel fiir auf- blahung. Ho p. 130 807. Fer hiBs ame gaul, schitt em wasser ei" fun wescli §,s fun der blitz fersaut is. (Sc, Y) Give a heavy horse water in which menstruous cloths have been washed. Fiir rehe ross oder rindvieh: nimm ein hemd oder leilach von einer frau an, welche ihre monatliche zeit hat, leg' selbiges ins frische wasser, lass selbiges von dem wasser trinken. AMI. 18 808. En ku brillt net fer ir kglb wg.mmer fum kalb seine hor am schwanz abschneit un binnt si der kii in di kett." (Bu) Dock the calf's tail and tie it into the cow's chain to pre- vent the cow from lowing for her calf. 809. Sehneid em kalb di horwserbel ab uf em greitz, fahne uf em bu'kel uf de schuldre, un zwische de ore un fider si der ku no brillt si net fer Ir kglb. (Lh, Lnc, Nu, Sc, 8n, Y) Cut the cowlicks from the calf's spine, shoulder blades and between the ears; feed them to the cow to prevent homesickness for the calf. 170 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Verkauft man ein kalb, soil man demselben mit cinem wisch haar iiber den riicken hinabfahren, diesen wisch der kuh zu fressen geben, so bekommt sie keine langweil nach dem kalb. Y .4 SI. 121 810. Wammern kglb hin'nerscMch di dir naus dut un sSkt : ich geb dem sent so gs der dei" mutter net no blaerrt, dut si §. net. (Be, Lh, Mr, Sc) A cow will not low for its calf if when backing the calf out of the stable you say: I'll give you a cent, so that your mother will not become homesick for you. Man gibt dem kalb gekautes brot uad spricht: "hier, kalb, ist dein f utter, vergiss deine mutter." Wu 443 811. KSfte sei dut mer hin'nerscMch in der schtall. (Be, C, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, Sc, Sn, Y) Newly purchased pigs should be backed into the sty. Die schweine werden beim kaufe riickwarts in den sack gesteckt. Alem 20. 283 812. IlSerm geilschtall aus'butze soil mer a'chtgeBe as ken schpin'neweb in der geilsdrok falle schunscht fer- gifts di geU. (Be, Lh, Lnc, Mt; Niirdingen) In cleaning the horse stable take care that no cobwebs fall into the manger, for it will poison the horses. 813. Wgnn di ki ken milich getJe, schtet mer maer'gets uf, schwetzt nix, get naus in der kischtall, melkt di kt un schitt di milich no ins bri'bi (Lh), ins feier (Lb). No gefie di kt wider milich. If the flow of milk in cows is scant, get up early and before having spoken a word to any one milk the cows and pour the milk into the privy or fire. Ist die milch blau, giesst man sie mehrmals in den abort; sie wird dann fiir die hexen nutzlos und diese dadnrcb vertrieben. Alem 20. 283 814. En Mittwochskglb ztkt mer juscht so giit net nf, *s gebt en'ihau nix draus. (Be, C, D, Lh, Mr, Na, 8c, Sn,T) STOCKRAISING AND VETBRINABT MEDICAL StTPEBSTITIONS. 171 Calves born on Wednesday should not be raised, they won't turn out well. Kalber, die an einem Mittwoch geboren werden, sollen schnell zu grunde gehen. Z f D M 1. 238; Alem. 20. 282; G3. 127 815. W&mmere ku 's kalb nemmt muss mer der schaerz un'ich di dir schmeise, no gfrikt si 's hemwe net. {JBe, Bu, Lh) When taking the calf from the cow, throw an apron over the sill of the stable door and the cow will not become homesick for its calf. Man breitet in Baden einen schurz auf den boden, filhrt die kuh hiniiber, wenn sie heimweh nach ihrem friiheren stalle hat. M P 7 213 816. 'S kg,lb muss mer hin'nerschich di dir naus du" un in em o'chtem, no blaerrt di ku net. {Af) If you baok the calf out of the stable while holding your breath, the cow wiU not low for its calf. Die kuh wird schweigend imd mit zuriickgehaltenem atem in den stall gefiihrt, so schreit sie dann nicht. Wu 439 817. "Wg,mmern kglb gb'gewene will, dut mers hin'nerschich zu der dir naus, no brillt di ku net. {Af) When ready to wean a calf, back it out of the stable and the cow will not low fqr it. 818. Wgrnmern kglb ferkSft muss mers hin'nerschich di dir naus dii'', no brillt di ku net. {Af) The calf which has been sold should be backed out of the stable, so that the cow will not low for it. Verkauft maji ein kalb, so zieht man es verkehrt aus dem stall. MBV 21Z 819. Mer henkt me kglb sei" h9^1sbg,nd der kii ins ref, no blaerrt di ku net wammers k^lb ferk&ft. {Be, Bu, D, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) If you hang the calf's collar on the hay rack in the cow stable the cow will not low for its calf. 172 STOCKBAISING AND yETERINABT MEDICAL SUWIBSTITIONS. 820. Wsmmers kalb ferkSft, binnt merm k&lb sei' hg,ls- b&nd der ku in di kett, no grikt di kus hemwS net. {Lh, Lnc, Mt, Y) If the calf's collar is fastened to the cow's chain the cow will not be homesick for its calf. Verkauft man ein kalb, so zieht man es verkehrt aus dem stall imd wickelt dessen strick der mutter zur trostung •am die homer. M DV 213 821. Wgrnmern neii kii grikt soil mer re fun de bg,ngs gbschneide, di zottle fume schptUumbe ferschneide, un des no all in re pann mixe uns di ku no aus der p§,nn f resse losse, no grikt si ken hemwe. {Lnc, 8n, Y; Ettlingen) Cut oflf the foretop of the newly purchased cow, cut up the shreds of a dishcloth, put all into a pan and mix it. Let the cow eat this and she will not become homesick. 822. Bi'ssk§,tzegraut is gut fer leis. (Mr, Sc; Kaisers- lautern) Skunkcabbage (symplocarpus foetidus) is a good remedy for lice. 823. Wann en ku nix wi bu'Uekelber drakt, f ergrfibt mer Ir butzich (oder butzing) g,n en gb'belbSm, so grikt si kikelber. (Lh, Sc) If a cow drops nothing but bull calves, bury the afterbirth under an apple-tree and she will bear heifer calves. Dass eine kuh kein stier- sondern ein kuhkalb bringt, nimm ihre reinigung, wenn sie kalbert, und grabe sie unter einen apfelbaum, so tragt sie ein kuhkalb. A M l.U;BM19 824. W§nn en rind en k§,lb grikt reibscht em rind di butz dreimol ilSers greitz, no sclil8,kts net wgmmers melkt. (Be, Lh, Mt, Sn) When a heifer drops its first calf, rub the placenta three times over the heifer's spine and it will never kick during milking. STOCKEAISING AND VETERINARY MEDICAL, SUPERSTITIONS. 173 825. Wftnn en ku blu'tichi mi'lich gebt schitt mer si in en scht&keloch un schtekt der schtfike n6 wider gn sei" blgtz. {Be, Lnc, Sn; Lustnau) If a cow gives bloody milk, pull out one of the cross stakes of a worm fence, pour the milk into it and replace the stake. 826. W&nnd en ku kSfscht lek der schtok (C, Na, Sc) oder en'ichi wip {D, Sc, 8n) wud di ku gedri'be hoscht mit in'newennich gn di dt'resohwell un loss di ku drtber l&f e, no grikt si ders hemwe net. Place the stick or the whip, with which you drove your newly purchased cow, inside the door along the sill, and your cow will not be homesick. Ein stecken wird quer iiber den eingang gelegt, so dass der ochs iiber diesen hinwegschreiten muss. Alem 8. 125 827. Di nei ku grikts hemwe net wgnnd en scbte" mit'- nemmscht wud si kSft hoscht un en der ku in der drok schmeischt. (C, Lnc, Mt, Sc, Sn) A cow will not be homesick if you take with you a stone from the place where you bought the cow and place it in the manger. 828. Wgnnd en kii kafscht, musscht der schtok wild si gdriBe hoscht mit, hinnich di ku schtelle, no grikt di ku 's hemwe net. {Be, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, Sc, Y) A cow will not become homesick if you place the stick, with which you drove the cow, behind her. 829. Henk en hunnskopp in der ktschtgll, no ferdr&ge di kinet. {Mt) To prevent abortion in cows, hang a dog's skull in the cow stable. 830. Di kt ferdr&ge net wgmmern rin'nsggU in der kl- schtsU henkt. {Be, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc, Y ; Heidelberg) Cows will not abort if a bovine gallsac is hung in the cow stable. 174 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 831. Eeib en ku'metbloder mit me schte" un f ergr&tJ en n6 in flisend wg,8ser. (D, Lh, 8c, 8n; Kaiserslmtern) Eub a collargall with a stone and bury the stone in the bed of a stream. 832. Wann en ku ferdra'kt ng,gelt mern alter kuj^erner sent in der drok. {Be, D. Lnc, T) If a cow aborts, nail an old copper penny into its trough. Altes eisen an den trog gehangt Hlbg. 833. Dii%ks ribbe in der sei'schtgU gedu" ferdreiBe sei- leis. (Mt, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) Eibs of tobacco, placed in the pigsty, will drive out lice. 834. S&B'sefrg,s ferdreibt di leis im seischtg,!!. (C, D, Na, Nu, 8c, Sn) Sassafras {Sassafras officinalis) will drive out lice in the pigsty. 835. WoUebletter in der seisclitg.ll kenkt ferdreifte seileis. Be, Bu, Mr, Mt, 8^) Put mullein leaves {Verhascum thapsus) into the pigsty to drive out lice. 836. W^mmern kglb a-binnt muss mer s&ge: Do, Kun- schali'ler, sauf. {Lh, Lh, Mr, Na) When you wean a calf, say: Here, constable, drink. Der anbindende soil selbst dabei trinken, wenn das kalb angebunden wird. Swab 837. Wgnn en kii 's milichf iter hot -wescht mer sich di hend mit ire milieli un no schtreicht mer di ku der lange wek am leib naus gr&d fum eider wek. {Be, Bu, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) To cure garget, wash your hands with the cow's milk and then pass the hand along its belly, starting from the udder. 838. W9.nn en schtik ft uf di welt kummt soil merm en schtik fun seim 5r abschneide un sS,ge: do, Mitt- woch, hoscht dei" sach. {Lh, Lh, Mt, 8c) STOOKRAISING AND VETERINARY MEDICAL SUPERSTITXONa 175 Cut off a part of the ear of a calf born on Wednesday and throw it away, saying: "Here, Wednesday, take your share." Was Mittwochs auf die welt kommt, ist nichts nutz. Hlbg. 839. Wgmmer aergets seicher h5lt muss mer recht schtaerik f Sre un net unnerwe'ks schtope, no schtope di seicher net wSxe. {Be, Lh, Lnc, 8c) When fetching shoats from any place, drive very fast and do not stop on the way, so that the growth of the (little) pigs will not be interrupted. Man soil nicht stark fahren. Hlig. 840. Wammer sei Samschdaks holt hot mer ken glik mit. (C) If you fetch pigs on Saturday they will not thrive. 841. Wammer di ki 's grschtmol in di wet dut, s5kt mer: "fress net wi en wolf," no waerre si net dik, {Be, Bu, Lh, Lh, Mr, Na, 8c; Kaiser slautern) To prevent cows from having tympanitis when taken to pasture for the first time, you should say: do not eat like a wolf. 842. Fern gschwoUe eider, weschs mit te §.8 fun junge weide gemacht is. {Lnc, 8n) Reduce the swelling of the udder by bathing it with tea made of willow shoots. von allerhand wiesenkrauter. Hlig. 843. Jimge schof dut mer Sunnd^ks fum mu'tterschof , no gebts jung schof wider en mutterschof. {Na; Hei- delberg) If lambs are weaned on Sunday they will become brood- ewes. 844. Disem'ber sei bleiBe gle~ un grutzich. {Be, D, Lh, 8c; Heidelberg) Pigs bom in December will not grow large. 176 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPEBSTITIONS. 845. Wammer aergets junge sei h5lt tin schtopt xif em h§m- wek get ens defu'n dod. (Be, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, 8c, 8n; Heidelberg) When fetching shoats never stop on the way home, one of them is sure to die if you do. 846. Ftdre ku gs der i'drich ferlore hot 's gfusser in gleder. (C, Na, Sc; Kaisersldutern) To cure indigestion in a cow feed it the fuzz collected in clothes. 847. Wgnn en kii der i'drich f erl5re hot, ft'derscht re saner- grant Oder m9,krel. (C, Na, Sc; Freiburg) To cure indigestion in a cow give her some mackerel or sauerkraut. MILK AND BUTTEE 848. Wgnnde butter drescht, dre jusclit e"wek sctimscht drescht en wider uf. {Af; Heidelberg) "When making butter, turn the crank in only one direction, or you will undo it. 849. "Wammer g,m butter dree is un er will net zg,nime ge", soil mer s&ge : Butter, butter, butter dich, 'S is ken aer'geri hex wt ich. {Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc) If butter is slow in coming, say : Butter, butter, come. There 's no greater witch than I. Come, butter, come. Come, butter, come, Peter 's waiting at the gate Waiting for a buttered cake. Come, butter, come. E 67 850. Wammer butter dret, soil mer sSge: "butter, butter, grimmel dicb," no get er gschwinder z^mme. {Be, Bu, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Nu, 8c; Heidelberg) When churning butter, it will come sooner if you say: butter, butter, come. 851. Wann der butter net zamme ge" will, soil mem but- schermesser nei" renne. {Be, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Sc, 8n, Y) If butter won't come, jab the milk with a butcher knife. Ein weib, das butter riihren will, soil ein dreikreuziges messer ans fass stecken, so gerat die butter. G 3. 70 852. Wann di mil'ich ferhext is as mer ken butter dree kann, soil mer mit em mi'schthoke nei" ge". {Be) If milk is bewitched so that butter won't come in churning, put the dimg hook into the mUk. 177 178 PENNSYLVANIA GBBMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Man macht die mistgabel gluhend und traufelt etwas Ton der milch aus dem fass kreuzweise darauf uad steckt die gliihende gabel ins fass, nimmt sie dann herans und buttert, alles aber schweigend, so kommt die hexe und bittet um einlass. Wu 449 853. Warm di hexe im butterfgss sin soil mem gUdich else nei" du", sell dreibt si aus. (Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Na, 8c) If the butter won't come, the milk is bewitched. To drive out the witches, put red hot iron into the chum. Wenn beim buttermachen die milch lange nicht bricht, nehme man einen kiichelspiess, mache ihn gliihend und stosse ihn in den butterkiibel. 6eschieht das, wird die hexe damit gebrannt und die milch bricht. Z 554 At the present day the good housewife puts a hot iron into the cream during the process of churning to expel the witch from the churn. D Y 170 854. Wann di mil'ich ferhext is muss mer di flint lade mit silBergeld an'schtgtt schrot un no in di milich schisse. (Be, Lh, Sc) Shoot a charge of silver coin instead of shot into bewitched milk and the witch will disappear. Eine hexe kann man nur verwunden, wenn man mit einem stiick erbsilber oder einem geldstiick schiesst. Wu 160 Silver is always considered an antidote against witchcraft. C F Nu^. 54 855. Wann di mil'ich ferhext is muss mer si f erschneide un ins feier schitte un ferbrenne. (Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Nu, 8c, 8n) Cut bewitched milk with a knife, pour it into the fire and bum it. Sind kiihe und milch behext, so sticht und hackt man mit messem, gabeln usw. in die milch. Wu 284 856. Ferhexti mil'ich schlakt mer mit weisdaerne, sell schlecht di hexe raus. (Be) Drive witches out of milk by beating it with hawthorn. Man hackt sie mit der siehel. El MILK AND BUTTEB. 179 857. W§.nn di hexe im butterfgss sin schtsst mer nei' mit der schrotflint. {Be, Lnc, Na; Kaiserslautern) When witches infest the chum shoot into it with a shot- gvin. 858. Wgnn di mil'ich ferhext is dut mer si in en pann uf der ofe irn schtecht nei", no get di hex raus. (C, Na) Put bewitched milk into a pan, set it on the stove and thrust a knife or fork into it. Bote milch einer behexten kuh muss kochend mit ruten ge- peitscht werden. Der schmerz zwingt die hexe sich zu melden und die kuh zu heilen. O 3. 540 859. En ku wu blut'ichi mil'ich gebt is ferhext. {Af) Bloody milk indicates a bewitched cow. Eote milch einer behexten kuh muss kochend mit ruten gepeitscht werden. 6? 3. 540 860. W9.mmer der butter net zammedrge kann, sin di hexe drin. (Af) If the butter will not chum, the cream ia bewitched. Wenn man die butter nieht zusammen bringt, sind die hexen darin. Z 325 If a witchwoman overlooks the churn the butter wiU be carried off to her own chum, though she has nothing but water in it. W Ir 50 861. Wg-nn di mil'ich ferhext is soil mem gltdich eise nei" dii". (Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Sc) Thrust red-hot iron into bewitched milk. Wenn beim buttermachen die milch lange nicht bricht, nehme man einen kiichelspiess, mache ihn gliihend und stosse ihn in den butterkiibel. Geschieht das, wird die hexe damit gebrannt und die milch bricht. Z 554 At the present day the good housewife puts a hot iron into the cream during the process of chtu-uing to expel the witch from the chum. D Y 170 POULTRY AND EGGS 862. Mit Kaerfreidaks oier kftmmer gut brauche {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Mr, Nu, Sc, Y) Eggs laid on Qood Friday are used in powwowing. Eier, welche von schwarzeu hennen am Karfreitag gelegt werden, behalt man fieissig auf ; denn sie soUen in ver- schiedenen dingen wunderbare wirkung haben. V A 8 2.78; Wull An egg laid on Good Friday ia preserved as a charm. Y S L 2. 1. 224 863. KserfreidSks oier faule net. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Nu, Sc, Y) Eggs laid on Good Friday will not decay. Karfreitagseier faulen nicht. Wu 74 864. Mer dserf net mit der h^nd in en gin'ihinkelnescht Ignge Oder di gin'ihinkel gen nimmi ufs nescht. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sc, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) If you touch the nest of a guinea hen with your hand, it will abandon its nest. 865. Oier g,s mer middaks um zwelf ur {Be, Na, Sc, Sn, Y) Oder maergets fer de sexe (C) setzt geSe lauder hinkel. If you set a hen at high noon or before 6 A. M. hen chicks will be hatched. Eier legt man zum briiten hin in der mittagszeit, meist 13, uud wiinscht in einem spruche: zwolf huhner und einen hahn. Wu 429 866. De brt'iche hinkel binnt mem roter bendel gn der Bchwgnz. {Na) Tie a red string about the tails of broody hens. 867. Di brihiakel schtekt mer unner wgsser, sell schtopt ne tr brie. {C, Mt, Na, Sc; Heidelberg) Broody hens should be ducked. 180 POULTRY AND EGGS. 181 868. Wgim hinkel net uf 'geSe woUe brte, f &rt mer si uf em Bchub'kserich rum. {Lh; Lustnau) Haul broody hens on a wheelbarrow. 869. Di oierschale soil mer immer f erbremie so §,s di hiiikel 's oierfresse net laerne. (D, Lb, Lh; Heidelberg) Egg shells should be burned so as to prevent hens from acquiring the habit of eating their own eggs. 870. Aus oier wu uf der Kaerfrei'dSk gelekt sin gebts schek'iche hinkel. {Lh, Lnc, Na) Chickens hatched from eggs laid on Good Friday will be speckled. Hiihnereier vom Karfreitag geben hiihner, die jahrlich die farbe andern. Wu 74 871. Wgmmer di oier setzt ^s uf der Grl'dun'nerschdSk gelekt sin gebts lauter schek'iche hinkel. {Be, C, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc, Sn) Chickens hatched from eggs laid on Maundy Thursday—— / will be speckled. Hiihner aus Griindonnerstags gelegten eiern gebrutet an- dern alle jahr ihre farbe. O 3. 344 872. Di Grischdakngcht schpannt mem schtrik so weit §,s di hinkel rumlafe, no hole di woi ken hinkel. {C, Lh, Lnc, T) If on Christmas night you stretch a rope to as far as the chickens roam, hawks will not prey on them. In der Christtagnacht steekt man eine diinggabel auf den mist, dann verliert sich kein huhn. Lust 873. Oier gs mer setze will muss mer so rii'ich hendle gs meglich. {Af; Heidelberg) Eggs for setting should be handled as gently as possible. 874. Wgrnmer drei saerte^frucht di Grischd&kngcht naus- schtellt un f tdert si n5 de hinkel de GrischdSk- un Neijormaerge, kann ken -woi selli hinkel grlge. {Be, Lh, Sc; Heidelberg) 182 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Hawks will not catch the chickens which were fed on Christmas and New Year's mornings with three kinds of grain which had been set out on Christmas night. 875. Welschksim ei'"'gewecht in fett wii ffisenachtkuche drin gebgke sin waerre fidert mer de welschhinkel, no gen si net f aert ir oier zu lege. (Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na) Turkey hens will not lay their eggs away from home if they are fed with com which has been soaked in the lard in which doughnuts were baked. Willst du gliick mit den hennen haben, d. h. so dass sie dir nicht verlaufen, so gibt man ihnen ein in schmalz ge^ rostetes brot; desgleichen tue neu angekauften hennen; sie bleiben. J. iSf 1. 400 876. En ungliksoi schmeisst mer hin'nerschich i't5ern dg.ch, no gets unglik mit faert. {Af) Throw a dwarf egg backwards over a building and the bad luck will accompany the egg. Auffallend kleine hiihuereier, sogenannte ungliickseier, miissen "hinterschtowerscht" d. h. nach hinten iibers dach geworfen werden. Alem 20. 284 877. En ungliksoi muss mer itJern dach schmeisse, oder mer hot ken glik. (Af) It is lucky to throw a dwarf egg over a barn. Wenn eine henne zwergeilein legt, soil man sie iibers dach werfen. Bringt man's hinaus, so hat man gliick; wenn nicht, so ungliick. V A S 1. 125 878. Wgnns f ri gewittre gebt sin di gens gut ufzige. {Be, If there are thunderstorms early in spring, it is an easy matter to raise geese. Wenn es am Palmsonntag regnet, gedeihen die jungeu ganse nicht. Wu 73 879. Wgnn di oier se'rik wol'f el sin bez<s de hinkel net fts si Ir firschlecher auswere. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) POULTRY AND EGGS. 183 When eggs are very cheap it doesn't pay a hen to wear out its cloaca. 880. W9.mmer oier setzt daerf mer net §,m disch defu'n schwetze schunscht kumme si net gut raus. {Be, G, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, 8c; Heidelberg) Do not discuss the setting of hens at meal time, the eggs won't hatch. 881. Gluke setzt mer zwische elfe un zwelfe. (C, 8c) Hens should be set between eleven and twelve. Will man eine henne setzen, so muss dies an einem Preitag mittags um 11 uhr geschehen. V A 8 1. 473 882. Wgmmer di gluke fam'midaks setzt kumme di junge en d&k oder zwe frier raus. {D, Mr, 8c) Chickens will hatch a day or two sooner if the hens are set during the forenoon. 883. Hinkel setzt mer Sunnddks zwi'schieh elfe un zwelfe wg,nn der parre der sege schprecht, no kumme si gut raus, {Be, Lh, Mr, Na) To insure a good hatch, set hens on Sunday between eleven and twelve when the benediction is pronounced in church. Eine henne setze man briiten, wahrend die leute aus der kirche gehen, dann kriechen viele Juiige aus. G 3. 18 884. Hinkel setzt mer in der Jungfra, no kumme si gut raus. {Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) If hens are set in the sign of Virgo the eggs will hatch well. 885. En gluk setzt mer mit re ungrade nummer oier. {Af) Set a hen on an odd nimiber of eggs. Biner bruthenne legt man eine vmgerade zahl eier unter. Alem 27. 241 Hens should sit on an odd number of eggs and not always alike. V S L 2. U 886. Wgnn em en hinkel dod get, muss mers iBer di lein drfige, n5 g6t kens me dod, {Be, Lb, Lh, Mt, 8n, Y) Carry a dead chicken beyond the confines of your own premises to prevent others from dying. 184 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Wenn friiher den leuten mehrere stiick vieh hinter einan- der tot blieben, dann brachten sie ein totes stiick iiber die grenze des dorfes und banden es an einen busoh fest. Dann starb ihnen kein vieh mehr. B 8 33. 170 The animal which had died of plague or some other serious disorder was carried at night to a neighboring pro- prietor's land and buried. B F 'nemine8 fi'dert mers kind aus *m k&tze schaerlfte (D, Lb, Lnc, Nu, Sc) ; g.t5er di kg,tz get d6d, (Lb) For marasmus, feed the child from the cat's dish; but the cat will die. 1472. Fer gb'nemmes macht merm kind supp, ftdert si 'm aus me neie blettche, ftlSer mer muss der katz &, d6l gelbe. Des dut mer drei mol. (Be, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Nu, Sn, Y) For marasmus, give the child soup from a new saucer, but the cat should be given some of it. This should be done three times. 1473. Wammer leibschmaerze hot soil mern bitters drinke 9.teers glas mitk&fe. (C, Lh, Sc) To cure griping, drink bitters, but pay for the glass also. 1474. Fer seitschteche : heb en schte~ uf, schpau dreimol druf un schmeiss en hin'nerschich wek. (Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sc, Y; Heidelberg) To stop stitches in the side, pick up a stone, spit on it three times and throw it backwards over your shoulder. 1475. W&mmers scbteche in der seit hot soil mern schte" ufhetee, dreimol druf schpaue un en wider ht'lege grad mA er w5r. {Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, Nu, Sc, Y) To stop stitches in the side (pleurodynia) : pick up a stone, spit on it three times and put the stone back in its place. Wenn man seitenstechen hat, nimmt man einen stein auf , spuckt ihn auf jener seite, auf der er lag, und legt ihn an die f riihere statte. Dies hilft. Z 179 FOLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 281 1476. Mer grikt der grampp net wg,mmer schwimme get wginmers erscht uf en schte' schpaut un en no 's unnerscht 's e'Berscht hi'lekt. {Be; Freiburg) To prevent cramps when swimming, pick up a stone, spit on it and replace it upside down. 1477. W§mmer schwimme get muss mer uf en schte" schpaue un en no ins wasser schmeiBse, no grikt mer der grampp net. (Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na; Freiburg) Before starting to swim, pick up a stone, spit on it and throw it unto the water. This will prevent cramps. 1478. Wammer der schlixer hot soil mer sich f orbige so g,s di hend uf der bo'dem reche un dreimol sage: o schlixer, ich wott, du wJerscht in meim arsch. (Lh; Lustncm) To stop hiccough, bend forward so that the hands touch the ground and say: hiccough, I would you were in my buttocks. 1479. Wammem gewex' an sich hot, soil mer me dode en bendel um der finger binne un seller bendel no ums gewex', a'bem wider runner nemme faer der leicht un en in di lad lege. 'S gewex' ferget wann der bendel ferfault is. (D, Lb, Lh, Na, Sn) Cure a tumor by tying around it a string which had been tied around the finger of a corpse. Eemove the string and put it in the cofSn, and the tumor will disappear when the string has decayed. 1480. Bettpisser gebt mer en gebrot'ni maus zu esse (C, Lnc, Mr, Na) oder mer b§,kt ne en pei fun meis un fl'derts ne. (Lb, Mt, Na) Pried mouse or mouse pie cures bedwetting. Pissen kinder in das bett, so gebe man ihnen eine gebratene maus zu essen. Z 45 3481. En bettpisser losst mer in en grSb pisse, no ferge'ts. (Be, C, Lh, Lnc, Na, Sn, T) 19 ' ■ , 282 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. A child that wets the bed should piddle into a grave. Gegen das bettpissen ist gut, wenn der pisser nachts um zwolf uhr auf den kirchhof geht, wenn gerade ein frisches grab geoffnet worden ist und keck in dasselbe hinein pisst. Er wird von stund an das bett trocken lassen. A S 1. 406 Those who suffered from a weak bladder had to stand astride at the head of an open grave after the coffin had been lowered but before being filled in, and then walk backwards to the foot of the same. Bl N B 146 1482. Me bettpisser fidert mer en waerschtel fume sei'fetzel gemacht. {Be, Lh, Mr, Y) If a child wets the bed, it should eat a little sausage made of the pudendum of a pig. Man gibt dem bettpisser die pudenda eines schweines ge- braten zu essen, ohne dass er es weiss. L V 136 1483. W9.nn kinner ins bett pisse, gebt mer ne en gebrot'ni maus zu esse. (C, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Na) To cure bedwetting in children give them a fried mouse. Pissen kinder in das bett, so gebe man ihnen eine gebratene maus zu essen. Z 45 The mouse, being roasted, is good to be given to children that piss their bed. V S L 2. 503 1484. Bletsch me bettpisser der arsch mit der satzbritsch oderm hudelwiseh. (C, D, Sc; Lustnau) Spank the bedwetter with a yeastladle or a bakeoven mop. 1485. En bettpisser wipt mer mit me hu'dellumbe. (Be, Lb,Y) Whip a bedwetter with a bakeoven mop. 1486. Me bett'pisser schpellt mer kes'bable an der arsch. (Bu; Kaiser slautern) Cure a child of bedwetting by putting common mallow {Maiva rotundifolia) on its posteriors. 1487. "Wip en bettpisser mit re wip as in em jor giwaxe is. (Sn) FOLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAL StlPEBSTITIONS. 283 Whip a bedwetter with a yearling twig. 1488. Ferbrech en z§,m'me gibg,k'ner leb brot Iberm kopp fume kind §,s ins bett pisst. Sell sohtopts bettpisse. (Be, C, D, Lh, Lh, Na, T) To cure bcdwetting break a twin loaf over the child's head. Binem kinde, das schwerlich reden lemet, soil man ein in backofen zusammen gebacken brodt iiber dem kopf von einander brechen. 6 B 854 1489. Mer drakt en schtreissel e'renpreis im sg^k no, no waert mer de ganze dSk net mid. (Be, Lh, Mt) Carry a sprig of speedwell ("Terowica officinalis) and you will not be fatigued all day. Zum wandern, daas man nieht miide wird, nimm zu dir beifuss oder eisenkraut, so wirst nieht miide, es beisst dich auch kein natter oder hund. Alem 16. 59 1490. Der dokter daerf mer net gg,nz gb'bezHle schunscht muss mem glei wider bole. {Bu, D, Lh, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sn, Y; Freiburg) You mustn 't pay the doctor in full or there will be a sick- ness in the family. C 8 A 1282 1491. "Wgnn ebber der seblixer hot kammem ferdreiBe wammer sikt: du hoscht ebbes gschtole. {Af; Heidelberg) A remedy to cure hiccoughs is to scare the person by saying: you have stolen something. 1492. Wgnn ens a' gew§,xe is muss es dreimol binnerschich urns discbbe" gradle. {Af) "When livergrown, crawl three times roimd the leg of a table backwards^ Bei dem "anwachsen" wird das kind dreimal durch die stuhlbeine oder durch leitersprossen gesteckt. Wu 338 1493. Wg-nn em di nSs bint soil mem scbte" ufhebe, drei droppe blut druf dropse losse un der scbte" wider ht"lege, grid wl er wSr. {Af) 284 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. For nose bleed : pick up a stone, let three drops of blood fall on it and put the stone back in its original place. Gegen das zahnweh: man hebe ungesehen einen stein von der strasse auf, speie dreimal auf die seite hin, auf wel- cher er gelegen war und setze ihn wieder so an die stelle, wie er vorher gelegen hatte. V A 8 483 1494. Wgnnd wund bischt hok dich mit em blosse Srsch uf frisch geblukter grund. (Mr, 8c, 8n) When chafed in the crotch sit with bared posteriors on newly ploughed soil. For a sore leg the fairies recommend earth, but particularly red clay of a certain small loch. S H S 61 1495. Fer wund, schpre feiner -weze schtab dri15er. (Be, Mr; Heidelberg) Put wheat dust on any chafed parts of the body. 1496. Fer wund unich de ffirm reib frischer grund druf. (Bu, C, Mr, Sn, Y) When chafed under the arm pits, rub fresh ground on the parts. 1497. Fer wund soil mer bitter waer'mut im sg,k nodrSge. (Be, D, Lnc, 8c, 8n, T) When chafed carry bitterweed {Ambrosia artemmaefolia) in the pocket. 1498. Wgmmer wund is zwische de be" roppt mer hoUer- l&b 9,b wii der dS noch druf is un lekts druf. (C, Mr, 8n) When chafed in the crotch put on elderberry leaves fresh with dew. i 1499. W§,mmer wund is muss mer liollerlSb gbroppe wu der da noch druf is un im sSk n6 drSge. {Be, C, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Y; Freiburg) When chafed pluck elderberry fresh with dew and put them into your pocket. 1500. Mer'reddich is gut fer rotlSfe. (Na, 8c; Freiburg) Horse radish is good for inflammation. FOLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 285 1501. Sei'ore bletter sin gut fer rotlSfe. (C, 8c) Common plaintain leaves {plantago maior) are good for inflammation. 1502. En weissi zwilBel ztkt gift aus re wund. (C, Sc; Heidelberg) Tie a white onion on a wound to neutralize the poison. 1503. Fer l9,k'tscM, glopp rotritJe bletter, binn si in en lumbe un dii'' si uf di wnnd. (Lnc) Crushed leaves of beets (Beta vulgaris) put in a rag and tied on a wound will cure lockjaw. 1504. Wgrnmer frisch gegrafi'ne rotrffie uf en lgk'tsch& wund dut, ztkts 's gift raus. {Be, Lh, 8c, 8n) Fresh beets (Beta vulgaris) cure lockjaw. 1505. Rotribe bletter sin gut fer rotlSfe. {Af; Freiburg) Beet leaves are a cure for inflammation. 1506. Kllwgsser mgcht en sche'ni weissi haut. (Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, 8c) Water in which a blacksmith has cooled his iron makes a beautiful, white skin. Kratzige sollen sich mit wasser waschen, worin der schmied gliihendes eisen gelegt hat. V A S 1. 486 1507. Uf der Him'melfaerd&k sammelt mer te fer rur. (.Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y) Herbs for dysentery should be gathered on Ascension day. An St. Johannis des Taufers tag sei wider allerhand krank- heiten und zustande des leibea gut wurzel und krauter graben. A S 1. 379 1508. WSrs kierfllre net schtende k8,nn soil sich en bSge schreibbg,bir' uf di bruscht lege. (Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sn, Wearing a sheet of writing paper on the chest will pre- vent carsickneas. 286 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 3509. Wgmmer haert k9.It hot soil mer wiski brenne un 6'Beds eb mer ins bett get defun' nemme. ITSerm brenne soil mer glBer der wiski dreimol ausblose un wider a'sditeke un no brenne losse bis er ausge- brennt hot. {Af) To cure a heavy cold drink some burned whisky before going to bed. During the process of burning the whisky the ilame should be extinguished and relit three times, after which it should be permitted to bum until all the alcohol is burned out. 1510. Wffirs haerzglobbe hot, soil en schte" ufhe^e, dreimSl druf schpaue un en no hinnerschisch wekschmeisse. {.Be, Bu, G, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Nu, Sn, Y; Freiburg) Cure palpitation of the heart by spitting thrice on a stone and throwing it backwards over your shoulder. 1511. Gre~age schneit mer in der Wok. (Lb) Cut corns in Idbra. 1512. Grren'&ge schneit mer im §,b'nemmede. (-4/) Cut corns in the decrease of the moon. AUes, was abnehmeu soil, muss bei abnehmendem mond ge- schehen. Wu 57 1513. Der schnuppe los zu wterre, f&r mit de finger zwische de zee daerich un rich no drS,". {Be, C, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, 8c, Sn) To cure coryza, pass your finger between yoiu* toes and smell it. Fiir den schnupfen — wenn du deine schuhe und striimpfe ausziehst, so fahre mit dem finger durch alle zehen imd rieche daran. Eoh 13 1514. Fer heits, reib dich g.me sei'drok. {Mt) To stop hives, rub yourself against a pig's trough. 1515. Wammer mit der schtaern aergets weder schtSsst, so gs es en gnopp gebt, drikt mer mit re messergling druf, no get der gnopp wek. Des is & gut fer bloe age. {Lh) FOLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 287 Press a knifeblade on a bump on the forehead or a black eye. Wenn ein kind auf den kopf fallt, driickt man mit einem messer kreuzweise auf die stelle, so wird keine beule. ■FrM395 1516. Gmnmereschaie te is gut fer gr^mp. (Mr; Heidel- berg) Tea made from encumber peelings is good for cramps. 1517. Wammer finf finger graut im sak no drakt waert mer net fergess'lich. (D, Lb, Lh, Mr, 8n) Carry einquefoil {Potentilla Canadensis) to prevent for- getfulness. 1518. Wasser fun Kserfrei'daks schne is gut fer wee age. {I>,T) Water from snow which fell on Good Friday cures sore eyes. Augenkrankheiten werden geheilt durch Osterwasser. Wu 349 1519. Schmeisz en schip foil feier ilSer di fei'erich r5s. {Be, G, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, 8c, 8n) Throw a shovelful of hot coals over the part of the body afflicted with erysipelas. 1520. Mer muss brauche losse for wildfeier. (Af) Powwowing cures erysipelas. Die rose wird oft besprochen. Wu 172 1521. Waer di fei'erich ros oders -wildfeier hot, soil sich feier mit schtal un feierschte" dritJer schlage losse. (Be, G, B, Lh, Lnc, Na, 8c, 8n, Y) To cure erysipelas, strike sparks over the afflicted parts with flint and steel. Die rose wird geheilt, wenn der kranke sich von jemand, der mit ihm gleichen taufnamen hat, mit stahl und stein funken darauf schlagen lasst. G 3. 383 1522. Fer schnuppe, far mit em finger daerich der firseh un rich no drl". (8c, 8n) 288 PENNSYLVANIA QEEMAN SUPBESTITIONS. For a cold in the head pass your finger over your anus and smell it. 1523. Drik en bruch zurik' mit schwaerzwserzel un h§,lt si druf bis si warm is; no blanzt mer di wserzel un wann si wakst get der bruch wek. {Be, 8c, T) Reduce hernia by the use of blackroot which should be held on the hernia until warm. It should be then planted, and if it grows the hernia will be cured. Briiche werden reponiert und frisch ausgehobene pflanzen vom bruchkraut, sedum telephium, oder eine zwiebel auf die bruchstelle gebunden, welch' letztere man nach eini- ger zeit umgekehrt wieder iu die erde pflanzt. L V 119 1524. Wann ebbes en fell ibers ak grikt, henkt merm en fellgnopp a". Der fellgnopp is en sak fun unge- wesche duch gem§,cht ; in der sg.k dut mer brot, salz un weze. No henkt mem dem a" as es fell hot, ame bendel wn ken gnopp nei" gemacht is. Mer muss en henke losse, bis er fun selbert abf&Ut. {Bu, Lh, Mt, 8c, 8n) If a person or animal develops a false membrane over the eye [diphteritic ophthalmia? or paunus in keratitis? or opacity in cataract] suspend from its neck by a string in which there are no knots a bag made of un- washed material and containing bread, salt and wheat. Wear this bag till it drops off of its own accord. In der Pfalz werden "w«he augen", besonders flecken an menschen und vieh geheilt mit der "augenblume" auf dem blossen riicken getragen. Sie besteht in eiaem sackchen aus grauem ungebleichtem tuch, worin eiuige korner salz, brod und kampfer sand. L V 227 1525. Wannd der schlixer hoscht, drink W9,sser un dank gn ens as dich gleicht. (Mt, 8c) To cure hiccoughs, drink some water, at the same time thinking of some one who loves you. 1526. Fer schlixer drink drei, sibe oder nein schluk w^s- ser une gschnauft. (C, Mr) POLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAl, SUPERSTITIONS. 289 To stop hiccough, drink three, seven or nine swallows of water without taking breath. 1527. Wier der schlixer hot, soil sex schlilk wasser drinke une gschnauft. (Af) To stop hiccoughs drink six swallows of water without taking breath. Wenn man den sehnaggel hat, muss man neunmal wasser schlucken, ohne atem zu ziehen. Z 220 1528. Bliit kg,tnmer schtille, wgmmers sgkmesser aus em sgk in der anner dut. {D, Y; Lustnau) To stanch a hemorrhage, transfer the pocket knife from one pocket to the other. 1529. Dem wu der schlixer hot hebt mern sakmessergling uf di zung. (D, Y; Kaiser slautern) Press the blade of a pocket Imife on the tongue of the person suffering with hiccough. 1530. Des wii der schlixer hot, soil denke wSrs nekscht zum kokt hot in der kaBrich, 's letscht mol as kaerich war. {No) To stop hiccough try to recall who sat next to you in church at the last service. Schlucker vergeht, wenn man an die reihe denkt, wo man zuletzt in der kirche stand. L V 241 1531. Wann ebbers wildfeier hot, nemme si sei' wasser zum hexe dokter. {Lb, Lnc, Na, Y ; Heidelberg) To cure erysipelas, the patient's urine should be taken to the witch doctor. Water-kester, a mediciner who professes to tell the disease by the cast or appearance of the urine. C F Y 2. 171 1532. Du" milich fun schelgraut uf tme oder hummle schtich. (Bu, Mt) Put the milk of celandine on the sting of bees or bumble bees. 1533. Di milich fun schelgraut ferdreibt gift. (Na) The milk of celandine {CheUdoniwm maius) kiUs ivy poison. 290 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1534. Du" em gs di fgUet granket hot 's hemm letz aus un leks me dode unich der kopp in di lid. (Lh, Lnc, Y; Heidelberg) To cure epilepsy, remove the suffei-er 's shirt wrongside out and place it in a coffin under the head of a corpse. In Aberdeenshire, when a man is first seized with epilepsy, his clothes should be burned on the spot where he fell. B F 72 1 535. W§,mi dich en im schtecht, heb en tscM'dewgk druf. (Lnc, Y) For bee sting put a tobacco quid on it. 1536. Fer Ime schtich, heb lette druf. (Mr) Apply clay to a bee sting. Use the mud remedy for wasp stings. F B 8. 389 1537. Wgnn em en im schtecht nemmt mem schibl lette, brunst druf, m5,cht en me oder we'nicher dinn un hebt en no uf der schtich. Sell ztkts gift raus. (Be, D, Lh, Lh, Lnc, Na, 8c, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) To stop the smarting of a bee sting apply some clay kneaded and thinned with urine. 1538. Wa'sem 's un'nerscht 's eBe'rscht gedret' un un'ichs bett gelekt soil helfe as en grgnkes sich net ufleit. {Be, Lnc, Sn, Y; Ettlingen) Sod turned upside down and placed under the bed pre- vents bedsores. 1539. Wi'kel en gled wu ens drin gschtaerlSe is urns del wu de grg,mp hoscht, no ferget er. {Lnc, Y; Freiburg) Wrap the garment, in which a person died, round the parts afflicted with cramps. A piece of the linen wrap taken from a corpse will cure the swelling of a limb if tied round the part affected. Ir 1. 154 1540. Fer gglsucht : hil'ich en gel'rfb aus, du~ fum pgtsient' seim wasser nei" un henk si in der schftn'schtS" in der schmok. {Be, C, Lh, Mr, 8c, Y) FOLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 291 For jaundice : hollow out a common carrot {Dauctls cflrota,), fill it with the patient's urine, then smoke it in the chimney or hearth. Gegen gelbsucht: man fiillt eine ausgehohlte mohrriibe mit wasser oder mit dem ham des kranken und lasst sie im kamine vertrocknen. Wu 339 In Staffordshire, to cure jaundice, a bladder is filled with the patient's urine and placed near a fire; as the water dries up, the jaundice goes. JB ^ 56 1541. Wammer sich an ebbes schneit oder f ergrgtzt brunnst mer uf di wunt. (Af) Urinate on a cut or scratch. 1542. Fg.ng en grot un heb si uf di wund. Wann si dSdget, f§.ng noch eni un heb si druf , un so f aert bis si leben- dich uf der wund bleibt. Des is en scbiiri kjur faer schlgnge biss. (Lh, Lnc, Sc; Heidelberg) To cure snake bite : Catch a toad and tie it on the wound. If the toad dies, repeat the operation until the toad remains alive. Als besonders heilsam gegen geschnittene wunden gilt men- schenham, fiir gerissene der kot. V A S 1. 487 Gegen den krebs der brust des weibes hilft eine krote, drauf gebunden, naehdem man vorher Tiber dieselbe das kreuzeszeichen gemacht hat. V A S 1. 485 In some districts it is believed that a toad, proverbial for being poisonous in itself, be applied to a cancer, it will suck out the poison of the disease and thus cause a cure. V S L2.2. 488 1543. Fer gichtre grab drei gle'dewaerzel fun dem jor un schneit jeder waerzel in drei schtiker, fedel si ei" un henk si em kind k". {Lh, Lb, Mr, Sc, Sn, Y) To cure convulsions: dig three burdock roots {lappa offici- nalis) of that year's growth, cut each into three pieces, thread them and wear them. Dann werden die kinder nicht krank. Hlhg. For convulsions, wear a necklace of beads turned from the root of the peony; V 8 L2.2. 491 292 PENNSYLVANIA GEBMAN SUPEKSTITI0N3. 3544. Oschtersunnd^s soil mer Kserfreid&ksoier esse, ud grikt mer ken bruch. {Be, Lh, Mr, Sn) To prevent hernia you shotQd, on Easter Sunday, eat eggs laid on Good Friday. Karfreitagseier, am Ostersonntag niichtem gegessen, be- hiiten vor bruchschaden. Wm 74 ; V S L2.1. 224 1545. Wgmmer wee &ge hot un sent ebber ^s mer schun lang nimmi gsene hot, kjurts si. {Na; Neustadt) Seeing a person whom you have not seen for a long time cures sore eyes. The sight of ye 's good for sore eyes. Irish; A J F 5. 116 1546. Lek en sauBerer schpinneweb uf en wund fts se'rik blut. {Af; Heidelberg) A fresh cobweb will staunch the flow of blood. The spider's web is an excellent styptic. W Ir 27 1547. W^nn ens orewe hot soil merm di grol'lichscht h5r g,s mer gme ntger finne kg,nn ins or dH". {D, Lnc, Mt) To cure earache, put into the ear the kinkiest hair to be found on a negro. Some wool taken from a black sheep and worn constantly in the ear is a sure remedy for earache. W Ir 27 1548. En schtik schtrik wn en mensch sich kenkt hot mit kjiirt fg,llet grgnket. {Be, Lb, Lnc, Sn, T) A piece of the rope with which some one has committed suicide will cure epilepsy. Aus dem nagel, an welchem sich einer erhangt hat, schmie- det man eiseme ringe, welehe gichtkranke an der reehten hand tragen. Wu 138 A halter with which one had been hanged was regarded within recent times as a cure for headache, if tied round the head. B F 100 1549. Fer n§,sbliite, lek en sillier schtik ins h^lsgnik. {C, Mr, Mt, Sc) Press a silver coin on the back of the neck to stop nose bleed. Lege etwas recht kaltes in das genick. Hlbg. POLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SUPBESTITIONS. 293 1550. Der erschte grot gs mer frtjSrs im gSrte s§nt schneit mers recht be' g.b, duts in en sak un henkts 8,". Sell ferdreibt di 'weitschwelling. (Lh; Kaiserslautern) Cutting of the right leg of the first toad seen in a garden cures synovitis. To cure violent fits, kill a toad, put one of its legs in a bag and wear it suspended by a string around the neck. Corn 154 1551. Fers besding' soil mem maulwserf hetJe bis er d6d is. (Be, Lb, Lnc, Mt, 8c, 8n, Y) A mole held in the hand until dead will cure a felon. Wenn man einen maulwurf in der hand langsam sterben lasst, so kann man mit dieser hand alleriei iibel heilen, besonders den vrarm' im finger, beulen u. s. w. Wv, 315 The touch of a man who has caught a mole and rubbed it slowly and gently between his hands until it dies, will work a cure. B F 161 1552. Mer soil gamber in en s§k nee un en sich winters uf di haut Tif di bruscbt henke, no bleibt mer der g^nz winter gsund. {Be, Lh) Wear on your chest next to the skin a small bag con- taining camphor. This will ward off sickness during the winter. Some carry on their person a small bag containing camphor under the notion that it wards off any kind of infection. 2) Eng 168 1553. Wammer ebbes wees obe nf der hand hot soil mer hSse fett ine'wennich in di hand dii"; sell dreibts wek. {Be, C, D, Lh, Mt, Nu, 8c, 8n; Heidelberg) The fat of a rabbit put in the palm of the hand will heal a sore on the top of the hand. Var. Schir g'nich fett duts. {Bu, Mt) Almost any fat will do the same. 1554. En warmer ki'drek poltis nemmt rotlSfe aus re wund Oder zikt en gschwSre zamme. {Af) Poultice a wound with warm cow dung to reduce inflam- mation or to draw a boil to a head. 294 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Auf die geschwoUene hand, das geschwollene bein, lege man mist. Alem, 27. 229 In the south of Hampshire a plaster of warm cowdung is applied to open wounds. B F 161 1555. Unich me daBrn'eschtok §,8 otJe zgrnmegewaxe is daBiich schluppe is gut fer der huschte. Mer muss 9,15er gegich sunnuf dsBrich schluppe, {Lh, Lnc) To cure a cough, crawl toward the east underneath a briar which has taken root at both ends. A child with whooping cough should be drawn backwards through a bramble rooted at both ends. V S L 2. 500 Vielfach kommt ein abstreifen der krankheit vor, welches, wenn es durch astlocher, baumspalten etc. geschieht, sich mit dem libertragen auf baumen beriihrt, aber auch durch hohle steine, leitersprossen imd andere ein durchkriechen ermoglichende dinge geschieht ; es sind fast lauter dingc, die an sich eine heilige geltung haben, also als heilend und unheilabnehmend gelten; natiirlich wird es meist nur bei kindem angewandt. Lahme miissen vor sonnen- aufgang schweigend durch eine gespaltene eiche krie- chen. Biickgratsverkriimmungen heilt man, indem man das kranke kind einigemal durch einen aus der erde her- ausgewachsenen bogen einer wurzel zieht u. s. w. Wu 337 1556. Wammer en weer hals hot soil mer en woUner schtrump um der hals binne. (Lh) Tie a woolen stocking about a sore throat. 1557. Wgmmern weer hals hot soil mer der links schtrump um der h§,ls binne. (Af) For sore throat wear the left stocking around the neck. Halsschmerzen und heiserkeit heilt man, wenn man sich abends einen linken oder umgedrehten strumpf um den hals bindet. Wu 357 For sore throat apply as a wrapping for the night the sole of a stocking taken warm off the foot. V S L 2. 512 1558. Wammer unferschtert un ruich schlofe will w§mmer im bett is, secht mer : Kopp schlof, Srsch w§,ch. Wgnn ebbes kummt, d§,nn graoh. (Af; Freiburg) POLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 295 If you would sleep soundly all night, say : Head, sleep on; buttocks, stand guard! Should any one come, sound the alarm. 1559. W9,mmer me mensch sei' schtulggng ferbrennt grikt ern weer arsch. {Bu, Lb, Lh, Mt, Y) Burning human feces causes a sore anus. 3560. Waer an der wek scheisst grikt en wek'scMsser. (Be, Bu, D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, 8c, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) If you defecate along the roadside you will get a sty. 1561. Draufee bletter sin gut f er rotlafe aus ebbes nemme. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, 8c, 8n) Grape leaves reduce inflammation. Nimm wilde traubenblatter, bahe sie beim feuer, dasa sie ein wenig walk werden ; lege sie des abends, wenn du zu bette gehen willst, auf den gesehwulst, wiederhole es einigemal, so wird der gesehwulst gewiss vergehen. Ho 49 1562. Nemm MaerienVaerzel pSr zoU l^ng, sehneit si in bl§tte un f edel si nngrad ei' un dii"' si a". Der neint dak duscht si aus un f e'delscht ^nnere grad so ei" ; un so dreimol, aber grab si §,llem6l un'ich der dach- drap, no get alles ausfarisch, flis'sich oder grin'dich ewek'. (Be, D, Lb, Lh, Nu, 8c) To cure scrofula: dig the roots of wild marjoram (origa- num vulgar e), cut them crosswise, thread an uneven number of pieces and wear them as a necklace. Remove them on the ninth day, threading others; repeat twice, each time burying them under the eaves. Man kann drei klettenwurzeln an einem Preitag vor der sonnen aufgang ausgraben, von jeder wurzel drei radlein schneiden, in ein tiichlein nahen, liber das schwindende glied binden und es zwei bis vier tage lang darauf liegen lassen, hemach es wieder wie zuvor nehmen, und so lange gebrauch davon machen, bis das glied nicht mehr schwin- det. Die wurzeln mogen griin oder dlirre sein, welches gleichviel ist, wenn sie nur an einem Freitag vor der sonnen aufgang gegraben worden sind. Ist an vielen menschen und vieh probiert worden. A Ml. 20 296 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPEKSTITIONS. 1563. Binn en wollner bendel urn en ferschtrent oder fer- renkti h9,nd. (D) Tie a woolen cord around a sprained hand or wrist. 1564. En schpinn g,n der h§,ls kenkt kjurt kglt ffber. (Be, C, Lh, Lnc) Suspending a spider from your neck will cure ague. Gregen fieber: man naht drei spinnen ohne sie mit bloszer hand anzufaseen in ein beutelchen, tiilgt es zwei tage am halse und wirft es dann riickwarts ijj, ein wasser und lauft ohne sich umzusehen nach hause. Wu 335 Elias Ashmole, who was suffering from ague, hung three spiders about his neck and they took his ague away. Deo gratias. BF m 1565. En -gropp reibt mer mit me dode gnoche. {8n) Rub a goitre with a bone from a carcass. Den kropf bestreicht man mit totenbeinen, u. s. w. Wu 349 A goitre will disappear if rubbed with the hand of a corpse. J? J\r C 153 1566. En geweks' schtreicht mer mit der hand fume dode, no gets wek so schtae'rik as der dod ferfault. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Nu, 8c, Y) Stroke a tumor with the hand of a corpse, and it will dis- appear with the decomposition of the corpse. Man bestreiche die krankheit mit einer totenhand. Die leiche nimmt die auf sie Ubertragene krankheit mit ins grab; das gilt besonders von haut- und andern ausser- liehen krankheiten. Wu 334 In Storrington not many years ago a young woman afflicted ■with goitre was taken by her friends to the side of an open coffin that the hand of the dead should touch it twice. B F 101 1567. En mut'termSl muss mer mit re d5de hg,nd schtreiche, no get si wek. {Af; Freiburg) A birthmark will disappear if rubbed with the hand of a corpse. The belief in the efficacy of a dead hand in curing diseases in Cornwall is marvellous. Com 152 FOLK MEDICINE AND MEDIOAIj SUPERSTITIONS. 297 1568. Gensfett is gut fer schier e'nich ebbes. (Af) Goosegrease is good for almost any ailment. Bel catarrhalisclien leiden emp£elilt man hals uud brust mit ^Insefett einzureiben. L V 240 Her [goose] grease is excellent (Probatum est) For such a numbness in their joints molest ; For the Sciatica, Cramp, or Gout. It either cures or eases, out of doubt. V 8 L 2. 497 1569. W§,sser fun sehne §,8 es im Maerz gebt is gut fer sehwache age. {Af; Heidelberg) March snow water strengthens weak eyes. Catch the last snow of the season (e. g., in April), melt and put into bottle. It will cure sore eyes. C 8 A 838 1570. XJn'gsalsner butter is gut fer wunde hele. (Be, Lh) Unsalted butter has healing properties. Ungesalzene Griindonnerstagsbutter heilt alle wunden. Z f V 1891, 180 If during the moneth of May before you salt your butter, you save a lumpe thereof and put it into a vessell, and so set it into the sun for the space of that moneth, you shall find it exceeding soveraigne and medicinable for woundes, straines, aches, and such like grievances. V S L 2. 506 1571. Reib en wek'schisser mit me hochzichring. (Lb) Rub a stye with a wedding ring. Rub stye in the eye with a plain gold ring, preferably a wedding ring. V 8L2.5U; C P £sf P 205 ; C 8 A 866 1572. Mer soil di haut fun re 51 §.8 im Moi gf§.nge is waerre um en glid as f erschtrent' is wikle. (Be, C, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sc; Heidelberg) To cure a sprain wrap the skin of an eel caught in May around the parts. Var. 1 im Maerz (Lb, Mt, Nu, 8n) in March Var. 2 en'icM olehaut. (Bu, Lb, Lh, Na, Nu, n 20 298 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. any eelskiu. Eelskins are wrapped round the wrist as a prevention of sprains. V 8 L 2. 512 1573. "Wannd dich hgkscht mit re ax schmtr si mit fett un lek si Tinichs bett. (Af) After you have cut yourself with an axe, cover it with grease and lay it under the bed. Bei einem erlittenen stich oder sehnitt oder bei einem tritt in einen na^l soil man unberufen das verletzende werk- zeug sogleich mit fett oder wagenschmiere bestreichen imd an einem uuzuganglichai ort aufheben. L V 205 1574. Di ax wii mer sich nut hakt soil mer mit fett schmire un im druk'ne halte. (Af) If you cut yourself with an axe, grease it with lard and keep it in a dry place. Hat man sich geschnitten, so bestreiche man das messer oder die schere, womit man sich verwundet, dick mit fett und lege sie unter nennimg der drei heiligen namen an eine trockne stelle. Wii 345 1575. Wannd in en nagel dretscht, schtek en in fett un grkh en no un'ich der dachdrgp. (Af) Put the nail, into which you have stepped, into fat and bury it under the eaves. 1576. Wgnnd in en nggel dretscht, ropp der nagel raus, schtek en in fett un h9,lt en im drukne. (Af) After having stepped on a nail, pull it out, put it in fat, and keep it in a dry place. Wer sich schneidet oder schticht, muss das messer oder die schere dick mit fett beschmieren, und in den drei heil. namen an eine trockene stelle legen. Sobald das messer dann trocken ist, wird das wehe heil. Z f D M 1. 199 In the midland country, to cure a horse lamed by a nail, the farmers will thrust the nail into a piece of bacon and wait for the foot to heal. B F 55 1577. W^nnd in en nggel dretscht, ropp en raus, schtek en in fett un schtek en no in der schan'schtS". (Be, Lh, Mr, Y) FOLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAL StXPBESTITIONS. 299 If you step in a nail, pull it out, put it into fat and then in the chimney [i. e. fireplace]. A man, who "stuck a nail in his foot," was told hy a neigh- bor to pull it out, grease it and hang it up in the ' ' chimbly, ' ' otherwise he might have lockjaw. C 8 A 819 1578. Wammer sich mit e'nich me schneitgschaerr we dut, soil mers gschaerr giit ei-schmtre oder zii binne, n5 belt di wund glei. (Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, 8c, Y) The edged tool with which you have cut yourself should be weU greased or wrapped up, so that the wound will soon heal. Wenn man sich mit einem messer oder einer sense beschadigt hat, soil man nicht nur die wunde, sondem auch das werk- zeug, mit dem der schaden verursacht wurde, fleissig ver- binden. Dadurch wird die wunde so geheilt, dass nicht einmal eine narbe iibrig bleibt. Z 222 The knife with which a man has cut himself should be rubbed with fat, that the healing of the cut may be hastened. BF 55 1579. Wammer der mumps bot reibt mer sicb ^me sei' dr6k. (Af) When suffering with mumps, rub the swollen part on a pig's trough. Ein schleissen vom sautrog hilft wider die "augenwarrle", wenn man mit einem solchen span das auge dreimal bestreicht. V A 8 1. ^84: Wrap the child in a blanket, take it to the pigsty, rub the child's head to the back of a pig and the mumps will leave it and pass from the child to the animal. Ir. 2. 95 3580. Scbtreicb en scbuss'bloder mit re dode h§,nd. (C, 8c) Pass the hand of a corpse over hordeolum. A dead man's hand is supposed to have the qualily of dis- pelling humors. F Rl. 227 1581. Heb en schmutzicher deller uf en wekscbisser. (Lh) Hold a greasy plate on a sty. 300 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN StTPEBSTITIONS. 1582. Fer schussljlSder braucht mer mit me sdunutziche deller. (Be, C) Powwow for sty with a greasy plate. 1583. W^mmem scliusSbl5der odem wekschisser ^m fik hot, muss mer en schmutz'icher deller S'guke. (D, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Y) To cure a sty, look at a greasy plate. Fiir die schossblattem halt man «inen h«issen irdenen deckel vor das auge, welcher die hitze aus dem auge Ziehen soil. L V 228 1584. Fer nisblute binnt mem wollner bendel um der gig' finger. {Af) Tie a woolen string about the little finger to stop nosebleed. Gegen das nasenbluten : man binde den kleinen finger der linken hand fest mit einen faden zu. V A S 1. 480 1585. Fer nSsblute soil mer en roter bendel um der hgls binne. (Af) To stop bleeding of the nose, tie a red string round the neck. To prevent nosebleeding people are told to this day to wear a skein of scarlet silk thread round the neck, tied with nine knots down the front. B F 111 1586. Fer nSsbliite soil mern schtik zeiting bghlr' e weU kaue. {Lh, Lnc, Mt) For nosebleed, chew newspaper. 1587. Fer n&sblute kau bgblr' un driks tmicli di elSerscht lefts. (Lh, Lnc, T) For nosebleed, chew paper and put it between the gums and the upper lip. Bei nasenbluten empfiehlt man ein stiickchen zusammenge- legtes fliesspapier zwischen den gaumen und den unteren teil der zunge zu legen. L V 196 1588. Fer nSsbliite schitt wgsser der bukel nmmer. (Lnc) Pour cold water down the back of the person suffering from nosebleeding. Lege etwas recht kaltes in das genick. Hlbg. FOLK MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 301 1589. Fer n&sbliite schitt mer kftlt wftsser ins gnik. (Af) Dash cold water onto the nape of the neck to stop nose- bleeding. Kalt wasser oder essig. Hlbg. 1590. Drik en schtik silBer nnich di e'Serscht lefts, wgnn di nSs blut. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c, Y) Press a silver coin against the gums and the upper lip to stop bleeding of the nose. Nasenbluten hort auf , wenn man ein zweigroschenstiick auf den oberen teil der nase driickt. Wu 347 1591. Henk en schlissel uf der bukel, nSs blnte zu schtope. (Bu, C, Mr, Na, 8c) Hang a key down the back to stop nosebleed. Gegen nasenbluten empfiehlt man einen schliissel oder ein stiick zwiebel in den nacken zu legen. L V 197 A key worn hanging about the neck by a string prevents nosebleed. C 8 A. 804 1592. Wgnn der di n&s blut denk wSrs nekscht zu der kokt hot in der kse'rich 's letscbt mol gs kserich w&r. (Lh) To stop nosebleed, recall who set next to you in church at the last service. 1593. En schlissel oder sent der bukel nunner fglle losse schtopts nSsblute. (Af) Drop a key or a cent down the back to stop nosebleed. Lege etwas recht kaltes in das genick. Elbg. The common remedy for nosebleeding is, slip a key down between clothes and skin. B F 183; C S A856 1594. En ole haut um der irm gebunne schtopt n&sblute. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, Y) An eelskin tied round the arm will stop nosebleed. 1595. En wund gschwind zu hele, dii" essich un hemge- mgchti sef druf . {Mr, Sc) To heal a wound quickly, apply vinegar and homemade soap. 302 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1596. So as en wund ken brgnnt grikt, kocht mer ledde in essich un duts druf. {Be, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, 8n, Y) To prevent a wound from becoming gang^'enous, put on it some clay boiled in vinegar. Bei contusionen wird kaltes wasser oder lehm mit essig aufgelegt. L V 204 1597. Mer grikt ken weer finger wginmer schpinneneschter mit em finger losmacht. (C, 8c) You will not have sore fingers if you use your fingers in re- moving a spider web. Wickle einen wehen finger in ein spinnweb. Hlig. 1598. Wammem schpinn ferdrikt mit em finger grikt mer ken weer finger. {Be, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc, 8n,Y) If you crush a spider with your finger, you won't have sore fingers. Spinnen darf man nicht verdriicken. Hlbg. 1599. Wgnn en gr^nkes recht faerze kann is es xd der bessering. {C, D, 8c, 8n; Heidelberg) Breaking wind freely while sick in bed is a good sign. 1600. W§,nn en gr§,nkes im bett nlsst waerts wider gsnnd. {Af) Sneezing while sick in bed is a good sign. Wenn ein kranker niest, so wird er wieder gesund. Wu 219 He hath sneezed thrice: turn him out of the hospital. Y SL 2.1. 30i; CPcfcP542 1601. 'S is en giiti sein wgnn sich me grgnke der bibs schtellt. {C, 8c) It is a good sign if a sick person has an erection. 1602. Wgnn ens grg-nk is im bett nn scbpserts maul uf is es en schlechti sein. {Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Nu, 8n, Y; ^ Heidelberg) It is a bad omen for a person who is sick in bed to yawn. FOLK MEDICINE AND MBDICAIi SUPERSTITIONS. 303 1603. Di drei erschte kaer'nere gs mer frijors sent bite soil mer schluke mit de drei hoche wserte, no grikt mer sell jot ken fiber. {Mt; Heidelberg) To prevent fever swallow the first three rye heads, which you see in spring, in the name of the Trinity. 1604. W§,nn ens di f§,l'let grgnket hot, soil mer fun seine gleder ferbrenne. (Sn; Kaiserslautern) Bum some of the clothes of a person afflicted with epilepsy. 1605. Wann bube schwimme gen soUe si an de be" nunner brimse, no grige si der gramp net. (Sn) When boys go swimming they should urinate down their own legs to prevent cramps. 1606. 'S wasser fun nein gekochte oier dreibt me medel ir kind g,b. (Bu) The water in which nine eggs were boiled will cause abor- tion. 1607. Mer soil schwobe in en sgk nee un gn der hals henke, granket abzuhglte. {Be, Lnc, Y; Heidelberg) Sew roaches into a bag and suspend it from the neck to ward off disease. 1608. Enich ebber §,8 en maulwasrf in der hand bebt bis er dod is grikts mittel net. {Be, Lnc, Na, 8c, Y; Hei- delberg) If you hold a mole in your hand till it is dead you will never have a felon. 1 609. Wammem gewex' hot s§kt mer dreim5l in der ka?')-; < w§,im der paerre der sege schprecht: was ich S.-guk is en sind, was ich schtreich, ferschwind. {Be) ■ If you have a tumor say three times in church while the - benediction is pronounced: "What I look at is sin. What I stroke, may it vanish. 304 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Wenn einer ein gewache oder sonst was boses von warzen an sich hat, soil er in die kirche gehen, und wenn er zwei personen mit einander sprechen sieht, soil er das gewaehs beriihren und dreimal sprechen : was ich sehe, das is eine siind, was ich greife, das verschwind. A M 1. 39 1610. Reib gift mit milich fun milich grant oder schelgrant. {Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt, 8c, 8n; Heidelberg) For ivy poison use the milk of milkweed or celadine. 1611. Fer achnnppe, rich dreimol in der schu. {Nu, T) For coryza, sniff into a shoe thrice. Ein weib, die den schnupf en hat, soil dreimal in des mannes schuh riechen. 1613. Fer schnuppe, fSr mit em finger zwische de z6e dse'rich un rich drU". {Be, C, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, 8c, 8n,Y) For coryza, pass your finger between your toes and smeU at it. Fiir den schnupfen, wenn du deine schuhe und striimpfe ausziehst, so fahre mit dem finger durch alle zehen und rieche daran. Hoh 13 1614. Fer mutterwe far mit de finger daerich di zee un rich drr. {D,Lb,T) For hysteria, pass your finger between your toes and smell at it. 1615. Bliit zu schtille : guk di wand schtaerr 5" un blinsel net, un zel hin'nerschich fun fuf'zich bis drei. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, 8n, Y) To stop hemorrhage ; stare at the waU and count backwards from fifty to three. Fange an von funfzig bis auf drei zuruck zu zahlen. Wenn du bis an drei kommst, dann bist du fertig und das blut ist gestillt. Hoh. 26 FOLK MEDICINK AND MEDICAL SUPERSTITIONS. 305 1616. Mer kgmi mit me schmutziche deller brauche fer wekschisser. {Be, C) Powwow with a greasy plate for sty. 1617. Geilskeschte sin gut fer peils. {Lb, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sn, Y; Ettenheim) Horsechestnuts are good for piles. 1618. Mer soil woUe bletter no drfige fer peils. {Be, Bu, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt) For piles, carry mullein leav«s on your person. 1619. Wginmer peils hot soil mer sich uf woUe bletter hoke. {Mr, Na; Ettenheim) Sit on mullein leaves to ease piles. 1620. Wgmmern maulwaerf in der hgnd hebt bis er dod is grikt mers besding' net. {Bu, C, Lnc, Mr, Sc, Sn) Hold a mole in your hand until it is dead and you will never have a felon. 1621. W^mmern hgfe wu noch nix drin war mit wg,sser un'ichs bett schtellt leit sichs gr8,nk net uf. {Na; Freiburg) A never-before-used crock fiUed with water and placed im- der the bed will prevent bedsores. 1622. W§,sser un'ichs bett gschtellt is gut fer n^cht- schwitze. {D, 8n; Freiburg) Set water under the bed to cure nightsweat. 1623. Mer soil drei grumbire im sak nodrage fer peils. D, Lh, Na) Keep three potatoes in your pocket as a cure for piles. 1624. Wgnnd der di zee'negl uf der Kaerfrei'dSk schneitscht, wgxe si der ins lebe. {¥) If you cut your toenails on Good Friday they will become ingrown. 306 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1625. Wginmer geblokt' is mit ket»r' soil mer g.lle 6l5ed fun seim egne wgsser di n&s nuf schnuppe s5 ^s es in der hgls kummt. Mer soils g,l^er rausschpaue. {Be, Lh, Na; Neustadt) To cure catarrh snuflf your own urine at night, but spit it out. Comment est bonne coutre le rheume 1 'urine dee petita en- fans? y;Si2. 2. 489 1626. Wgmmer grgnk is soil mer Sunndaks 's erscht m6l ufschte". {Be) - Tou should always get up from a sickbed for the first time on a Sunday. 1627. W8,mmer grg,iik is soil mer Sunndaks net ufschte' fer uf bleilSe schunscht hq.ppent ebbes. {Af) Never get up out of a sickbed on Sunday for fear of dire consequences. Wenn man am sonntag krank wird, muss man sterben. TF«59 FRECKLES 1628. Summerfleke zu ferdrelBe soli mer si mit d§,fwg.sser wesche. {Af; Stuttgart) Remove freckles by washing them with the water of bap- tism. 1629. Wgnns uf em re'gert wgnn di sunn scheint grikt mer summerfleke. {Bu, C, Mr, Mt) Bain falling on you while the sun is shining causes freckles. Wenn es regnet^ wahrend die soune scheint, und der regen auf die nase oder ins gesicht fallt, bekommet man "ross- mucken" (sommersprossen). V A 8 1. 196 1630. Wgnns uf em re'gert wann en re'geboge schtet grikt mer simimerfleke, {Af) If rains falls on you while there is a rainbow, you will get freckles. 1631. Wgmmer sich di summerfleke uf der ierscht Moi mit da wescht kammer sich si uf di aerm oder di be" schlage, no grikt mer si daert hi". {Af) If you wash your freckles with dew on May 1, you can transfer them to you arms or legs by hitting those parts of your body. Washing the face with dew gathered on the morning of the first of May kept it from becoming freckled. G Scot 151 1632. Der erscM Moi soil mer grad aus em bett nausge" un sich mit em da §s uf weze oder grSs is wesche di summerfleke zu f erdreiSe, after mer muss es unbe- . schraue dii'', sell is, mer daerf nix schwetze. (Af) Var. unwarze. {Be,Bu,C,D,Mt,Sc,Y) Rise early on the first of May and without dressing or speak- ing wash with dew collected on wheat or grass. The freckles will disappear. and warts. 307 308 PfiNNSTLVANU OEEMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Die sommersproBsen vergehen, wenn man sich in monat Mai mit tau von roggen wascht. V A 8 1. 486 Sich am 1. Mai mit morgentau waschen vertreibt sommer- sprossen. Wu 76 1633. Wesch summerfleke mit wSsser gs uf me grfibscht§" schtet, no gen si wek. {Be, Lh) Wash freckles with water collected on tombstones. Mit regenwasser, das auf leichensteinen stehen bleibt, ver- treibt man sommersprossen. Q 3. 1025 1634. Im Mserz wescht mer sich mit schtumpewg,sser sum- merfleke zu ferdreilbe. (Af; Heidelberg) To destroy freckles wash them in March with water col- lected in the hollow of a stump. and warts. 1635. Der erscht Moi wescht mer di sunnefleke mit d&. {Lnc, Nu) Wash freckles with dew on the first of May. Sich am 1. Mai mit morgentau waschen vertreibt die som- mersprossen. Wu 76 1636. Maerze da is gut fer summerfleke. {Lnc, Na, T; Heidelberg) March dews are good for freckles. 1637. Summerfleke ferge'ne wgmmer si reibt mit me f risch- gelek'te Kserfreidiksoi uns no uimer der dgchdrMt fergrSbt. {Be, C, Lnc, Mr, 8n; Freiburg) Freckles wiU disappear if rubbed with a freshly laid Gh)od Friday egg. The egg should then be buried under the eaves. 1638. Wftims me kind ins gsicht re'gert ebs en j6r git is waerts rosch'tich un sum'merflekich. {Af; Heidel- berg) If rain strikes a child's face before it is a year old its com- plexion will become rusty and freckled. TEETH 1639. Wg,mmer di z6' schtserrt mit holz wus gewitter nei" gsclilgge hot schtopts 's zS,~ w6 ^tJer di z6" f aule em raus. {C, Nu, 8c) If teeth are picked with wood from a tree which was struck by lightning the toothache will cease but the teeth will decay. 1640. Wgnuner zk'vre hot, soil mem schlitier nemme fume b&m wiis gewitter nei'gschlage hot mi demit' im zS" rumschtaerre bis er blijt. (Af) To cure toothache pick the tooth with a splinter from a tree which was struck by lightning, Vom blitz abgerissene baumsplitter als zahnstocher benutzt stillen den zahnschmerz und schlitzen vor demselben. B. . S. 33. 131. 1641. SunndSks schneit mer di negel gb, zft^we zu ferhtte. (Be) Cut your nails on Sunday to prevent toothache. 1642. Schneit der di negel gUe Freid&k gb, n5 grikscht ken za'we. (Af) Cutting the nails on Friday prevents toothache. V 8 L 2. 515 Man beschneide alle Freitage seine nagel an handen und flissen, und so wird man vor zahnweh bewahrt, oder ver- liert dasselbe, wenn man damit behaftet ist. V A 8 1. 482 1643. En kind zSnt leichter wg,mmem di z&^'Iit mit me oi reibt, sell oi n6 kocht uns dem kind fi'dert. {C, Lh, Lnc, Mr, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) A child will cut its teeth more easily if you rub its gums with an egg, then boil the egg and let the child eat it. 309 310 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1644. So g,s en kind net so haert zS.nt, henk en meisel g,n en bendel bis es dod Is, n5 binn em kind seller bendel urn der h^ls un loss en daert bis es en f erllrt. (Lh, Sn) To ease dentition in a child hang a niouse by a string until it is dead; then tie the string about the child's neck and leave it there until it loses it. "Wenn die eltem oder verwandten den kopf einer lebenden maus abbeissen und seiches in ein leinenes eingenaht dem kinde anhangen ohne jedoch einen knopf in den faden Oder das band zu machen, wird das zahngeschaft gut von statten gehen. L V 126 1645. Wgnn en kind zant henkt mer drei meis gme bendel bis si dod sin, no henkt merm kind seller bendel &". (Lh, Lnc, 8c) Put around the child's neck during dentition a string by which three mice had been hanged. Das kind zahnt leichter, wenn die mutter oder der vater oder der pate drei lebendigen mausen den kopf abreisst und unbeschrieen dem kinde anhangt, wobei aber kein knoten in das band gemacht werden darf. Wu 393 1646. Wgnns kind gm zane is reibt merm der gume mit em daume. (D, Mr, Na) Rub the child's hard palate during dentition with your thumb. Man reibe das zahnfleisch. Hlbg. 1647. Me kind reibt mer di zIT'lkt mit me oi, no Igkt mers wek. (Be) In dentition rub a child's gums with an egg, and keep it. Znr forderung des zahnens oder iiberhaupt des gedeihens beriihrt man des kindes mxmd mit einem ei. M 8 V 103 ; Wu 392 1648. Schmlr me kind wii g.m zSne is der gmne mit b&se- haem {Lb, Sc), gtSer ebs kind sex munet 9,lt is. (Mt) To aid dentition, rub a child's gums with rabbit's brain, be- fore it is, however, six months old. TSETH. 311 Siede das him eines haseu und reibe den kindern das zahn- fleisch damit, so wachsen die zahne ohne schmerzen. So 68; i y 126 1649. Wgnn en kind ha&rt zant soil mer der kgffi wu mers brot mit a'wescht em kind zu drinke gelbe. {Be) Coffee with -which bread is varnished should be given to the child to aid it in dentition. Die warzen soUen vergehen, wenn sie mit bestohlenem streichwasser (zum iiberstreichen des brodes ehe es in den backofen kommet) wascht. L Y 187 1650. Mer grikt ken za^we wgmmer §,l'lem6l as mer sich wescht dreimol mit hend foil "wasser Mnne gn de ore hf" fart. {Be) To prevent toothache you should, when washing your face, pass the hand full of water three times behind the ears. Wenn man alMglich mit frischem wasser mittelst des gold- fingers hinter den ohren wascht, wird man nicht von zahnweh befallen werdeu. L Y 233 3651. Mer soil nix abbeisse vra en ratt dra" gegnQ.'Bert hot, schunseht faule em di ze" aus. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh) Your teeth will decay if you eat anything at which rats have nibbled. The same superstition is known in Hlhg. cf. Zfd M 3. 316 Eating cheese or anything that has been nibbled at gives you sore throat. Y 8 L2. 152 1652. 'S erschtmol §,8 en kind an en fremmer blatz kummt schmirt merm di zS'lat mit fett fum flesch brode grad aus der pg-nn, no zSnts net haert. {Be, Lh) To ease dentition, grease the child's gums with fat from the pan in which meat was fried. This should be done on the first visit of the child. Gegen das herzgespann der kleinen kinder : man darf nur das fett vom braten aus einer bratpfanne nehmen, und zwar wenn man das andere fett ausgegossen hat : was also noch in der pfanne kleben bleibt, wird nur mit einem finger iiber den boden derselben heraus gestrichen und dem kinde die brust damit geschmiert. A M 1. 16 312 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1653. Di ze' faille em raus w§.miner an ebbes kaut wii schun ebber schtmscht drS' gekaut hot. (Lnc; Hei- delberg) Your teeth will decay completely if you nibble at anything at which some one else has nibbled. 1654. Wammer g,lle mserge der links schtrump 's §rscht ^'zikt, grikt mer ken za'tre. (C, Lb, Lh, Na, 8n, T) oder weer hgls. (C) Put on the left stocking first and you will have no tooth- ache, or sore throat. If you always put your left stocking and shoe on first, it prevents toothache. In Sussex the right. V 8 L 2. 515 1655. En geroppter zi," soil mer grSd in der ofe schteke. (Mr) An extracted tooth should be put into the fire at once. V SL2. 162 Ben ausgezogenen zahn soil man verbrennen. B 8 33. 25 1656. Fer za'we: reib di ze' mit re schlgngebaut. {Lnc, 8n) Rubbing the teeth with a snakeskin will cure toothache. The cast skyn of a serpent is medicinable. V 8 L2.1. 397 ; D Eng 157 1657. Za"we zu f erdrei'fte, schtaBrt mer der zS." mit re n5del wu mern dode gled mit gemgcM hot. {S, 8c; Frei- burg) Nu) Pick a tooth with a needle used in making a shroud to stop toothache. 1658. Wgmmer zS'we hot, schtaert mer ^m. za" mit me nSgel aus re Lid, g,15er der zk~ fault no raus. {Na, Picking a sore tooth with a coffinnail will stop toothache, but the tooth will decay. 1659. En n&gel aus re l&d ime zS" rum'gschtaert ferdreibt zS'we. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, 8c, 8n, Y) To cure toothache, pick the tooth with a cofSnnail. Sargnagel heilen auch zahnschmerzen. Wu 135 TEETH. 313 1660. Wgmmern schlgngehaut wu di schlang frijors raus- gschluppt is mit de ze" ufhebt, un hin'nerschicli lift, so f U schritt as mer hin'nerschicli get, so f 11 jor hglt di haut 's za-we wek. (Be, Lh, Sc, Sn) The number of steps you take backward while holding be- tween your teeth the skin shed by a snake indicates the number of years you will not suffer toothache. The cast skyn of a serpent is medicinable. V S L 2. 1. 397 1661. Wammern za" roppe losst soil mern mit hem nemme un in en meisloch schmeisse, n5 wasrts net we. (Af) To prevent sore gums after the extracting of a tooth, take the tooth home with you and throw it into a mouse hole. Wenn das kind die zahne wechselt, so muss man den ausge- f allenen oder ausgezogenen zahn in ein mauseloch stecken. B S 33. 116 1662. W§,mmer ins feier schpaut grikt mer za-we. {Lnc, Mr) Spitting into fire causes toothache. Wer ins feuer spuckt, bekommt zahnweh. Z 308 1663. Mer grikt ken za''we wammer immer 's erscht in der recht roksermel schluppt. (Lb; Kaiserslautern) To prevent toothache, always slip into the right coat sleeve first. 1664. En kind zant leichter wammerm di za'l&t reibt mit de rassle fun re rasselschlang. (Be, Lnc) A child will cut its teeth more easily if its gums are rubbed with the rattles of a rattlesnaike. 1665. Wann en kind 's erschtmol zum nacht'mol gange war soils grad wanns hem kummt in en abbel beisse, n6 grikts ken za'we. {Be; Freiburg) To prevent toothache a person should bite into an apple immediately upon coming home after his first communion. 1666. Fer za-we beiss en weisser hunns'gnodl ab. (D, Lnc; Lustnau) To stop toothache bite off a white dog turd. 314 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1667. En kind z§,nt leichter wg,mmem der kg.uim fume gschlgchte hSne daerichs maul zikt eb der hSne dod is. {D, Lnc, Y) To ease dentition pass the comb of decapitated cock through the mouth of the child before the cock is fully dead. Bin oft bewahrtes mittel fiir schmerzloses zahnen der kinder. Man schneidet dem haushahn mit einer schere in den kamm nnd bestreicht mit dem hervorkommenden bint die "biller" einmal oder zweimal. Dr 213 1668. Wgmmer der haern'zS" fun re sau nddrakt grikt mer ken za"we. {Af; Heidelberg) Carry with you the braintooth [ ?Probably the lower max- illary] of a hog to prevent toothache. 1669. W§,mmer immer di hend ab'driklt faerm gsicht grikt mer ken za'we. {Lh) Wiping one's hands before the face prevents toothache. Zahnschmerzen vergehen fiir immer, wenn man sich mor- gens nach dem waschen die hande zuerst abtrocknet. Z FY 1891. 193 1670. En kind zSnt net so haert wammerm en MsezS" a-henkt. {Af; Heidelberg) To aid dentition suspend a rabbit's tooth about the child's neck. 1671. Di finger un zeenegel grabt mer u'nich der daoh- drap uf der winterseit ei', no grikt mer ken za^we, {Be, C, Lh, Mr, Na; Freiburg) To prevent toothache bury the parings of fingernails and toenails under the eaves on the north side of the house. 1672. Wann en kind am zane is zants leichter wgmmerm en fischel daBrichs maul zikt. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Nu, 8n) Pass a small fish through the mouth of a teething child to ease its dentition. .... fischbein. Frmbwrg TEETH. 315 1673. Wsnn em en zS," rausfftUt, schmeisst mem in en meis- loeh mi s^t : meisel, meisel, ich geb dem ^Iter zh', geb mern neier defor'. (Af) j^'^hen a tooth drops out, throw it into a mouse hole and say: mousey, mousey, I am giving you an old tooth, give me a new one in its stead. Wenn einem kinde ein zahn ausfallt, muss es denselben in ein mausloch werfen und sagen: maus, du hast einen alten zahn, bring mir bald einen neuen. Z 61 WAETS 1674. Mer m§,cht di w&rz blute, n6(d) reibt mem wfirzicher abbel drifter un f ergrabt en unnerm d9,c]idrap. {Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Na, Sn, Y) Scarify a wart and rub it with a warty apple. Btiry the apple under the eaves and the wart will disappear. Eitze die warz mit einem spitzigen instrument bis sie blutet ; fange dieses blut mit einem gesehalten apfel auf und gib es den sauen. Am besten tut man dieses beim abnehmen- den mond. Ho 109; cf. L V 186 Sometimes an apple will be cut in slices and when all the warts have been rubbed, the slices will be buried. B F 57 1675. Mer schneit en zwiftel in zwe, reibt di w&rz mit de schtiker fun der zwiftel, schtekt si no -wider zamme un fergrabt si unner der dachdraft, (Af) Halve an onion, rub the wart with the halves, put the pieces together and bury them under the eaves. Warzen vergehen, wenn man sie mit einer zerschnittenen roten hauszwiebel reibt. Ho p 40 cf. L V 186 Rub warts with two halves of an apple cut in two ; then tie the halves together. V SL2. 517 1676. Warze reibt mer mit glene schte"cher un schmeisst si no in en grab. (Be; Freiburg) Rub warts with pebbles and throw them into a grave. . 1677. Warze reibt mer mit blut fume ganz schwasrze hinkel. {Be; Freiburg) Rub warts with the blood of a chicken which has nothing but black feathers. 1678. Wgrnmern grot d6d'mg,cht grikt mer wSrze an di finger. (Be, Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt, 8c, 8n, T; Heidel- berg) If you kill a toad you will get warts on your fingers. 316 WABTS. 317 1680. En w&rz an re ku trm eider h§sst mer ftsche, no get si wek. (Be) Call a wart on a cow's udder "ash" [?] and it will dis- appear. 1681. Di mi'lich fun schelgraut ferdreibt wkrze. (Af; Heidelberg) The milky juice of celandine (chelidonium maius) drives away warts. The wart is to be anointed with the juice of some acrid plant. FBI. 225 1682. En wSrz reibt mer mit me glene schte" un schmeisst en no iter di links schulder, gBer mer daerf nix schwetze, no get si wek. {Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, Nu, Sn, Y) Eub a wart in silence with a pebble, throw it over the left shoulder and the wart will disappear. Eub warts with pebbles; put one for each wart in a bag and throw it over the left shoulder. The person who picks up the bag gets the warts. V 8 L 2. 517 If you rub your warts with a pebble, wrap the pebble in paper and throw it away. C 8A907; D M199; B F 4tl 1683. En schtik grum'bir uf en warz gerite un no unich der dacMraft gegrabe soil warze ferdreiBe. (.4/) Warts are said to disappear if rubbed with a piece of a potato which is then buried under the eaves. Man bestreiche die warzen mit rohen kartofifeln und vergrabt sie dann in der dammerung oder bei mondschein sehweigend unter die dachtraufe. Wu 331 1684. En weohi grini W9,lnis uf warze geri'fee un no unich der dachdrap gegrafte nemmt wSrze wek. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Nu, Sc, Y; Freiburg) Remove warts by rubbing them with soft green wahiuts. Bury the walnuts under the eaves. 1685. Eeib en wlirz mit re grlne walnis. {Sn) Rub a wart with a green walnut. 318 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1686. W&rze zu ferdreiBe muss mer di hgnd fume dSde dritJer schtreiche. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Net, Nu, 8c, Y) Warts will disappear if you rub them with the hand of a corpse. Muttermale, warzen oder soustige auswiiehse kann man vertreiben, wenn man mit der hand einer leiche unter anrufuug Qottes dreimal iiber kreuz dariiber hinstreicht. B 8 33. 140 A dead man 's hand is supposed to have the quality of dis- pelling humors. FBI. 227 1687. Warze zu ferdreifie, reib si mit bune un grfib sell! bune n5 u'nich der dg,ch'drgp. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Mr, Mt, Nu, Sc, 8n, Y) To get rid of warts, rub them with beans and bury the beans under the eaves. As this beanshell rots away So my warts shall soon decay. F R 1. 221 1688. Mgch en schlitz in en bun un reib si ilSer di w&rz. {Be, C) Slit a bean and rub it over the wart. 1689. Du" mi'lich fun mi'lichgraut uf warze. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y) Put the milk of common milkweed {Osdepias Comuti) on warts. The wart is to be anointed with the milk or juice of some acrid plant. F B 1. 225; C S A 894, 1690. Der kopp fume h&ne as mer juscht gschlgcht hot soil mer uf en wSrz reitSe. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, 8n; Freiburg) To remove a wart rub it with the head of a rooster that has just been killed ; and then bury the head under the eaves. To remove warts : Take an eel and cut off the head. Rub the warts with the blood of the head. Then bury the head in the ground. When the head is rotten, the wart faUsoif. ff66 WARTS. 319 1691. Wammer zwe sent reite uf me gaul sfikt mer : Fedder ritter, hinner fitter! Nemm mei" warze mit der ! {Be, Lb, Lh, Mt, 8c, Y) When you see two person riding on one horse, say: For- ward rider, rear rider, take my warts with you. Zwei reiter auf einem pferd, Der hintere ist meine warze wert. Z f D M 2. 102 In Kent, if a man wets his forefinger with saliva and rubs the wart he wishes to get rid of three times in the same direction as a passing funeral, saying each time, "My wart goes with you", a cure will soon follow. B F 4:3 1692. Eeib en warz mit re schpek'schwSrt un henk di schpek'schwart no §n en gbbelbam, so as di fegel si fresse. (Lh) Eub a wart with the rind of bacon and hang it on an apple tree so that the birds may eat it. Gegen warzen: man bestreicht sie mit einem stiick speck und hangt dieses an einen baum; sobald der speck ver- trocknet, schwinden aueh die warzen. Wu 338 In Cheshire, steal a piece of bacon and rub the warts with it, then cut a slit in the bark of an ash tree and slip the bacon under a piece of the bark. B F B8 1693. Eeib en warz mit re welschkanksern un fergrab si unicli der dachdrgp. (Be, Lnc) Rub a wart with a grain of com and bury it under the eaves. Will man warzen vertreiben, so mnziehe man jede dreimal mit der spitze eines gerstenkornes und setze dieses in die erde. Z 199 A Scotch version bids the sufferer wrap up in a parcel as many grains of barley as there are warts and lay the parcel on the public road. Whoever finds and opens it receives the warts. B F 42 1694. Mg.ch en warz bliite mit me nggel aus re lad, no get si wek. {Be, D, Lnc, Sc; Freiburg) Scratch a wart with a nail taken from a coflSn until the wart bleeds and it will disappear. 320 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1695. Eeib en schpillumbe itJer warze un gratj en no much der dachdrap. {Be, Lb, Lnc, 8c, Sn, Y) Blib warts with a dishcloth and bury it under the eaves. Man reibt warzen mit einem alten lumpen aus einem frem- den hause und scharrt ihn dann in die erde. L Y 186 1696. Warze zu ferdreibe muss mer si mit me gschtolne schpillumbe reibe. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Na, Nu, Sc, 8n, T) To get rid of warts rub them with a stolen dishcloth. Man reibt warzen mit einem alten lumpen aus einem frem- den hause und scharrt ihn dann in die erde. L Y 186 1697. Warze soil mer mit biine reibe im no in der bakofe schmeisse un fsertschpringe as mer si net hert fer- grache. {D, Lh, Nu) Rub warts with beans, then throw the beans into the bake- room, running away so as not to hear them burst. In den gliihenden baekofen muss man so yiele erbaen werfen, als man warzen hat, sogleich aber wegspringen, dass man's nicht "pratzeln" hort, sonst wird's schlim- mer. Y A S 1. 484 1698. Uf der Ab'dansdak reibt mer warze, gren'age un so dergleiche. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Mt, Sc, 8n, Y) Rub corns, warts, etc., on Abdon's day (July 29 or 30). Am Abdonsdag sticht man dreimal mit einer nadel in warzen, wehen, hiihneraugen und dergl., um sie zu ver- treiben. B S 33. 123 1699. Eeib warze mit em wesch'lumbe wii en dodes ge- wesche is wasrre mit un fergrab en no unich der dachdraf. {Lb, Lnc, Sn, Y) Rub warts with the washrag with which a corpse was washed and then bury the rag under the eaves. Das tuch, mit dem dem sterbenden der schweiss abgetrock- net wurde, wird aufbewahrt, denn man kann mit ihm leicht wunden heilen. B A 225 WARTS. 321 1700. Wirze kammer ferdreiBe wg,nuner si maergets mit schpautz ng,ss mgcht eb mer ebbes gesse hot. {Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lnc, 8n, Y; Lustnau) To drive away warts, wet them in the morning with fasting spittle. Rubbing warts night and morning with fasting spittle will remove them. B F 184 1701. Mer soil en kaf t in en scbtik hols schneide f er all di wSrze g,s mer hot, no sel schtik hols driber reibe nn no in der grund grabe. Wanns hols f erfault is gen di wirze wek. (Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu,8c,Y) Cut as many notches in a piece of wood as you have warts, rub them with the notched wood and bury it. When the wood has decayed the warts will disappear. Man nimmt ein stiickchen holz, schneidet so viel "krappen" hinein als man leichdornen hat und wirft es am Sonntag in den klingebeutel. Z f D M 1.199 Take an elderstick, cutting a notch in it for each wart and then burying it to rot in muck. V S L 2. 517; G 8 A 923 1702. Warze muss mer mitre gschtolne schpekschwart reibe, no gen si wek. (Af) Eub warts with a stolen piece of rind of bacon. Rub warts with a piece of stolen beef and bury it in the garden. Corn 148 1703. En warz kammer mit re hor §,bbinne. {Af; Heidel- berg) Get rid of warts by tying them with a hair. Tying a horsehair around each wart is considered efficaciotis. Dri66 1704. En warz kammer mit me seidne fadem abbinne. {D, Lb, Mt, Na,Sc, Y; Heidelberg) Get rid of a wart by tying it with a silken thread. 1705. Be en grautbl§.tt bis es wech is, reibs i'bern w&rz un gebs no me gaul oder re ku zu fresse. {Be, Lb, Y) 322 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. To remove a wart, rub it with a cabbage that has been toasted until it is soft and then feed it to a horse or cow. 1706. Mer soil rosei'nekaerne uf wkrze binne. {Bu; Hei- delberg) Tie raisinseeds on warts. 1707. Warze soil mer ae'rik reifee mit hinkelfis. (C) Rub a wart thoroughly with chicken feet. 1708. Wgmmern w&rz wescht mit wgsser gs uf me ki'drek schtet, noch me rege, get si wek. (C, Lnc, Nu) Wash a wart with water collected on cattle droppings. "Warzen vertreibt man mit regenwasser, das auf kuhfladeu liegt. Z 202 1709. Mer soil en warz mit der sohii'sol reiSe. {C, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c, 8n; Kaiserslautern) Rub a wart with the sole of your shoe. 1710. 'S s§lz wii mern warz mit reibt soil mer no in der bgk'ofe schmeisse. {Bu; Heidelberg) Rub a wart with salt which is then thrown into a bakeoven. 1711. Eeib en warz mit re liek fmne gb'belbdm un blrik si no unner. (Nu) Rub a wart with a dead apple twig and plough it under. 1712. Wammer drei mol mit em rechte fiiss i'bern warz reibt, get si wek. {Na, 8n; Lustnau) Pass the right foot three times over a wart and the wart will disappear. 1713. Eeib en warz mit me gfunn'ne gnoehe mi lek en no grad wider hi" wt er gele'ge hot. {Lnc) If you find an old bone, rub the wart with it and lay it down exactly as you found it. C S A 887 Warzen vertreibt mann, wenn man sie mit einem gefunde- nen knochen bestreicht. Wu 341 1714. Wann ens as sei" fgder ni net gsgne hot en wfirz mit schpautz n§ss mgcht get si wek. {Be, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, 8c, 7) The spittle of a posthumous person removes warts. WABTS. 323 1715. En wkrz ame gaul hesst mer gsche, no get si wek. {Be; Ettenheim) If you call a wart on a horse "asche" it will disappear. 1716. En w&rz §,me gaul seinre nSs schmirt mer mit fett aus re fett'amschel. {8c; Ettenheim) Grease a wart on the nose of a horse with tallow from an old-fashioned tallowdip. 1717. En warz an re ku hesst mer schtof'f el, no get si wek, {Y; Ettenheim) Say "blockhead" [probably the German stoffel] to a wart on a cow and the wart will disappear. 1718. Wann en gaul en warz hot, sakt mer hus'tsch^k, no get si wek, {Be, Lh; Ettenheim) Say "sick em, jack" [?] to a wart on a horse and it will disappear. 1719. Zii re warz sakt mer, ge" §,wek' dii grot. (Be, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Sn; Lustnau) To remove a wart, say: "Toad, get out!" 1720. Di erscht grot as mer frijors finnt soil mer uf em sei" warze reiBe bis si dod is, no gen di w&rze wek. {Be, D,Lb, Lh, Sc; Freiburg) Take the first toad which you find in spring and rub it on warts until it dies. This will cure warts. 1721. Uf der erscht, zwet un dritt Moi wescht mer di warze mit da un schlakt sich si ht" wii mer si hi" hg'be will. {D, Lnc, Nu, Sc) Wash warts with dew on the first three mornings in May, and with the hands hit the part of the body where you want the warts. und man greift hinten an. Hlbg. 1722. Eeib di wSrz mit re schpekschwart im 8,b'nemmede un fergrab si unner der dgchdrgp. {Af) Rub the warts with the rind of bacon in the decrease of the moon and bury it under the eaves. 324 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1723. Eeib en wSrz mit re schpekschw&rt un fergrSb si u'nioh der dgcMrgp. {Af) Eub a wart with the rind of bacon and bury it under the eaves. Andere nehmen speekschwarten, wischen sie iiber die leichdomen, und werfen sie bei einem begrabnisse, nach- dem sie ein vaterunser gebetet, ins grab. Zf D Ml. 199 Rub warts with the fat side of a piece of bacon with the rind on. C P &P 535 1724. Wesch warze mit schtum'bewasser. {Af) Wash warts with water standing in the hollow of stumps. Warzen vertreibt man durch regenwasser, welches sich auf einem eichenstumpf gesammelt hat. Wu 244 1725. Warze reibt mer mit me sent un grabt en no u'nich der dg.ch'drap. {Af) Rub warts with a cent and bury it under the eaves. Das ist gut fiir krampfadem. Freiburg 1726. Ferkaf di warze fern sent un lek der sent no wek gs er net gejiisd' waert. {Af) Sell your warts for a cent and put the money away so that it will not be used. 1727. Mer k&ft warze ab mit me sent un schmeisst der sent no wek.' {Af) Sell your warts for a cent and then throw it away. 1728. WSrze kammer ferdreibe mit braucbe. Mer s&kt drei 5bed hen'dr§,n : Nei'miind, w§,s ich S'guk, nemm zii ; was ich schtreicb, nemm ab. {Af) Warts may be removed by saying the following powwowing formula on three successive evenings: New moon, what I behold, may it increase, what I stroke, may it decrease. Wenn der mond im wachsen ist, dann stellt man sich abends oder nachts an das offne fenster, schaut fest in den mond, indess man die warze mit dem zeigefinger beriihrt und leise reibt, dabei muss man dreimal sprechen : "was ich sehe, wachse, was ich fiihle, nehme ab." Dieses dreimal getan und die warze fallt mit dem abnehmenden mond ab. Zf D M 2. 101 WABTS. 325 1729. "Wsmmer grote k'rekt gxikt mer -w^rze. (Af; Kai- serslautern) Touching a toad will cause warts to appear. C 8 A 882 1730. Wann em en grot ferpisst grikt mer wSrze. {Af; Freiburg) Toad urine causes warts. 1731. Schtel en schtik ka'lik un reibs nf en wSrz. {Mr; Heidelberg) Steal a piece of lime and rub it on a wart. 1732. W9,nn en kii en wl,rz am eider hot hesst mer si "feik", no get si wek. {Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Mr, Na, Nu, 8c; Lustnau) Call a wart on a cow's udder "fig" and it will disappear, [cf. Muret-Sanders, Deutsches Worteriuch sub Feige.] 1734. Wammer wasser nemmt fer gscliaBrr wesohe wii oier drin gekocht ware grikt mer warze an di hend. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Nu, Sc ,8n, Y) To wash dishes in water in which eggs have been boiled is a sure way to have warts. In dem wasser, in dem eier gekocht wurden, darf man sich die hande nicht waschen, sonst bekommt man warzen an die hande. A A 9 "Washing the hands in water in which eggs have been boiled causes warts to grow. E Y i6 1735. Wammer ebber di wSrze zelt waert er si 15s after mer grikt si selftert. {Af) If anyone counts your warts you will get rid of them but ' the person counting them will get them. Wenn man die warzen von einem andem zahlen lasst, so wird man davon befreit und der zahler bekommt sie. Z 200; B S 33. 140; F A S 1. 483; C 8 A 874; V 8 L 2.518 1736. Mer nemmt en bendel un macht en gnopp nei" fer jeder warz; no w§,mmer ment mer het si all, zelt mer di gnepp un di wSrze. Wammer §,6er net gnepp 326 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. gemgcht hot f er 9.II di warze, gen juscht di ewek' wii mer gnepp def or gemgcM hot. No grabt mer seller bendel u'nich der dgchdraps. (Be, Lh, Lnc, Na, Sc, Sn, Y) Tie knots into a string, one for each wart. A wart will dis- appear for each of the knots originally tied. Bury the string under the eaves. Mach an einen faden so viele kuopfe, als du warzeu hast, und wirf ihn hinter dich oder vergrab ihn im miste oder unter einer dachrinne, und die warzen fallen ab, so bald er fault. .^ 198 ; (? 3. 785 A piece of string to be tied in knots, one for each wart, touching them successively with their respective knots and then burning the string. V 8 L 2. 517 1737. Der weschlmnbe wu en dodes gewesche is waerre mit reibt mer uf wSrze un fergrabt en no u'nich der d§,chdraf. (Lb, Lnc, 8n, T) Rub the washrag used in washing a corpse over warts and bury it under the eaves. 1738. Reib en warz mit re roe grum'bir. {Be, Bu, C, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Nu, Sc, T) Rub a wart with a raw potato. Man bestreiche warzen mit rohen kartoffeln. Wu 331 RHEUMATISM 1739. Mer soil dcr hjernzS" fun re sau d'henke f er ru'medis. Be, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Nu, 8n) For rheumatism, wear the eyetooth of a pig. Der zahu des ebers ist bild des blitzes tiud schiitzt gegen zahnweh. Wu 97 1740. Mer soil drei grumblre im ho'sesak nodrage f er ru'- medis. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Mr, Nu, 8n) As a prevention or cure for rheumatism carry three potatoes in your pants pocket. 1741. W8,mmer der drei'ekich gnoche ime hinnerschunke im sak nodrakt grikt mer ken ru'medis. (Be, Bu, D, Lh, Sc) To prevent rheumatism carry in your pocket the triangular bone from a ham. Vor rheumatismus bleibt man bewahrt, wenn man von dem kugelgelenk eines sehinkenbeines die obere halfte ab- schneidet, dasselbe durehsticht und mit einem bindfaden das schliisselbund bindet und mit demselben stets in der tasche tragt. Schon vorhandenes rhemna vergeht da- durch allmahlich. A A 91 1742. Wgmmer di ru'medis hot soil mem kup'perner sent in di schii dii"'. {Mr, 8c) To cure rheumatism, put a copper cent into your shoe. 1743. Mer drakt en schtik elektri'siti im sak no, no grikt mer ken ru'meplis oder wammer si hot waert mer si los. {Be, C, Lnc, Mr) Carry a piece of electricity [a piece of burnt-out carbon from an arc light] as a prevention or cure for rheuma- tism. 1744. Mer soil en bens nodrage fer ru'medis. {Be, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c, 8n, Y) Carry a penny on your person to cure rheumatism. 327 328 PENNSTIiVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1745. En htifnagelring is gut fer ru'medis. (Be, C, D, Nu, Sc,Y) A ring made of a horseshoe nail is good for rheumatism. 1746. Drak en messner ring fer ru'medis. (Be, Lnc, Mt, 8c) Wear a brass ring to cure rheumatism. 1747. Glasne kepp u'nich di bettschtoUe gemacht soUe ru'- medis ferhite. (D, Lh, Lnc; Kaiser slautern) To prevent rheumatism, put glass knobs under the bed posts. 1748. En gidaerr'ti olehaut um en gnechel gebunne kjurt ru'medis Tm halt si h "wek. {Af; Freiburg) A dried eelskin tied about a joint cures and prevents rheu- matism. 1749. Lers wasser wud di fis obeds drin gewesche hoscht net bis de nekechte d&k aus, oder du grikscht di ru'm?,dis. {Lb) Do not throw out the water in which yon washed your feet in the evening until the next day, for fear of rheumatism. Ein gebrauchtes fussbad soil nicht eher als den andem tag ausgegossen werden, man giesst sonst das gltick mit weg. G 3. 350 1750. S wasser wu mer sei" fts 66eds gewe'sche hot soil mer numme jo auslere, schunscht grikt mer di ru'- medis. {Be, Lh, Lnc, 8c, T) By all means throw out the water in which you have washed your feet to prevent rheumatism. Water that has been used to bathe the feet must be put outside the door at night for fear of fairies. F B i. 351 1751. Du grikscht ken ru'medis w^nnd en nagel fun re lad nodrakscht. {C, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y) Carry a coffin nail to prevent rheumatism. For cramp, wear coflSn rings dug out of a grave. T 8 L 2. 2. 492 KHBUMATISM. 329 1752. Fer ru'medis mach en ring aus me ng,gel fume hiif- eise wu di negel noch drin sin un wer der ring. {Be, C, D, Nu, Sn, Y) If you find a horseshoe containing eight nails, have a ring made of one of these nails and wear it to cure rheu- matism. Man macht auch krampfringe aus hufeisen. Wu 130 1753. En gsalzner m^'kerel uf di fis gebunne is gut fer ru'medis. {Lnc, Y) A salted mackerel tied on the feet cures rheumatism. A raw salt herring with the hone taken out applied to the neck, tying a handkerchief over it and keeping it on all night, cures sore throat. V 8 L2. 512 1754. Fer ru'medis, drak grum'blre im sak no. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Sn) Carry potatoes in your pocket as a prevention against rheu- matism. Gegen gicht, worunter ausser der eigentlichen gicht noch viele in gliederreissen oder lahmung sich bekundenden krankheiten verstanden werden: Man tragt drei gebet- telte kartoffeln auf dem blossen leibe, bis sie verwelkt sind. Wu 356 For rheumatism carry a raw potato or the piece of one. V SL2. 509 1755. Fer rumetis soil mer en geilskeseht im sak n5 drage. Uf) Carry a horse chestnut in your pocket for rheiunatism. Um gicht und rheiunatismus zu heilen oder zu verhiiten, muss man eine ungerade zahl rosskastanien bei sich tragen. Wu 356 For rheumatism carry a horse chestnut. V 8 L 2. 509 23 CROUP 1756. Mess en kind mit me sohtik holler un lek 's n5 hi" wu ken sunn un ken mund ane scheint, no grikts der schtikfluss net wanns mol longer gew§,xe is as der schteke. (Be; Freiburg) Measure a child with an elderberry wand and put it where the rays of neither sun or moon strike it. The child will not have croup after it has grown taller than the wand. 1757. Mer muss en kind wii der schtikfluss hot ufs milz schtelle fume schtik fl as mer juscht gschlacht hot un druf bleilae losse bis 's milz k§,lt is. (Be) To cure croup, the sufferer should stand on the warm spleen of a freshly slaughtered steer and remain standing on it until the spleen is cold. 1758. En hem'gschpunn'ner woU'icher fade um der hals kenkt kjiirt schtikfluss. (Be, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, 8c, 8n, ¥) A homespun woolen thread tied about the neck will cure croup. Ein woUener strumpf. Freiburg 1759. En kind as der schtikfluss hot schtellt mer an en echebam, schlakt en nagel o'Bich em kind seim kopp in der b&m so as fum kind seine hor dezH' kumme. Sell schtopt en. (Lnc) A child suffering from croup can be cured if you place it against an oak tree and drive a nail into the tree above the child's head in such a manner that some of the child's hair is included. Certain oak trees in Birkhampstead in Hertfordshire were long famous for the cure of ague. A lock of hair was pegged into an oak and then, by a sudden wrench, trans- ferred from the head of the patient to the tree. JB i" 39 330 CROUP. 381 1760. Mer nemmt en kind g,s der schtikfluss hot, schtellts §,n en echebSm nn schlgkt en n§,gel o'Bich em kopp in der b&m. Wanns kind dasrt drifter naus gewaxe is grikts ken schtik'fluss me". {Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lh. Lnc, Na, Nu, Sn) Place a child suffering with croup against an oak tree and drive a nail into the tree directly above the child's head. The child will not have croup after it has grown taller than the mark in the tree. Man stellt es an einen zwetsehgen baum. Eaiserslautern 1761. Wann en kind der selitik'fluss hot soil der peter en nagel o'ftich em kind seim kopp in en b§.m schlage. Wanns mol dasrt drifter naus gewaxe is grikts der schtikfluss nimmi. (Af; Freiburg) To cure a child of croup the godfather of the child should stand it upright against a tree, and drive a nail into the tree above the child's head. The croup wiU disappear as soon as the child has outgrown this mark. 1762. Dii' hor fume kind as schtikfluss hot in en loch g,s de in di w§nd gebort hoscht, z^pp sell loch no zii uns kind grikt der schtikfluss nimmi. (Lnc) Put some hair of a child that has croup into a hole bored in the wall, plug up the hole, and the croup will be cured. CONVULSIONS 3763. Wgnn en kind di gichtrg hot I6kt merni en gfmine hufeise as en gaul sich nun'nergerisse hot nn wu g,ll di negel noch drin sin unichs koppekissi. {Be, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc, 8n, Y; Freiburg) To cure a child of convulsions lay under its pillow a horse- shoe containing the regulation number of horseshoe nails and which was cast by a horse. 1764. Wg,mniem hiifeise finnt wii all di negel noch drin sin soil mer selli negel me kind S'henke, no grikts ken gichtre. (Be, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Y) If you find a horseshoe with seven (or eight) nails in it, sus- pend those nails from the neck of the child as a preven- tive against convulsions. Kranke kinder heilt man, indem man ihnen ein gefundenes noch mit den nagein versehenes, aber nicht mit der hand beriihrtes hufeisen auflegt. Wu 360 1765. "Wann en kind gichtre hot dekt mers mit seim f§,der seim hochzichrok zu. (Nu) "When a child has convulsions cover it with its father's wed- ding coat. So oft die mutter aus der wochenstube geht, lege sie etwas von des vaters kleidem auf das kind, so kann es nicht ausgewechselt werden. 6 3. 744 1766. Gkm §,s ni net n§,ss wS.r un fume kind unner site j5r §,lt gschpunne is gut fer gichtre wammers S^henkt un henke losst bis en fun selBert g,bfallt. (Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, 8c, 8n, Y) Yam that has never been wet and was spun by a child less than seven years of age will cure convulsions, if worn round the neck until it falls off. Wer ein hemd an tragt, von gam gewoben, das ein madchen unter sieben jahren gesponnen, der hat glUck darin. 3.115; cf.ffohp 53; ry 124 332 CONVULSIONS. 333 1767. Wgnns irscht hemm ^s mer me kind STdvA noch net gewesche w&r grikts kind di gichtre net. {Bu; Hei- delberg) A child will not have convulsions if the first chemise worn by the child had never been washed. 1768. Di erscht schl5s as mer sent nochdem' g,s en kind nf di welt kummt soil merm kind fidre, no grikts ken gichtre. {Be, 8c; Lustnau) A child will not have convulsions if it eats the first hail- stone seen after its birth. 1769. Der Sge zk" fun re sau fi'kenkt schtoppt gichtre. {Be, D, Lnc, Mr, 8n; Heidelberg) Suspend the eyetooth [1] of a pig from a child's neck to cure convulsions. 1770. DSfwasser schitt mer i'ftern gichtrose schtok, n6 grikt sell kind ken gichtre. {Be, Lh, Lnc, 8n, Y: Heidelberg) The water used in baptizing a child should be poured over a peony bush to prevent convulsions in the child. 1771. Fer gichtre lekt merm kind en gfunne hiifeise wu §,11 di negel noch drin sin u'nich der kopp. {Af) Cure convulsions in a child by laying luider its head a found horseshoe containing eight nails. Dem kind ein hufeisen unter den kopf gelegt ist ein gut mittel fur gichter. M SV 117 1772. Wgnn en kind gichtre hot henkt merm en schtik schtrik wii ebber sich kenkt hot mit uf di bruscht. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y) To stop convulsions in a child, lay on its chest a piece of the rope with which some one has committed suicide. Der strick des gehenkten gilt als glucksmittel. B M 21 1773. Wgnn kinner gichtre hen soil mer si net S.-rege, 's dnt ne so we. {Bu, Lh, Mr, Na) Do not touch children in convulsion, it increases their suf- fering. 334 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Hat ein kind die gichter, so darf man seine glieder nicfat beriihren, da sie sonst lahm werden. Alem 19. 166 1774. En kind §,s gichtre hot dekt mer mit seim f gder seim rok zu. (Nu) Cover a child suffering with convulsions with its father's coat. So oft die mutter aus der wochenstube geht, lege sie etwaa von des vaters kleidem auf das kind, so kann es nicht ausgeweehselt werden. G 3. 744. The father's shirt wrapped round the newborn babe was es- teemed a preservative against the child being stolen by the fairies. S H 8 B7 1775. Heb me kind sei" nabelschniir uf , dri'kel si un lek si wek. W§nns kind gichtre grikt, nemm di natSel- sohnur, mgch si f ei", rtr si in brei un fider em kind der brei. Sell ferdreibt di gichtre. (Lfe, Lh, Lnc, Y) Take the child's umbilical cord, dry it and preserve it. "When the child is seized with convulsions, pulverize it, mix it with pap and feed the child with it. This will cure convulsions. Die abgefallene nabelschnur dem kinde in brei eingegeben, macht dieses gelehrt, bewahrt vor fallsucht oder vor gichtern. B M 17 1776. Me kind as gichtre hot lekt mer fun de el'dre tre hochzichgleder u'nich der kopp. (Af) A part of the parents' bridal trousseau placed under the child's head will stop convulsions. Gegen gichter legt die mutter dem kinde ihre seidne brautschiirze unter das kopfchen. L V 125 1777. Schtell en kind as gichtre hot gn di wand, bor en loch in en bord in der wand, dii'' fum kind seine hor nei" un zgpps loch zii. No grikts ken gichtre me". (Lb) Bore a hole into a board in the wall, put into it some of the hair of a child suffering from convulsions, thrai plug up the hole. This will cure convulsions. CONVULSIONS. 335 1778. W§,mmern lumbe iSern gichtroseblum binnt un no V kind mit sellem lumbe wescht, grikts di gichtre net. {Be, Lnc, Mt; Heidelberg) To prevent convulsions wash the child with a rag that had been tied over a peony flower. Peony doth help epilepsies. C P cfc P 173 During teething wear a necklace of beads turned from the root of the peony. V 8 L 2. 514 1779. Me kind sals in di hend un zwlMe uf di fis gebunne scbtopt gichtre. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Y; Heidelberg) Salt put in the hands and onions tied to the feet of the suf- ferer will cure convulsions. "When a child has convulsions rub its hands with a raw onion. C P Y 170 1780. Fer gichtre binn em kind zwible uf di iMs. {Bu, Mt. Sc) To cure convulsions, tie onions to the child's feet. When a child has convulsions rub its hands with a raw onion. C P Y 2. 170 WHOOPING COUGH 1781. Fer bio hiisch'te, du" nein wserm in en bottel un f er- schtekl si. {Lnc) To cure whooping cough, put nine worms into a bottle and hide it. 1782. Di belle fun re rgsselschlang a'kenkt kjurt der bl5 hiisch'te. (Mt) Wear the rattles of a rattlesnake to cure whooping cough. 1783. Katzesupp is gut fer bio hiisch'te. (Z>) Cat soup is good for whooping cough. Katzenfleisch ist gut gegen schwindsucht. Wu 127 1784. Dafwgsser is gut fer bio hiisch'te. (D) Water of baptism is good for whooping cough. Das taufwasser wirkt heilend bei kinderkrankheiten. Wu 139 1785. En kel'leresel ime sgk um der hgls kenkt is giit fer blohusch'te. (Y) A wood louse suspended from the neck in a bag is good for whooping cough. 1786. Te fun bloe gleblume is gut fer der bio husch'te. {Be, Lb, Lnc, Sc, Sn, Y) Tea made of blue clover blossoms is good for whooping cough. Tee von schliisselblumen ... Fr 1787. DrSk rime fun sei'leder no fer bio hiisch'te. {Be, D, Lnc, Sn, Y) Wear strips of leather made of pigskin to cure whooping cough. 1788. Schtel mi'lich fer bio husch'te. {Lnc) Drink stolen milk, to cure whooping cough. 336 1 WHOOPING COUGH. 337 1789. Mer soil nachts esse schtele fser bio husch'te. {Be, Bu, Mt; Heidelberg) Eatables stolen at night cure whooping cough. 1790. Fer bio huschte schtelt mer bio bgnd un binnts an sich. {Be, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, 8c, Sn, T) To cure whooping cough, steal a piece of blue ribbon and wear it. Gegen halsweh hilft, wenn man ein blaues schniirlein um den hals bindet. Z 187 1791. Wgnn en kind as der bio husch'te hot en niger bosst get em sei" bio hiisch'te wek. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Nu, 8c, 8n, Y) Kissing a negro will cure a child of whooping cough. 1792. W§,nn en kind en niger bosst ebs en jor §lt is grikts der bl5 husch'te net. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt, Nu) If a child kisses a negro before it is a year old it will never get the whooping cough. 1793. Wann ens der bio husch'te hot binnt mern schpinn in en fingerhut un henkts Im a". {Nu) Tie a spider into a thimble and suspend it from the neck of the person with the whooping cough. 1794. Mer kaft rot band im schtor gber mer bezSlts net; no binnt mers um en fingerhiit wun schpinn drin is \m henkts me kind a" as der bio husch'te hot. {Lb, Lnc, Mr, T) Go to the store and get a piece of red ribbon, without how- ever paying for it, tie it around a thimble in which there is a spider and suspend it from the neck of a child suffering with whooping cough. In Berlin geht man in neuester zeit, um heiserkeit, bosen hals, kehlkopfkrankheit imd dgl. zu heilen, in einen posamentierladen unter den Linden und fordert ein stiickchen floret band, man erhalt ein solches schweigend, bezahlt nichts, und dankt auch nicht — es soU ein ver- machtnis sein — und maeht sich oder einem andem das bandchen lun den hals, worauf die schmerzen verschwin- den; wenn man bezahlt oder dankt, so wirkt es nicht. WuU2 338 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1795, Mae're milich is gut fer der bio husch'te. {Af) Mare's milk is good for wheeling cough. 1796. Di haut wu en schlgng frijors rausschluppt soil mer fei" schneide uniine kind fidre as der bio husoli'te hot. (Lnc) Cut up and feed to the child the cast off skin of a snake to cure it of whooping cough. 1797. Fer bl5 hiiscb'te, mer soil aus me bloe tombler drinke as mer gschtole hot. {Lb, Lnc, Mr, 8c) To cure whooping cough drink from a stolen blue tumbler, 1798. Wann ens der bio husch'te hot, soil mer mi'lich schtele grad fun der kii wek un si ei" gete. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc; Freiburg) To cure whooping cough, steal milk from a cow and give it to the child. 1799. Wann ens der bl5 husch'te hot, soil mem oi lene fun leit 9.S ir napie net f erlegelt hen, 's koche un em kind fidre, {C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, 8c, Y) To cure whooping cough, feed the child an egg gotten from persona who have not changed their names by marriage, 1800, Henk en schpinn um der hals, sell kjiirt bio husch'te. (C) Suspend a spider from your neck to cure whooping cough. 1801, Wann en kind bl6 hiisch'te hot, f§ng en schpinn, du" si in en sak un henk si em kind k". {Be, Lnc, Na, Y; Freiburg) A spider put in a bag and hung around a child's neck will cure it of whooping cough. Few spiders tied up in a bag and worn round the neck will keep off fever and ague. W Ir 27 1802, En wnsch h5r fume mensch wii sei" fg.der sei" lelSe net gsene hot kjurt der bio husch'te {D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, 8c, Y) Oder die gichtre {Lb) wammer der wusch uf der haut n5dr&kt. •WHOOPING COUGH. 339 A lock of hair of a posthumous child will cure whooping cough or convulsions, if it is worn on the skin. For whooping cough, a lock of hair cut from the head of a person who never saw his father, is to be tied up in a piece of cloth and worn round the neck. W Ir 22 1803. Fer bloMschte soil mer butterbrot {Be, Bu, D, Sc) Oder brot (Af) oder esse (Af) grtge fun leit gs ir n&me net ferheiert hen. (Kaiserslautern) Bread and butter, bread, or something to eat given you by persons who have not changed their name through mar- riage will cTire whooping cough. To cure whooping cough, let the patient be taken to the house of a married woman whose maiden name is the same as that of her husband and let her give the invalid something to eat — "a piece" — and a cure will speedily follow. G Scsi 46 1804. Ens as der blohuschte hot sott aus me bloe gschserr esse. {C,Sc; Stuttgart) Eat from a blue dish to cure whooping cough. 1805. W§,nn ens der blohHsoh'te hot, fangt mem fisch aus em wasser un lossts dra" riche oder losst der fisch ufs schnaufe, no get der hiischte wek. {LJi, Lnc, Sn) To cure whooping cough : take a fish out of water and let the sufferer smell at it or let the fish breathe on the suf- ferer. To cure whooping cough put a trout's mouth into the patient's. V8L2.501; W Ir 13 1806. Wann en kind der blohusch'te hot, soil mers daerich en tonnel nemme. {Lh) Cure a child of whooping cough by taking it through a tunnel. To cure whooping cough a child should be carried through the smoke of a limekiln, 6t through gas-works. V 8 L 2. 501 HAIR 1807. Aus'gschtrelte h5r dserf mer net ferbrenne schunscht waert mer dumm. (C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Nu, Y; Hei- delberg) Burning one's combings makes one stupid. 1808. Ausgschtrelte hor ferbrenne ferur'sacht kopp'we, (C, D, Mr, Nu, 8c, Y) Burning combings causes headaches. 1809. Wgmmer aus'gschtrelte hor ferbrennt g5n em noch mer aus. (C, 8c) If you bum your combings, you will lose still more hair. 1810. Hor daerf mer keni ferbrenni, 's mgcht em dumm. (Lnc, Na) Burning the combings of your hair makes you stupid. . . . Dumm und tappig. Hlbg. 1811. Hor im Leb g-bgschnitte waerre dik, schtsBrik un lang. (Bu,D,Lb,Lnc,Mt) Hair cut in Leo will become heavy, strong and long. Im zeichen des Lowen und im wachsen des mondes werden die haare geschert. Hof 76 1812. Wammer hor nausschmeisst so §,s di fegel neschter mit baue waert mer blot. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, 8c, Y) If you throw your hair out and birds build nests with it, you will become bald. Wenn man abgeschnittene haare in das freie wirft und die spatzen damit nester bauen, bekommt man einen ausschlag auf dem kopf. Z 181 1813. Wgnnd en weissi hor rausroppscht kumme sibe §n tr leicht. {Be, Lh; Heidelberg) If you pull a white hair, seven will come to its funeral. 340 HAIE. 341 1814. Rote hor uf em kopp, der deifeel im leib, (D, Y; Lustnau) Red hair indicates a "spit fire". C 8 A 125 1815. Mer waert fergesslich. w§,mmer sich oBeds schtrelt. (Be, Bu, Lnc, Mt, Na, Sc, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) Combing the hair after dark makes one forgetful. 1816. W§,miner sich olbeds mit me feine schtrel schtrelt waert mer fergess'lich. (Na) If you comb after dark with a fine toothed comb it will make you forgetful. C S 4 1291 . . . verzerrt man den verstand. Hlbg. 1817. Wann em en schpekmaus uf der kopp fltkt grikt mer groe hor. (Na, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) If a bat flies on your head you will get gray hair. 1818. Aus'gschtrelte hor muss mer sergets ame dunkle bl§tz halte schunscht grikt mer koppwe. (Lnc) Unless combings are kept in a dark place you will have much headache. Abgeschnittene haare muss man an einen ort hinlegen, wo weder sonne noch mond scheint, also in die erde unter einen stein und dgl. Baut ein vogel mit solchen haaren, so bekommt man kopfweh. Y A S 1. 493 1819. Mer losst sich's erschtmol baWi're im neie licht, no grikt mer dike wiskers. (Lnc) Shave for the first time at new moon if you would have a heavy beard. 1820. Di hor schneit mer im zu'nemmede gb. (Af; Heidel- berg) Cut hair in the increase of the moon. 1821. R5te hor un §.le heke W&xe selte uf giite fleke. (Be, Mt, Na, Y) Red hair and smooth alder {Almus serrulata) seldom grow in good soil. . . . Wachsen selten auf gutem boden. Hlhg. 342 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1822. Wgrnmer sichs uf der kopp regere losst daBrich di hnnnsd&k gen em di hor aus. (Be, C, Lh, Lnc, Sn, Y; Heidelberg) Rain falling on the bare head during dog days will cause the hair to fall out. 1823. Wanns em in de hunnsd§,k uf der kopp regert grikt mer fil koppwe. {Be, Lh, Lnc, 8n, Y) You will have much headache if rain falls on you head dur- ing the dog days. 1824. Aus'gschtrelte hor soil mer net wekschmeisse, schimscht wann fegel neschter mit baue grikt mer koppwe. (Af) If birds builds nests with the combings of your hair, you will suflfer with headaches. Abgeschnittene haare soil man verbrennen oder vergraben, denn sonst werden sie von vogeln zum nesterbauen benutzt nnd dies verursacht kopfweh. Z 180; S H 8 237 1825. Di hor as es gebt wammer sich schere losst soil mer net wekschmeisse, schunscht w^nn di fegel neschter mit baue grikt mer koppwe. (Be) Never throw away hair that has been cut off, for, if birds build nests with it you will suffer with headaches. The cuttings of your hair should not be thrown where birds can find them; for they will take them to build their nests and then you will have headaches all the year after. Ir 2. 105 1826. Hor losst mer immer im zunemmede abschneide. Uf) Hair should be cut in the increase of the moon. Bei zunehmendem monde muss man haare imd nagel schneiden. Wm 58; C S A 1132; V 8 L 2. 1. 248 1827. Wannd dich schtrelscht mit me dode seim schtrel f&Ue di hor aus, oder w^nnd dich bg.lBl'rscht mit seim bglbir'messer un schneitscht dich helts net. (Af) Tour hair will fall out if you use a dead person's comb, or if when shaving with a dead man's razor you cut your- self, the wound will not heal. HAIB. 343 Eamm und mesger, womit ein toter gekammt und geschoren worden ist, muss mit in den sarg gelegt werden, sonst fallen denen, die sieh ihrer bedienen, die haare aus, oder er schneidet sich damit schwer heilende wunden. B 8 33. 120 1828. Di hor gen em net aus wammer sich der erscht Frei- dak im neie licht schere losst. {Af; Heidelberg) Hair will not fall out if cut on the first Friday in new moon. 1829. Wann em en schpekmaus uf der kopp secht, wsert mer blot. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, 8c, Y) If a bat wets your hair, you will become bald. Wenn man bei naeht bhne kopfbedeckung ausgeht, so pissen einem die fledermause auf den kopf und man bekommt einen kahlkopf . ZfBMi.il 1830. Wann em en schpekmaus in di hor kummt, waert mer blot. {Be, Bu, C, Lh, Lh, Mr, Mt, Nu, Y) If a bat gets into your hair, you will become bald. "Wenn man bei nacht ohne kopfbedeckung ausgeht, ver- wickelff sieh die fledermause ins haar. Z f D M i.id 1831. En weibsmensch soil ken mann schere oder si nemmt em sei' grefte. {Be, Lb, Lnc, 8c, 8n, Y; Heidelberg) If a woman cuts a man 's hair he will lose his strength. 1832. Im ab'nemmede soil mer sich net schere losse, schunscht wsert mer blot. {Af; Heidelberg) Cutting the hair in the decrease of the moon causes bald- ness. 1833. Dae'rich di hunnsdak dae'ref mer di hor net wesche oder mer grikt gschwsere. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, 8c, Y; Freiburg) The scalp should not be shampooed during the dog days for fear of boils. Bathing ia the dog days is more dangerous than at other times. V SL2. 615 344 PENNSTLVAOTA fflEftMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1834. Di hor gs mer sich ausschtrglt sott mer ferbrenne. (Be) The combings of your hair should be burned. Combings of hair should be burnt. V 8 L2. 166 1835. Wamme kind di hor ifternannernei'"' leie gebts en li'derlicher mensch, (Lnc) The child whose hair is stubborn will become vicious and immoral. Hat ein kind verschiedene haarlagen, wird es ein lieder- licher mensch. Z 34. SEX The superstitions under this rubric are printed in a separate fascicle which will be sent on request to those subscribers of the book who want it for purely scientific use. 345 Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page Missing Page MISCELLANtlOUS 1913. Di nserre fer glik, di §rme fer kinner. {Af; Heidel- berg) Fools for luck, the poor for children. 1914. "Wser mit feier schpUt pisst ins bett. [Af) If you play with fire you will wet the bed. Welcher mit einem finger oder stecken in die asche schreibt Oder mit dem feuer spielt, das ist ein wahrhaftig zeichen, dass er ins bett gebrunzt hat oder wird's tun. Zf D M 3.312 1915. Wammer schtol'pert get mer zurik' Tin duts i'Ber. (Be, Bu, C, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc, Sn, Y) If you stumble, go back and start over again. Wenn einer mit dem fusz anstosst, so er zur haustiir hinaus- geht, soUe er wieder zuriickk^ren, woUe er anders kein ungliick auf dem weg erleiden. A S 1. 378 1916. Wammer ilSerm schpile alles gewinne will, muss mer re schpekmans 's hserz le'Ben'dich rausschneide nn an di hand binne \m mer rans schpllt mit. (Be, C, h. Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Sc, Y) If you would win at cards, cut the heart out of a bat alive, and tie it to the hand with which you deal. Binde mit einem roten seidenen f aden das herz einer fleder- maus an den arm, womit du auswirfst, so wirst du beim spiel alles gewinnen. Z 619 1917. Wammer am nagle is un schlecht oft nebe drS,, secht mer als : dir waxt er noch. (Be, Bu, D, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc, Sn,Y) If in driving nails you miss them frequently, the saying goes : You are not yet full grown. 1918. Mer soil nix fun der schtross ufhebe, 's is ferleicht gebraucht waerre mit. (Be, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Sn, T) 359 24 360 PBNNSTLVANU GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Never pick up anything from the street, it may have been used in powwowing. Einen bandel mit knoten soil man nicht vom weg auf heben ; wer einen aufhebt, bekommt warzen. V A 8 1. 499 1919. Zigei'ner kenne me du~ gs §,niiere leit. {Bu, C, Lnc, Na,Nu,Sc) Gipsies can do things that other people can't. Zigeuner konnen und wissen mehr, als andere leute. Z 600 1920. Wammer ebbes leicht aus'wenmch Iserne will lekt mers buch u'nichs koppekissi wammer ins bett get. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lnc, Mt, Sc, 8n) If you want to learn anything by heart put the book under the pillow when you go to bed. Wenn man das buch, woraus man lernen will, unter das kopfkissen legt und darauf schlaft, merkt man das zu lemende leichter. Z 281 1921. Der e'wich jeger (Be, D, Lb, Nu), der si15e jeger {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Nu, Y) hot sei" hauns bei sich, blost sei" haern im jakt di leit in eng'schte. The Spirit Hunter is accompanied by his hounds, blows his horn and terrifies the people. Und schiesst nichts. Hlhg. Gespenster zogen aberall herum in ganzen schwarmen, der wilde jager machte jagd, mit ketten fing um mittemacht ein unhold an zu larmen. A S 1. 372 ; Wu 17, 18 Gabriel's hounds sounded exactly like the questings of a dozen beagles on the foot of a race but not so loud, and highly suggestive of the supernatural. H N G 130 1922. Wann ebber schloft un mer dut em sei' fissole in wgrm wasser brunst er ins bett. {Be, D, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, Sn; Heidelberg) Applying warm water to the feet of a sleeping person will make him wet the bed. 1923. Mer k9,nn ens ins bett brunse mache wammerm di hend in wirem wgsser lekt. {Mt; Heidelberg) Putting a sleeping person's hand into warm water will make him wet the bed. MISCELLANEOUS. 361 1924. War l^nge finger hot schtelt gSm. {Af; Heidel- berg) A person with long fingers is likely to be a kleptomaniac. 1925. Wammer sich S'dut un dut di schii 's letscht &", muss mer sich noch scheme. {Be, Su, C, D, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Nu; Heidelberg) If you put on your shoes last while dressing, you will have cause to feel ashamed. 1926. Wgmmer di schii a'dut fer de hose muss mer sich scheme. (Na, Y; Freiburg) You wiU have cause to feel ashamed if you put on your shoes before putting on your trousers. 1927. Wammer de mannsleit ir hemmer um em bukel bi'gelt waerre si bes. (C, Na, Y) Ironing the backs of men 's shirts makes the men irritable. 1928. Di hemmer dserf mer net uf em bukel bigle oder mer grikt en beser mgma. (C, Na, Sn; Nurtvngen) Ironing the backs of shirts forebodes a crabbed (future) husband. 1929. Di hemmer soil mer net uf em bukel bigle oder mer grikt bu'kelwg. {Be, D, Lnc, Na) Ironing the backs of shirts causes lumbago. 1630. Di hemmer soil mer net uf em bukel bigle oder mer grikt gschwaere. {Lh, 8n) Ironing the backs of shirts causes boils to the wearer. 1931. Wammerme manns'kaerl sei' hemm uf em bukel biglt waert er faul. {Be, Bu, Lh, Lnc, Sn) Ironing the back of a man 's shirt makes him indolent. 1932. De mannsleit Ir hemmer daerf mer net uf em bukel binne oder si grtge rik'we. {Lh) Men shirts must not be tied on the back, it causes backache. 362 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPBESTITIONS. 1933. De mgnnsleit ir hemmer daerf mer net uf em bukel binne, si waerre so bes. (Lb, Y) Men will become very angry if you tie their shirts on the back. 1934. Di hemmer daerf mer net uf em bukel bigle schunscht bigelt mers glik raus. (Lh, Imc, 8n, Y; Nurtingen) If you iron the back of a shirt the wearer will not have any luck. 1935. W&mmern neii sut 's »rscht mol 8,'dut muss mer der Schneider rausglobbe oder si wert net g&t. (Nu, Sc) "When wearing a suit for the first time, it must be beaten to beat the tailor out of it, or it will not wear well. Wenn einer ein neues kleid anhat, soli man ihm darauf schlagen mit worten: "das neue muss man klopfen, das alte muss man stopfen"; dadurch bekommt das kleid langere dauer. G 3. 922 1936. En neii sut soil mers erscht mol in di kae'rich S'du*', no w§.rt si ftl lenger. (Be) Wear a new suit for the first time when yon go to church, and the suit will wear much longer. Wear a garment for the first time on Sunday and it will wear twice as long. V S L 2. 1. 253 1937. W»r der wipperwill (Lh) oder gu'kuk (Af) 's erscht- mol frtjors hert soil sei" geldsak schittle, no hot er immer geld. You will always have money if you shake your purse when you hear the call of the whippoorwill or cuckoo for the first time in spring. Wer im friihjahr zum ersten mal den kuckuk rufen hort und kein geld in der tasche hat, leidet das ganze jahr mangel; hat er indess welches bei sich, wird er in dem jahr keine not haben. B 8 33. 121 ; V 8 A 1. 124 On first hearing the cuckoo, turn the money in your pocket and wish for something. Y S L 2. 1. 280 1938. W^mmer frijors der wipperwill' 's jerscht mol hert, soil mem b8erzlb§,m schlage, no grikt mer ken rikwe. (C,8c) MISCELLANEOUS. 363 Turn a sommersoult when you hear the call of the whippoor- will for the first time in spring and you will not have any backache. Sieht der bauer zum erstenmal im jahr den storch, so wirft er sich zu erde, walzt sich herum, und bleibt nun das ganze jahr frei von riickenweh. Q 3. 986 1939. Wsmmer der esel nennt, Kummt er gerennt. {Af; Heidelberg) Speak of the devil and you will hear the flopping of hia wings. Wenn man an jemand denkt oder von ihm spricht, ist er nicht weit. B S 33. 135 Talk of the devil and he'll appear. F jS I 2. 1. 320 1940. Kalte hend, w§.rm hserz. {Af) Cold hands and a warm heart. Kalte hande, warmes herz. Z 357 A cold hand and a warm heart. V 8 L 2.1. 294 1941. Wammer sals ferschitt gebts schtreit. {Af) Spilling salt means a quarrel. Wenn das salzf asz umf allt, bedeutet es zank. jB A 290 To upset salt is exceedingly luilucky and a bad omen. Ir 2.104 1942. Wg-nnd sgls ferschitt hoscht, scluneiss defun' iteer di links gksel. {C, 8c, 8n) When you have spilled salt throw some of it over the left shoulder. To upset salt is exceedingly unlucky and a bad omen; to avert evil gather up the salt and fling it over the right shoulder into the fire, with the left hand. Ir 2. 104 1943. Schtreit zu ferhtte wannde sals ferschitt hoscht, fer- brenn defun'. {Af; Neustadt) To prevent a quarrel when you have spilled salt, you should bum some of it. To avert the evil from upsetting salt, gather up the salt and fling it over the right shoulder into the fire, with the left hand. Jr 2. 104 364 PENNSTLVANIA GKBMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1944. Wu Bchw§,lme hi" baue schlgkt ken giwit'ter ei". Uf) Lightning will never strike a building where swallows have built their nests. Wo die schwalmen nisten, schlagt der blitz nicht ein. Z 756 It is good luck to have swallows or martins build in tbe eaves or chimneys. V 8 L 2. 17 1945. Wgnnd ruich schlofe witt, schtells bett gege naerde. {Lh; Heidelberg) Your bed should face the north, if you wish to sleep soundly. It is good luck to sleep with your head and feet lying north and south. V8L2.21 1946. Mer muss irmner di sem dir nausge" das mer nei" get. {Af; Heidelberg) Always leave by the door by which you enter. It is ill luck to leave the church by a different door from that you came in at. V 8 L 2. 93 1947. Wffirn himmelsbrtf im haus hot, hot ken unglik. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na, Sc, Sn, Y) The "letter of Jesus Christ" protects the house in which it is found from misfortune. cf. FAS 1.201-2; BA292 In the south of England a copy of the apocryphal letter of our Lord to Abgarus, King of Edessa, is often past«d on cottage walls to prevent witchcraft. H N C 194 ' 1948. Weibsleit wu peif e un hinkel wii gree Soil mer der hals rumdree. (Af) Whistling girls and crowing hens come to a bad end. Ein huhn, das kraht wie ein hahn, deutet ungluck an. Man soil ihm den hals umdrehen. B A 289 1949. Ich winsch dern glik'selich jor Fun hlr an bis ans scheierdor, Der kopp foil leis, der Srsch foil grind Un jedes jor en hQrekind. {Be, Lh) MISCELLANEOUS. 365 I wish you a happy new year From here to the barndoor, A lousy head, a scabby arse, And each year a bastard child. Ik wiinsche jich en slechtet niet jar Hunderdusend liise up einen har, En kopp vull sehorwe Un en ars vull worme. R A 233 1950. Di scM un schtrimp muss mer im bett aus- und a'dii", no bleibt mer lang sche". (Be, Bu, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Sn; Kaiserslautem) To retain your beauty you should take off and put on your shoes and stockings in bed. 1951. Der erscht schuss wu mer aus re neie flint schist macht nix dod. {Bu, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Na, Nu, Sn) The first shot from a new gun will not kill. Den ersten schuss feuert man in die luft. Hlhg. 1952. Wgnnde fil r§tte hoscht, dii"' en sent in en bexli un draks uf en greizwek, no waerre si f erge~. {Be, Lnc) To get rid of rats : put a cent into a small box and lay the box on a crossroad. 1953. Mer soil ken buch IBer n&cht uf leie losse oder mer f ergesst gUes as mer drin gilaemt hot. {Be, D, Y) Never let a ,book lie open at night, or you wiU forget all you have learned in it. Du bist eine schlapp, maeh doch dein buch zu. Hlbg. 1954. Wammern nagel dserich en gnaerre schlage will reibt mern an enre seit der nas nuf un di anner nunner ; no ferschplit der gnaerre net. {Lnc) To drive a nail through a knot without splitting the board, rub the nail up one side of the nose and down the other. 1955. Rothoriche leit un fixgeil hen e" sinn — si sinn §lle zwe falsch. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Nu, So, Y) 366 PBNNSTLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Bed-haired persons and sorrel horses are both treacherous. Rothaarigen leuten soil man nicht trauen, denn sie sind bos und falBch. Z 169 1956. Schwotte oder w&nze zu f erdreiBe, binn drei glte sent un drei schwolBe oder wanze in en sak un lek si uf en greitschtros. Wser der sak ufhebt kaft di schwobe oder wgnze. (J./) To get rid of roaches or bedbugs, put three of them and three old cents into a bag and place them on a cross road. Whoever picks up the bag buys the roaches or bed bugs. Wanzen vertreibt man, wenn man in der karf reitagsmitter- nacht eine schajchtel vol! auf einen kremweg stellt. Wm 398 1957. ScbwoBe kaminer 16s wserre wammer si in re m9,tches bgx oder e'nichre b§x mit me dekel uf en greitz- schtros dr&kt. {hnc) To get rid of roaches, put them into a match box or any box with a lid and place it on a cross road. 1958. Mer gchneit sich en gabel fume baselnisbim w§,mmer suche will f er wasser. Mer hebt di gg,bel in der h§,nd un wu si sich nun'nerzikt^ daert kammer wasser finne wammer dif ginunk' grabt. (Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Na) Use the divining rod when in search of a spring or well. Cut a V-shaped twig from a hazle tree, hold it in your hand; where it dips, you will find water — if you dig deep enough. The Divining Hod is known also as the Drowsing Rod, Moses' Rod, and the Virgula. It is a v-form twig, each limb being from ten inches to twelve inches long, cut from a cherry tree, hazle or white thorn. It is used for the purpose of discovering subterranean water springs and lodes of ore. H 99 1959. Wammer fer wasser suche will n^mmt mem g,bbel n§scht gnseht^tts en h^selnisngscht. (C, Mr, 8c, 8n) MISCELLANEOUS. 367 Cut a V-shaped twig from an apple tree instead of a hazle tree for use as a divining rod. 1960. Wsminer fer wgsser suche will schneit mer sich en psBr'sching zweik fun dem jor. (Z), Nu, Y) Cut a V-shaped twig of the year's growth for use as a divining rod. 1961. Schtreich en rotseidner bendel I'fter wildfei'er. {Be, Lnc; Heidelberg) Pass a red silk cord over parts affected by erysipelas. 1962. Wammer ens am grose zee h3.1t grikt wg,nns im schlof schwetzt, sgkts em e'nich ebbes gs es wes. (Af) If you seize a person by the great toe while he is talking in his sleep, he will tell you anything he knows. Will man von einem sehlafenden geheimnisse erfahren, fasse man ihn an der grossen zehe und frage ihn herz- haft, was man will. Nur muss man sich hiiten, den namen des sehlafenden zu nennen, well er sonst erwacht. V AS 1A97 1963. 'S bog'gi oder der wage f erbrecht der, wannd i'berm wageschmtre di reder zurik'zus drescht. {Lb, Mr, 8c} Your buggy or wagon will break down if you turn the wheels backward when greasing them. 1964. W§.mmer di reder zurik'zus dret wammer der wage schmirt kumme di hexe hialch em. {€) Witches will bother you if you turn the wheels of a wagon backward when greasing them. 1965. Wgmmer di reder zurik'zus dret i'Berm wage schmire, waern di geil fglsch. {C, D, Mr, Mt, Na, 8c) If you turn the wheels backward when greasing them, your horses will balk. 1966. Wgmmer i'fterm wage schmire di reder zurik'zus drSt waert der w§ge ^Uemol hes gs mern jusd bis mer der wgge wider rumschmlrt. {Lnc) 368 PENNSYLVANIA 6ERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. If the wheels are turned backwards in greasing a wagon, an axle will become hot every time the wagon is used until all wheels are greased again. 1967. Iberm wgge schmire daerf mer di re'der net zurik'zus dree schunscht get der w§ge haert, oder wgmmern guti IM glade hot, det mer scht&le. {Bu, C, Lnc, Mr, Mt, 8c, Y) In greasing a wagon, do not turn the wheels backward or the wagon will run hard; or if the wagon is heavily loaded, it will be stalled. Beim einteeren der wagen fangt man immer rechts an, sonst werden die pf erde miide. Wu 406 1968. W^nn ebber uf me §,n'nere mgnn seim l^nd schise get, branch di fr§, wii uf em land wunt juscht der schaerz IBer di schulter schmeise, no get em jeger 's gewer net los. {Be, Lh,Lnc, 8c) If any one trespasses on another's land for the purpose of gunning the former's wife needs only to throw her apron over her shoulder and the gunner's gun will miss fire, Ein altes weib verhindert dem jager das treffen, wenn sie die schiirze mit einem zipfel aufschiirzt. TF« 291 1969. Di leit wu Ir s§ch immer im haus rum'schtelle kumme zn nix. If you keep moving your furniture around, you'll be poor. C 8 A 1456 . . Sind unstete menschen. Elbg. 1970. Al'lemol as mer sich jert soil mem f&sengchtkuche esse no lebt mer noch en jor lenger. {Lb, Lnc, 8n; Lustnau) Eat a doughnut on your birthday and you will live another year. 1971. WSr en »rdschpigel hot kgnn e'nich ebbes sene. Mit so me schpigel kammer meind un lecher in der Srd finne. {¥) You can see anything by the aid of a semaphora. It is also used to discover ore or subterranean caverns. MISCELLANEOUS. 369 Der erdspiegel entdeckt personen verborgene schatze und andere verborgenen dinge. Wu 245 1972. Di flint soil mer butze mit em haerz fun re schpek- maus, n5 drefft mer alles as mer denno' schist. (Be) Swab the gun with the heart of a bat and you will hit any- thing that you aim at. Unfehlbaren schuss erlangt man, wenn man eine lebendige fledermaus zerreisst und die kugeln in das blut taucht. Wm452 1973. Mer soil nt net ebber en nodel oder schpel mit em schpitz'iche end ge^e schunscht ferschtechts di lib. Uf) In giving a needle or pin or any pointed instrument to any one, never hand it with the point toward the person, for it will destroy your friendship. Der verleiher einer steck- oder nahnadel darf sie dem leihenden nicht selbst in die hand geben, sondem vor ihm hinlegen oder hinstecken, sonst werden sich beide feindlich gesinnt. J5 8 33. 142 1974. En weibsmensch as ems brot dik scbneit mgcbt en guti scbtif mutter. (Af) The woman that cuts thick slices of bread will make a good stepmother. Weil sie einem nichts drauf schmieren will. Elbg. 1975. Wammer fegelneschter finnt un schwetzt am disch defun' gen di schl&nge dra". {Lnc, Nu; Kaisers- lautern) If you find a bird's nest and talk about it at the table, snakes will destroy it. 1976. Wammer uf junge f egel scbnauf t eb si di §,ge uf hen, losse di glte si ferhungre. (C, 8c, Y) If you breathe on young birds before their eyes are opened, the parent birds will let them starve. Dann gehen sie kaputt. Hlbg. 1977. Wammer fegel a"rekt eb si di kge uf hen, lossi di alte si ferreke. {Bu, C, Mr, Mt, 8c, T) 370 PENNSYLVANIA 8EBMAN SUPBBSTITI0N6. If you touch, biyds before their eyes are opened, the parent birds will let them starve. 1978. Mer soil ken bettschtrik iBers greiz schp&ntie, mer hot greiz gnmik so. (Y) The bed cord should not be stretched cross wise, you have cares and sorrows enough without it. 1979. Mer soil ken gnopp iliers greiz S"nee, mer hot greiz gnunk' so. {Be,Lnc, Na, Sn; Heidelberg) In sewing on buttons take care not to cross the stitches, lest you add to your sorrows. 1980. 'S wasser fum erechte schne is heilich wasser. {Bu, Lb, Lnc, Mt; Heidelberg) Water from the first snow is holy water. 1981. En ganz er'licher mgnn muss en pusch h6r in der hgnd hg,t5e. (Na, T) 4- perfectly upright man should have a tuft of hair in his hand. 1982. WSr re weisse daub di zung rausnemmt un lekt si sich u'nich di zung kgnn daerich en paertischenw^nd sene. (Lh) Cut out the tongue of a white pigeon, place it under your tongue, and you can look through a partition wall. 1983. Wammer am feiermgche is uns will net brenne soil mer drei bese weibsleit nei'du". {Be, Lnc, Y; Frei- burg) If when you are starting a fire it will not bum, put the names of three scolds into it. 1984. "Warn mostq,seh' rese will un kann net muss di e'berscht lefts mit stser rSm oder me hin'keldrek schmtre un no in re dunkle ngcht en schwserzi katz es gb'schleke losse. {Af; Heidelberg) If you want to raise a moustache and cannot, rub sweet cream or chickendung on the lip and let a black eat lick it on a dark night. BUSCELLANEOUS. 371 1985. Wann en f ux'gaxil ken naube hot hot sei' toischter si. (Afj- Heidelb-erg) If a sorrel is not tricky, its owner is. 1986. Fer jeder schtich as de Sunndlks machscht rennt der der deibel en gU'dichi schtriknodel dserich di zung. (Lnc) For every stitch you take on Sunday the devil will run a red hot knitting needle through your tongue. . . Rennt der teuf el in der woch im haus herum. Hlhg. 1987. Wgmmern dr§.ch S'ruf t grikt mer geld. (Lnc, Y) Call upon a dragon [or meteor?] for money. 1988. Wgnn en maulwaerf im killer is hg,lts di rg,tte draus. (Lnc, Nu; Heidelberg) A mole in the cellar will keep out rats. 1989. Wg,mmers maul mit em schptHnmbe ^.bbutzt, grikt mern horich maul. (Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sc; Freiburg) "Wiping the mouth with a dish cloth causes hair to grow on your lips. 1990. So §s en flint giit dodmacht dut mer fum bliit fiime gedi'r as mer gschosse hot in der \M. (D, 8c) To give a gun greater power put into the gun barrel some of the blood of an animal you have shot. Tue blut von einem maulwurf in den lauf ^wischen das pulver und blei. Hoh 18 1991. Ge" immer zum seme falter naus as de nei"gescht. Uf) Always enter and leave through the same bars. 1992. Wannde ebbes ferlore hoscht, schpau in die hand un schlak mit em finger druf. Wiis menscht schpautz hi'fltkt, in sellre direk'schen leit was mer ferlore hot. (Bu; Freiburg) To find something you have lost : spit into the palm of your hand, hit the spittle with one finger and the direction in which the greater part of the spittle flies will indicate where the lost article can be found. 372 PBNNSTLVANU GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 1993. Wgnn schanschte' schwglme in en schtub kumme, drSge si wgnze ias bett. {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mt, Sc, Sn, T; Freiburg) Chimney swallows bring bedbugs. 1994. Schnuerte leit machens bett msergets, faule mitt&ks, sei obeds. {Bu; Heidelberg) Good housewives make the beds in the morning; lazy ones at noon, slatterns and pigs at night. 1995. 'S hot ener en aerd'lichtel gsene un hot em drei sent &"'gebote wanns em hem leichte det. 'S hots gedu", un no wi er hem knmme is hot erm di drei sent net gebe wolle, g,bers hot juscht gewart bis es si grikt hot. {Lh) Once upon a time a man saw a will-o'-the-wisp and he of- fered it three cents if it would guide him home. Having done so, he declined to give it the promised reward but it just waited until it got its money. Feuermanner (auch lichtertrager, feurige landsknechte) sind ziemlich harmlos, wenn sie nicht beleidigt werden; sind gegen versprochenen lohn, einen kreuzer, einige pfennige oder brotkrumen, dem menschen gefallig, be- sonders den fuhrleuten die sie rufen, leuchten ihnen nach hause, imd dergleichen ; gibt man ihnen das versprochene, irgend sine kleinigkeit, nicht, so fuhren sie den menschen durch die Itifte davon oder ziinden ihm das haus an. W«477 1996. Di sch&le fun sume gummere lekt mer in di f rucht- kgmmer, di wible zu ferdreibe. {Be, Lh; Heidel- berg) Put the shells of seed cucumbers into the granary to drive out weevils. Cucumbers were regarded infallible in driving vermin away. CP &P232 1997. W§mmer hinnerschtfe'derscht schwetzt is mer hin- nerschtfe'derscht ufgscht§inne. {Af; Heidelberg) If a person jumbles his words in speaking he got up wrong. MISCBJLLANEOUS. 373 1998. W§,mmer sell bei name nennt q,s ^n em denkt wgmmer di schpel wider nei'schtekt un si bleibt f^scht hot mers recht genSmt. {Lnc, Na, Nu, Y; Heidelberg) If the pin, which has become loosened because some one waa thinking of you, remains in its proper place, you have guessed the name of the person. 1999. Masrgets rot, 6'beds dot. (Bu; Freiburg) Morning red, evening dead. 2000. Wammer em der rok'aermel nufgukt, sent mer schtseme. (Lnc, Nu) Look up a man 's coatsleeve and you will see stars. 2001. Wgmmer in der busch get un dret uf aer'graut, f erlirt mer sich. (Af) You will lose your way in the woods if you step on rattle- snake plantain. Wenn man uber das kraut hinweg schreitet, ohne es zu wissen, so get man irre (daher irrkraut). Wu 99 2002. Wann par leit en drg,ch sene, soUe si net z^mme schwetze schunscht f erget' er grad. {Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Sc, Sn, T) If several persons see a meteor at the same time they should remain silent, or it will disappear at once. Wenn man ruft "der draehe zieht", so entflieht er. Wu 46 2003. Mer soil ken reche uf der kopp lege, schunscht heile di engel im himmel. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Nu) Do not let a rake lie on the ground with the teeth upwards, it makes the angels weep. Man soil keinen rechen mit den zahnen nach oben gerichtet liegen lassen, well es den engeln beim laufen wehe tut, denn die engelein sind barfuss. V A S 1. 492 2004. Mer soil ken brot uf der kopp lege schunscht heile di engel im himmel. {Be, C, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Nu) Do not lay a loaf of bread on its round side, it makes the angels weep. Wenn brot auf der runden seite liegt, hat der teufel gewalt dariiber. Zf D M 1. 2i3 374 PENNSYLVANIA ©EBMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 20G5. Wffir enich ebbes in der pgim mit em mfesser schttftt, grikt seitsehtechie. (Lnc) If you stir anything in a pan with a knifie you will have a pain in yoilr side. Wer essen oder trinken mit dera tnferaer uiarfihrt, bekonunt leibschneiden. G 3. 1052 2006. W^ der k^f fi oder t§ mit em messer rtrt grikt seit- schteche. {C, Lh, Lnc, 8c) You will have a stitch in the side if you stir coffee or tea with a knife. Wer essen oder trinken mit d«T gabel umriihrt bekommt leibstechai. G 3. 1052 2007. So fil schtich §,s mer nemmt wgiQmer febbes 9.11 ebber §,"net, so fil drene. (Se, Lh, Na, 8c) Each stitch which you take while sewing or mending some- thing while the person is wearing it means a tear. 2008. Wammer hexe fer grexe zu ebber sSkt, kglm er net da' was er du" hot woUe. (Be, Lh) If you say "hexe fer grexe" to a person he cannot do what he intended. Man sa^ hexe fer drexe. Hlhg. 2009. Wammer ebber ebbes fi^net net merm schmaerze a' fer jeder schtich. (C) Each stitch you take while sewing something on a person means one additional pain. 2010. Ne me melisch ebbes h" wanners 5"hot un du nescht ems glik wek. (Bu, Lh, 8c) You will lose your luck if you permit anyone to mend your clothes while you are wearihg them. 2011. Wgmmer me mensch ebbes S,"ngt winners S-'hot, net merm di gedgnke f escht (Bu, Lb, Na, 8c) If you sew or inend anything on a person he will become thoughtbound. MISCELLANEOUS. 375 2012. Wgrnmerme mensch ebbes a"net winners a'hot, net merm drufiel i". {C,D,Lh,Lnc,8c) You will sow on trouble if you mend any garment while it is being worn. 2013. Wammer ebber ebbes a'aet winners ^'hot, grikt em f eind f er jeder scbtich. (Nu) Bach stitch which you take while sewing or mending a gar- ment while it is being worn, means one enemy. 2014. Wg,mmerme mensch ebbes a'net wanners H'Lot, waert er dumm un fergess'lich. {Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Mt, Na, Nu, Sc) If you mend or sew at a garment while a person is wearing it, the wearer will become stupid and forgetful. Wer sich das zeug am leibe flicken, einen knopf oder ein band annahen lasst, verliert das gedaehtnis, seine kraft oder verunreinigt sich im tode. B 8 33. 136 2015. Wammer gscbeid sei" will muss mer drei scbnitz esse, aber net me. (Af; Heidelberg) To become wise, eat three pieces of dried fruit, but no more. 2016. Wannde ebbes senscbt wandre in der nacht uns will der di hand gebe, geb sim net oder si fgUt der g,b (C, Lb, Lh, Mr, 8c, Y). Geb em en schnuppduch. If a spirit wandering about at night wants to shake hands with you, do not do it, for your hand wiU drop off. Give your handkerchief. Wer einen geist fragt, wodurch er erlost werden konne, muss es aueh voUbringen, sonst hat er vor demselben keine ruhe mehr ; versprieht man es, so f ordert der geist einen handschlag oder ein pfand. Die hand darf man ihm aber nicht reichen, sonst verbrennt sie, well jener schon vom qualenden feuer ergriffen ist, man darf ihm nur ein tuch oder etwas ahnliches reichen. Wu 483 2017. Der jut is der gnoche wii der deibel in di sei gfSre is {Be, Bu, Lb, Lh, Mt, Sc, Y). Er best k 's joch. The atlas bone [?] marks the spot where the devU entered the swine. It is also called the yoke. 25 376 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. Die sail hat dem "hoehriicken" im genick ein wirbelbein, das da aussieht, als sitze ein madchen im zaber. Dies nennt man die "saujimgfer"; wei- diese beim essen be- kommt, wird ausgelacht — denn es eine jiidin. V A 8 1. 122 2018. Wgnn en medel me mgnnskaerl sei" hut uf 'dut, will si en boss. {Be, Lh, Na) If a girl wears a man's hat, she wants a kiss. Wenn man einem madchen einen mannshut aufsetzt, be- kommt sie noch sieben jahre keinen mann. Dr 226 2019. W^mmer fun hem is un drefft der sem mensch p&r mol seller dak a", muss ens defun' trite, wann si n§,nner 's dritt mol ^-dreffe. {Be, Lh) If, when away from home, you meet the same person the third time in one day you must treat him. Wenn zwei menschen an demselben tage einander ofter begegnen, so ist einer dem andem etwas schuldig. Wu 208 2020. Wammer am sef koche is uns schmeist em ebber br5t Oder brotgrimmie in der kessel waert di sef net. {Lh) If while boiling soap, some one throws bread or breadcrumbs into the kettle, the soap wiU not be a success. Wenn beim butterausriihren der rahm nicht brechen will, wirft man drei brotbrockelein in den drei hochsten namen ins riihrfass, so geht's bald aus. V A 8 1. 397 2021. Wammer §.m sefkoche is uns kummt en m^imskserl, muss er si schtarre, no gebts sef. {C, 8c, Y; Lust- nau) If, when you are boiling soap, a man happens along, make him stir it, or the soap will not come. 2022. Iberm sef koche muss mer mit me s^s'sefr^s schteke rtre. {Lh, Lnc, Mr) When making soap, stir it with a sassafras stick. To make soap, stir it with a sassafras stick in the dark of the moon. A F J U. 33 MISCELLANEOUS. 377 2023. Wsmmer §,n der mse'rik get, soil mer der erscht kSfr net ge~ losse schunscht kammer sei" s§ch seller d&k net ansferk&fe. (Af) If you attend market, don 't let the first customer leave mth- out making a purchase, or you can't dispose of your goods. Wer mit waare zum markt geht, darf den ersten kaufer nicht gehen lassen, auch wenn er ihm noch so wenig bietet. B 8 33. 140 2024. Wgnn in re f g,mi'lie lauter buBe sin. un noch ken m6d, d&nn hescht der letscht bu Adam, no gebts med, (C, Mr,Y) To break a succession of male children in a family, one of them should be named Adam and the next child to be bom will be a girl. 2025. Wgmmern neii sut grikt uns erscht mol fi'dut sott mer ebbes gschenktes drfi" oder drin hg.Be schunscht hot mer ken glik mit der sut. Fer di iir'sg.ch bettle sich fll mannsleit en pS.r ho'sedreger mit der sut. Uf) The first time you wear a new suit it should contain a pres- ent of some kind. For this reason many men request that a pair of suspenders be included. Wer ein neues Meid zum erstenmal anzieht, darf es nicht leer anziehen, sondem muss sich vorher irgend etwas schenken lassen imd in die tasche stecken, sonst hat er in und mit dem kleid kein gliick. B 8 33, 247 2026. Wgrnmem nagel fun re lad ime dtb sei" fussdg.bbe schlg,kt, grikt ern weer fiiss. {Lnc, Na, Sn) If you drive a coffinnail into a thief's footsteps he will get a sore foot. Sargnagel in die fussspuhr eines di»bes geschlagen wirken d«ssen tod. Wu 135 2027. Fer glik 9,n der lottert' drSk en schpekmaushserz im bgkebuch no. {Be, Lnc, Y) 378 PENNSTLVANU GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. "When playing the lottery, carry the heart of a bat in your wallet. Bin fledermauskopf im geldbeutel bringt ihm gewinn. Z 776 2028. Mer soil der kopp fun re schpek'maus nodrfige, no gewinnt mer alles §8 mer schptlt defor'. {Be, Lnc) Carry the head of a bat with you to bring luck in any game. Ein fledermauskopf im geldbeutel des spielers bringt ihm gewinn. Z 776 2029. Dr&k en schpekmaus hserz im sak no, wgnnde gewinne witt i'fterm k&rte schpl'le. {Be, C, Mr, Sc) Carry in your pocket the heart of a bat if you would win at cards. Gliick im spiel hat, wer das herz einer eule, den stein aus dem riicken einer fledermaus oder den kopf eines weid- hopfs bei sich tragt. 6 3. 251 2030. Wgmmer en leb brot 's un'nerscht 's e'Berscht hl"- lekt, gebts schtreit. {Be, C, Lh, Na, 8n, T) If you place a loaf of bread on its head, you will have a quarrel. Man soil das liebe brot nicht auf dem riicken liegen lassen. G 3.278 2031. Wannd der ellboge weder rennscht duts so we §s wg-mmer sei" mgun ferltrt oder gs -wgnn em der m§nn sehtaerbt. {Be, Bu, C, D, Lh, Mr, Mt, Sc; Kaiserslautem) A blow on the crazy bone is as distressing as the loss or death of one's husband. 2032. Wammern kopche" [kaf'fi] ausschitt un nSs kopohe wider uf schtellt kammer sage wi fil leit ^s uf bsuch kumme bei de ring gs im kopche sin. {Be, Lh, Lh, Na, Sn, Y) The number of rings in the cup after the coffee has been drunk indicate the number of visitors to be expected. MISCELLANEOUS. 379 2033. Negel g,s mer jusd fer fens mgche soil mer in §1 dunke, no hg,lt di fens fil lenger. (D) Fences will last much longer if the nails used in making them are dipped in oil. . . Dann fault's nicht bald. Hlhg. 2034. Wammem blu'meschtok schittelt wgnn en re'geboge schtet, grikt er sche'kiche blume. {Be, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Y; Freiburg) If you shake a flowering plant while there is a rainbow, the flowers will be speckled. 2035. "Wgnimer aergets hl-gschikt waert fer ebbes hole un sciitol'bert oder fallt uf em wek, get mer zurik' un dutsitJer. {Bu,Mr,Mt) If you stumble or fall while on an errand you must go back and start over again. 2036. Wgmmer get ebbes zu hole un schtol'bert uf em wek fergesst mer was mer hole hot wolle. {Af; Heidel- berg) If you stumble while going on an errand, you will forget what you were sent for. 2037. Wann en re'geboge am himmel schtet soil 'mem Faterun'ser bete. {Be) Eepeat the Lord's Prayer when you see a rainbow. Bei einem gewitter kniet man sich in der stube zum allgemeinen gebet nieder. Zf D M2. 102 2038. Es hot nachts immer en ffirdlicht gerufe: "WH soil ich en M" du" ? " 'S is en gsoffner der wek gg-nge un hots kert, un sei" antwort war : "Ei, dii ferdammter esel, diin ht" wud en grikt hoscht. " Sell hot di ggnz bisness gsettelt. {Af) Every night an ignis fatuus was heard to say: "where shall I put it?" A drunken man who came along heard the question, and answering said: "Why, put it where you got it, you damned fool." That settled the whole business. 380 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN 8UPEESTITI0NS. In sehr vielen fallen kommt es darauf an, dass der meuach das wort der gerechtigkeit ausspricht, um eine verschul- dete seele zu retten. Wenn menschen, die grenzsteine verriickt haben — einer der haufigsten falle — ^naeh dem tode als feuermanner und dergleiohen den grenzstein auf der sehulter tragen miissen, so fragen Me jeden vor- iibergehenden, "was soil ieh mit ihm anfangenf" oder "wo soil ich ihm hintragen?" da muss man antworten: "trage ihn bin, wo du ihn weggenommen hast", so ist er erlost. Sehr oft kommt es vor, dass sehr einf altige, ja be- trunkene leute das erlosende wort finden. Wu 482. 2039. Mer soil ken knecht oder mSd faertfare. (D) Servants when leaving should not be taken home with the employer's team. 2040. Mer soil sei" brendes net fsertf&re oder mer hot ken glik un der brendes S net. (Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lh, Na, Sc; Freiburg) It is bad luck to both employer and apprentice if the latter is taken away in the former's conveyance. 2041. En grosi fr& un en grdsi scheier sin kem mg,nn ken sch&de. (Be, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, Mr, Na, Nu, 8n, T; Heidelberg) A large wife and a large bam bring luck to any man. 2042. Wgnn em en schpekmaus uf der kopp fllkt grikt mer wgnze. {Bu, Mt, Na) If a bat flies on your head you will have bed bugs. 2043. Ftl leit sin b§ng fer der paerre zu schike Ine 's ngcht'- mol zu gebe, si mene si misste schtaerlBe. (Be, Lh, Na) Many persons are afraid to summon their pastor to give them communion, because they are afraid that they must then die. Manche schieben das abendmahl auf dem kranken bett moglichst hinaus, weil sie glauben dann jedenfalls sterben zu miissen. Wu 141 MISCELLANEOUS. 3gl 2044. Wg-nnde ebbes an der i'nee losscht Ukt ebber weich der. {Lb, Lnc, 8c) If your clothuig is mended while on you somebody will lie about you. If you have your clothes mended on your back, you will be ill-spoken of. C F Suf 1. 128 2045. Mer soil nix an em §,"nee losse schunscht net mern lik a" fer jeder schtieh. (C, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Na, 8c, 8n) If you have your clothes mended on your back you will be ill-spoken of. D J 82 2046. Mer soil nix an em k'nee losse oder mer grikt en feind fer jeder scbtich. (Nu) An enemy for every stitch will be the result of having your clothes mended on your pereon. 2047. W§,mmer sich ebbes a~nee losscht wgmmers ^'hot wsert mer dnmm. {Mt) You will become stupid if you permit anyone to mend any of your garments while wearing them. 2048. Wammer unwissend der schserz letz ^'dut, soil mem so losse oder mer tschendzhd sei" glik. {Bu, C, D; Lb,Lh,Lnc,Mt,8c) If you put on your apron unwittingly inside out, you must not change it, for by so doing you will change yoiu: luck. Wer ein kleidungsstuck verkehrt anzieht, hat gliick. A J 250 2049. Mer soil ken pre'sent mache zu seim beschte freind funre scbpel oder mer ferschtecht di lib, oder fume messer oder re scher oder mer ferschneit si. (Af) Never present a friend with a pin, knife or scissors, or you will puncture, sever or cut the friendship. Es darf kein freund dem freunde ein schneidendes oder spitziges instrument, als messer, scheere u.s.w. schenken, es zersehneidet die li«be oder freundschaft. B S 33. 118 ; G3.87 PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 2050. Des wu braucht daerf ken breis mgche f er sei' jer^et schunscht b§,ts nix. (Af) Powwowing will be of no avail if the powwower sets a price on his work. Fiir ihre kuren diirfen die weisen leute niemals etwas for- dern, sonst helfen sie nichts; sie diirfen nur freiwillige gesehenke annehmen. Wu. 147 Another important character whose supernatural powers are still credited is the "charmer." She is generally an elderly woman of good reputation and supposed to be gifted with extraordinary powers by means of which she performs her wonderful feats of skill. By her incanta- tions and mysterious ceremonials she stops blood, cures all manner of diseases and is, in short, regarded as almost a miracle worker. . . . These supposed charmers do not always, however, make a trade of their art; for on the contrary, it is suposed by some of them that any oflfer of pecuniary remuneration would break the spell and render the charm of no effect. D Y 72-3 2051. Was zwet sich dritt sich, What happens twice, happens thrice. Wenn an einem tage zwei gaste kommen wird der dritte bald nach folgen. Z 391 ; Zfd M 2. 421 If you break two things, you wiU break a third. V S L 2. 526 2052. Wammer gridlich is sage si als: du bischt mit em linkse fus 's erscht aus em bett. (Af) When one is cross and crabbed, people usually say: you got out of bed with the left foot first. To get out of bed with the left foot first renders you cross and unfortunate all the day. E Y ^i 2053. Schu as greische sin noch. net bezalt. {Be, Bu, C, Lb, Lnc, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, 8n) Creaking shoes are still unpaid. Wenn die stief eln oder schuhe knarren, dann sind sie noch nicht bezahlt. Wu 212 If your new boots creak, the shoemaker is still unpaid. E Y 45. MISCELLANEOUS. 383 2054. Nemm en hor fume menscli un ztk si zwische em daumenggel ume fingernggel dae'rich. Wgnn di h6r sich ufgroUt, is seller mensch schpankich. {Be, Bu, Lh, Mt) Scrape the thumbnail and a fingernail along a hair. If the hair curls the owner is high-tempered. Solch ein mensch ist recht zomig. Hlbg. To find out if a person is proud. Take a hair of the head and pull it tightly between the nails of the first finger and the thumb. If it curls, its owner is proud, and the amount of curl it takes is the measure of pride. Scot 26 Scrape the thumbnail and the fingernail along a hair, and if, by the third time it curls up, the owner is high- tempered. C 8 A136 2055. Mer nemmt en slrdsclipigel f er geld finne. (D) Use a semaphora to discover hidden treasures 2056. Di grabe, eile, woi un so weiter ^s mer schisst, nggelt mer gn di scheier. (Be, Lh) Crows, owls, hawks and so forth are shot and nailed to the bam. Die weihen imd hake sucht man dadurch vom hofe fern zu halten, da^ man dergleichen tiere mit ausgespannten fliigein an das scheuertor nagelt. V A 8 1. 125 The practice of nailing field vermin (weasles, jays, and others) on the walls of country houses has some magical bearing on certain animals supposed to be embodied witches. y8 L 2. 1. 446 2057. En mSdel mit me dike h&ls hot dike be". (Be, Lh; Heidelberg) A girl with a fat neck has fat legs, 2058. W&mmers brauchbuch ins ek schtellt dreibts §11 di meis aus. (D) Place the spellbook into the corner of room and it will drive out all the mice. 384 PENNSYLVANIA eEBMAN SUPERSTITIONS. 2059. Wammer der enunnein'iziclischt P^glm im grlk n6 drSkt dun em di kugle nix. (Z>) If you carry the ninety-first Psalm with you in the army bullets will not hurt you. 2060. Wammer der wibberwill' hert soil mer sich rolle no grikt mer ken ftCer. (Bu) Roll yourself when you hear a whippoorwiU to prevent fever. 2061. Wammer der wibberwill' hert soil mer sich rolle no grikt mer ken rikwe. (Na) Roll yourself when you hear a whippoorwill to prevent backache or lumbago. Wenn man den kuckuk hort ... Kl 2062. Wgnn e'nich ebber unner siSe jor en maurwaerf hebt bis er dod is kann er brauche fer enich ebbes g.s f 6r- f^Ut. {Be, Bu, D, Lb, Lh, La, Nu, Sc) If a person under seven years of age holds a mole in his hand until it is dead, he can powwow for any thing that happens. Wenn man einen maulwurf langsam in der hand sterben lasst, so kann man mit dieser hand aEerlei iibel heilen. Wm315 2063. Wann en f rS gut f eiermgche Ic^nn hot si en schmierter mgnn. {Be, D, Lb, Lnc, Nu, ¥) If a wife can kindle a good fire she has a good husband. 2064. W§.nn en f rS gut f eiermgche k&im grikt si en schmaer- ter m§,nn. {Bu, C, Mr, Mt, Nu, Sc, 8n, Y) If a woman can kindle a good fire she will get a good hus- band. 2065. W^nn en m^nn gut feierm9.che kann hot er en schmserti irh. {Af) If a man can kindle a good fire he has a good wife. 2066. En be'si fra is gewen'lich en guter feiermftcher. (.4// Freiburg) A scolding woman can usually make a good fire. UISCELLANBOUS. 385 2067. Wemmers maul g,b'butzt mit em schptUumbe .grikt mern ho'rich maul. {8c, Y) If a woman wipes her mouth with a dishcloth she will get a hairy lip. 2068. Wgmmer in en fogelneseht schnauft gen di glte nimmi druf. (Bu, Mt; Heidelberg) If you breathe into a bird's nest the birds will forsake it. 2069. Wammer in. en f o'gelnescht schnauft ws^re di oier faul, {Lnc, Nu; Heidelberg) If you breathe into a bird's nest the eggs will rot. 2070. Der weschlumbe wu mer en dodes mit wescht is gCit fer brauche. {Lb, Lnc, Sn, Y) The washrag used in washing a corpse is used in powwow- ing. 2071. Wammer feier m9.cht uns will net brenne soil mer drei bese weibsleit nei" dii'. {Be, Lnc, Y; Frei- burg) If you kindle a fire and it does not bum, write the names of three scolds on a piece of paper and throw it into the fire. 2072. Wannd en maulwaerf in der hand hebscht bis er dod is kgnnscht me an'nere m§,nn 's glik wek hebe mit. {Mt; Heidelberg) If you hold a mole in your hand imtil it dies you can rob a man of his luck. 2073. Wg.mmer wesch'be b&nne will secht mer dreimol in em ochtem : Weschbli, weschbli, schtech mich net, Bis der deibel der sege schprecht. {Be, C, Lb, Lh, Lnc, 8c) To charm wasps so that won't sting, say: Little wasp, little wasp, don't sting me till the devil pro- nounces the benediction. Wespen, ich bonne euch, beisst ihr mich, bonn' ich eueh, fresst ihr mich, derreiss' ich euch. Zf D M 2. 423 386 PENNSTLVANU 6EBMAN SUPBBSTITIONS. 2074. Wg,mmer sich im busch ferlore hot soil mer der rok rumdree. (Bu, D, Mt, 8c; Niirtingen) When lost in the woods, turn your coat inside out. 2075. Wg.nnd dich ime busch ferlore hoscht, guk gme hkm nuf. (Nu; Kaiser slautern) "When lost in the woods look up a tree. 2076. Wgnnd dich im busch ferlore hoscht drg drei mol rum, no kummscht wider raus. (8n; Kaisers- lautern) "When lost in the woods turn around three times and you will find your way out. 2077. "Wgnnd dich im busch ferlore hoscht nemm drei schritt hin'nerschich, no kgimscht der wek wider finne. {8c; Kaiserslautem) "When lost in the woods take three steps backward and you will find your way out. 2078. Dre del" sek rum wgmid dich im busch ferlore hoscht, no kummscht wider raus. (Be, 8c, 8n, Y) If you are lost in the woods, turn your pockets inside out. Hat man sich im wald verirrt, so muss man die taachen um- kehren, wahi-scheinlich um den hineingefallenen irrssamen herauszubringen. Wu 407 If you have lost your way in the woods, turn your pocket inside out. Com 123 2079. Wsmmer in der busch get un ferltrt sich, muss mer en schtik gled letz a'du", no k^mmer wider aus em busch. {Be,C,Lnc,8n,Y) If you are lost in the woods, take off a garment, turn it in- side out and put it on again. Hat man sich im wald verirrt, so muss man die schiirze verkehrt umbinden. Wu 407 "When you have lost your way turn some article of dress in- side out. V S L2.1. 428 MISCELLANEOUS. 387 2080. Wsmmer sich in busch f erlore hot, wekselt mer sich di schu, n5 kummt mer wider raus. {Bu, Lb, Lh, Mr, Mt, Na, Nu, 8c, 8n) If you are lost in the woods, change your shoes and you will find your way out. Hat man sich im walde verirrt, so muss man die schuhe wechseln. Wu 407 2081. Wgrnmer sich zwische Grischdlk un Neijor wescht is mers ganz jor sauber, {Be, Lnc, Mr, Na, Sn) If you take a bath between Christmas and New Year you will be clean all year. 2082. SchalSe kammer fasrtdrage wammer pSr in drei glene hefe binnt un si an di fens henkt. {Be, Lb, Lh) Rid the house of moths by tying a few into three small crocks and hanging them on a fence. 2083. Wann em der schubendel ufget denkt ebber §,n em. W^mmern no binnt muss mer den bei name nenne was §n em denkt schunseht bleibt er net zii. {Af) If your shoe laces become untied some one is thinking of you. In retying them name the person who is thinking of you and the shoe laces will remain tied. 2084. En frS. muss me mann un en mann re irk sSge wi zu brauche, schunseht batts nix. {Af) The powwowing formula must always be communicated to a person of the opposite sex, else it will lose its effect. Sympathien miissen sich maner von frauen und frauen von mannem lehren lessen, sohst sind sie imwirksam. O 3. 793 2085. 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