Northern mythology

NETHERLANDISH TRADITIONS. 333
;
68. When after cutting the hair you throw the cuttings
into a fire of green woodj the hair will
never grow afterwards.
69. Hair that is cut off should never be thrown into the
street : it may be taken up by a witch, who by its means
can bewitch the person to whom it
belonged.
70. When a person sneezes and no one says " God bless
you/^ a witch has powder to bewitch the sneezer.
71. If a woman loses her wedding ring, she will soon
be separated from her husband by death or otherwise.
72. Neither a knife nor scissors may be given to a
friend :
they cut love.
73. Let no one take a bone home with him from the
churchyard :
the dead will torment him till he returns it^
74. If a knife be thrown off the table and fall on the
back, it betokens an approaching wedding.
75. When the priest during mass turns and says orate
fratres, he closes his eyes, that he may not see the witches,
w4io then stand all with their backs towards the altar.
IQi. If a little spark shines on the wick of a candle, it
betokens unexpected news. When many such sparks
shine round the flame, forming a circle, then will a person
triumph over his enemies.
11 . In conjuring the devil it is necessary to have a light
words spoken in the dark having no power.
78. If a damsel cannot endure a dog, she will never get
a good husband.
79. If a person is troubled with ague, he should stand
naked opposite to the rising sun, and at the same time
repeat a certain number of Pater nosters and angelical
salutations.
80. St. Lupuses Cake. They bake a triangular cake in
honour of the Holy Trinity, making in it five holes, in
remembrance of the five wounds of Christ. This they
J
See p. 280.