1910
A minister aboard ship has always been taken as a "Jonah sign" by seamen. In recent years, however, this superstition has been modified to a certain extent. A young minister, the seamen believe, will not bring as much of a "Jonah" with him as an old one.
Fate
The feet of Fate are tender, for she sets her steps not on the ground, but on the heads of men. - Homer.
Showing posts with label superstition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label superstition. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Friday, July 20, 2007
Believe in the Fates
1905
Modern Greeks as Superstitious as Their Forefathers
"Some of the superstitions of the old mythologic religion still prevail among the peasant classes in Greece," said Dr. George Horton. "Nor are the educated classes without such beliefs, such as that harm ensues from looking at the moon over the right shoulder, the belief in the three fates, the evil eye, the vampires and the nereids in general.
"Dressed in black and appearing as old women, the fates are supposed to come down from Olympus three days after the birth of a child, and to hold a meeting to determine its fate. Consequently, a table containing many dainties is set out for their invisible enjoyment. Especial care is taken lest the old ladies be enraged at not having enough good things to eat.
"No woman desires to be left alone after her child is born, believing that the ugly old women may become jealous and wreak some awful vengeance. Smut is therefore smeared on the faces of the youngsters so that this jealousy may not become excited.
"The young Athenian women frequently go to the ancient tombs near Athens, and, calling upon the fates, beg them to reveal the identity of their future husbands, singing: 'From the top of Olympus, where are the fates, where is my own fate?' " — Washington Post.
Modern Greeks as Superstitious as Their Forefathers
"Some of the superstitions of the old mythologic religion still prevail among the peasant classes in Greece," said Dr. George Horton. "Nor are the educated classes without such beliefs, such as that harm ensues from looking at the moon over the right shoulder, the belief in the three fates, the evil eye, the vampires and the nereids in general.
"Dressed in black and appearing as old women, the fates are supposed to come down from Olympus three days after the birth of a child, and to hold a meeting to determine its fate. Consequently, a table containing many dainties is set out for their invisible enjoyment. Especial care is taken lest the old ladies be enraged at not having enough good things to eat.
"No woman desires to be left alone after her child is born, believing that the ugly old women may become jealous and wreak some awful vengeance. Smut is therefore smeared on the faces of the youngsters so that this jealousy may not become excited.
"The young Athenian women frequently go to the ancient tombs near Athens, and, calling upon the fates, beg them to reveal the identity of their future husbands, singing: 'From the top of Olympus, where are the fates, where is my own fate?' " — Washington Post.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The "Thirteen" Superstition
1910
According to reliable authorities the popular superstition that attaches to the number 13 owes its origin to the story of "The Last Supper." For unreckoned centuries the superstition has been universal that if 13 persons sit down to a meal at the same table one of them will die before the year is out. This doubtless comes from the Biblical feast when Christ sat down at table with his 12 disciples.
Those Small Pledges
When the minister views the display of millinery this morning, he will begin to understand why ten cents a week is all that some of his parishioners can afford to subscribe.
According to reliable authorities the popular superstition that attaches to the number 13 owes its origin to the story of "The Last Supper." For unreckoned centuries the superstition has been universal that if 13 persons sit down to a meal at the same table one of them will die before the year is out. This doubtless comes from the Biblical feast when Christ sat down at table with his 12 disciples.
Those Small Pledges
When the minister views the display of millinery this morning, he will begin to understand why ten cents a week is all that some of his parishioners can afford to subscribe.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Gun Loaded For a Witch
1905
Charge Consisted of Shillings, Wadded With Bible Leaves
Nicholas Vedderman, a retired farmer of Angora, has come into possession of what he believes is a relic of the days when superstition and belief in witchcraft was general.
This is an old flintlock musket which contained a charge evidently prepared for the execution of a witch. Vedderman, who devotes his time to the collection of curios, purchased the musket, at an auction sale held in an old farmhouse recently. From its appearance the weapon antedated the revolutionary war, and when found was in a deplorable state of rust.
In cleaning it Vedderman discovered that there was a charge in the gun, and this he carefully withdrew. To his surprise, he found instead of bullets two silver shillings, dated 1781, tightly wadded with leaves from a Bible of ancient print. Beneath the shilling was a small lock of hair and a piece of paper containing an illegible quotation. The gunpowder was coarse and undoubtedly of colonial manufacture.
Vedderman, who has made a study of such things, says it was by firing such charmed charges that the superstitious believed they could scare off witches. — Philadelphia Record.
Note: In this little tiny article, the original manages to have the guy's name spelled three different ways. Vadderman (1), Vedderman (2), and Yedderman (1).
Charge Consisted of Shillings, Wadded With Bible Leaves
Nicholas Vedderman, a retired farmer of Angora, has come into possession of what he believes is a relic of the days when superstition and belief in witchcraft was general.
This is an old flintlock musket which contained a charge evidently prepared for the execution of a witch. Vedderman, who devotes his time to the collection of curios, purchased the musket, at an auction sale held in an old farmhouse recently. From its appearance the weapon antedated the revolutionary war, and when found was in a deplorable state of rust.
In cleaning it Vedderman discovered that there was a charge in the gun, and this he carefully withdrew. To his surprise, he found instead of bullets two silver shillings, dated 1781, tightly wadded with leaves from a Bible of ancient print. Beneath the shilling was a small lock of hair and a piece of paper containing an illegible quotation. The gunpowder was coarse and undoubtedly of colonial manufacture.
Vedderman, who has made a study of such things, says it was by firing such charmed charges that the superstitious believed they could scare off witches. — Philadelphia Record.
Note: In this little tiny article, the original manages to have the guy's name spelled three different ways. Vadderman (1), Vedderman (2), and Yedderman (1).
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Danger of Charity — Completely Pauperized
1910
Albert W. Hebbard, New York's charity expert, said at a recent dinner:
"The great danger of charity is its pauperizing effect. This effect must be avoided, or the recipients will all become Jack Hanches.
"Jack Hanch, on the score of bad health never worked, and the pastor of the Methodist church, a man whose heart sometimes outran his head, sent the idler and his family weekly gifts of food and clothing — supported the whole crew, in fact.
"A church visitor, after listening to Jack's complaints one day, said:
" 'Yes, of course, you have had bad health, we know that; but one thing at least you ought to be thankful for, and that is our pastor's kindness in sending you all this bread and meat and jelly and blankets and so on. Don't you think it is good of him to look after you so well?"
" 'Good of him?' said Jack, impatiently. 'Why, what's he for?' "
Contented Heart Brings Cheer
This world is only a place of pilgrimage, but after all there is a good deal of cheer on the journey, if it is made with a contented heart. — Henry Van Dyke.
The Unlucky Mandrake
From time immemorial the mandrake has been associated with enchantments, and has ever been believed to be one of the most powerful charms of witches. Mr. Conway in a paper on "Mystic Trees and Flowers," states that "by popular superstitions in some places it is said to be perpetually watched over by Satan, and if it be pulled up at certain holy times and with certain invocations, the evil spirit will appear to do the bidding of the petitioner." (See Genesis 30:14ff).
Albert W. Hebbard, New York's charity expert, said at a recent dinner:
"The great danger of charity is its pauperizing effect. This effect must be avoided, or the recipients will all become Jack Hanches.
"Jack Hanch, on the score of bad health never worked, and the pastor of the Methodist church, a man whose heart sometimes outran his head, sent the idler and his family weekly gifts of food and clothing — supported the whole crew, in fact.
"A church visitor, after listening to Jack's complaints one day, said:
" 'Yes, of course, you have had bad health, we know that; but one thing at least you ought to be thankful for, and that is our pastor's kindness in sending you all this bread and meat and jelly and blankets and so on. Don't you think it is good of him to look after you so well?"
" 'Good of him?' said Jack, impatiently. 'Why, what's he for?' "
Contented Heart Brings Cheer
This world is only a place of pilgrimage, but after all there is a good deal of cheer on the journey, if it is made with a contented heart. — Henry Van Dyke.
The Unlucky Mandrake
From time immemorial the mandrake has been associated with enchantments, and has ever been believed to be one of the most powerful charms of witches. Mr. Conway in a paper on "Mystic Trees and Flowers," states that "by popular superstitions in some places it is said to be perpetually watched over by Satan, and if it be pulled up at certain holy times and with certain invocations, the evil spirit will appear to do the bidding of the petitioner." (See Genesis 30:14ff).
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Spilled Salt in the "Lord's Supper" Picture
1900
Salt
Spilling salt was held to be an unlucky omen by the Romans, and the superstition has descended to ourselves. Leonardo da Vinci availed himself of this tradition in his famous picture of the "Lord's Supper" to indicate Judas Iscariot by the saltcellar knocked over by his arm.
Salt was used in the sacrifice by the Greeks and Romans and also by the Jews. It was an emblem of purity and of the sanctifying influence on others of a holy life. Hence our Lord tells his disciples, "Ye are the salt of the earth." The salt being spilt after it was placed on the head of the victim was considered a bad omen, being supposed to signify that the sacrifice was not accepted, and hence the superstition.
When we say of the shiftless fellow that he does not "earn his salt" we unconsciously allude to an ancient custom among the Romans. Among them a man was said to be in possession of a "salary" who had his "salarium," his allowance of salt money, or salt, wherewith to savor the food by which he lived. Thus salary comes from salt, and in view of the word how many there are who do not "earn their salt."
Salt
Spilling salt was held to be an unlucky omen by the Romans, and the superstition has descended to ourselves. Leonardo da Vinci availed himself of this tradition in his famous picture of the "Lord's Supper" to indicate Judas Iscariot by the saltcellar knocked over by his arm.
Salt was used in the sacrifice by the Greeks and Romans and also by the Jews. It was an emblem of purity and of the sanctifying influence on others of a holy life. Hence our Lord tells his disciples, "Ye are the salt of the earth." The salt being spilt after it was placed on the head of the victim was considered a bad omen, being supposed to signify that the sacrifice was not accepted, and hence the superstition.
When we say of the shiftless fellow that he does not "earn his salt" we unconsciously allude to an ancient custom among the Romans. Among them a man was said to be in possession of a "salary" who had his "salarium," his allowance of salt money, or salt, wherewith to savor the food by which he lived. Thus salary comes from salt, and in view of the word how many there are who do not "earn their salt."
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Missionary Minnehaha Finney Shows Egyptian Curios
Iowa, 1903
Egyptian Social Is Unique
Atlantic, March 12. — Miss Minnehaha Finney, an Egyptian missionary, who is home for a year's vacation from her labors, assisted the numbers of the Y. P. C. U. of the United Presbyterian church in giving an Egyptian social, which was a very unique affair.
Miss Finney conducted the visitors on a tour through Egypt, being assisted by many pictures representing the country, cities, and the employment, customs and habits of the people. A native bride, a peasant girl and a boy, also one wearing the usual street costume, were present and assisted.,
Another attraction was the table of curios containing specimens of dress, literature and articles used in their superstitious customs.
Egyptian Social Is Unique
Atlantic, March 12. — Miss Minnehaha Finney, an Egyptian missionary, who is home for a year's vacation from her labors, assisted the numbers of the Y. P. C. U. of the United Presbyterian church in giving an Egyptian social, which was a very unique affair.
Miss Finney conducted the visitors on a tour through Egypt, being assisted by many pictures representing the country, cities, and the employment, customs and habits of the people. A native bride, a peasant girl and a boy, also one wearing the usual street costume, were present and assisted.,
Another attraction was the table of curios containing specimens of dress, literature and articles used in their superstitious customs.
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