When in the early autumn season the migratory birds are seen flocking together and taking their departure, it is a certain sign that rough and boisterous weather is approaching and that a severe winter may be anticipated.
When the doves around a dovecote make a more than ordinary cooing, and frequently pass in and out of their cote, it is a sign that a change of weather is near.
When the robin approaches your habitation, it is a sign that wintry weather will shortly prevail.
When there is a thick vapory mist resting on the tops of high hills in the morning and remains there during the day, it is a sign that wet and ungenial weather may be anticipated. Should the mist eventually rise upward and be evaporated by the sun’s rays, a return to fine dry weather may be looked for; if, however, the mist falls down into the valley, a continuation of wet weather will prevail.
If, in taking a walk, you should see a single magpie, it is a bad omen, especially if it should fly past you to the left hand; but, if it should pass you to the right hand, the good will counterbalance the bad. Should you see two magpies together, expect to hear of something to your advantage—a proposal of marriage, if single; or a legacy of money bequeathed to you. Should the magpies fly past you together, to your right hand, your own marriage, or the marriage of some one nearly related to you, will occur in a short time. The seeing of several magpies together is considered a very fortunate omen.
May is considered an unlucky month to marry in, therefore avoid doing so if possible. If you can catch a snail by the horns on the first of May and throw it over your shoulder, you will be lucky throughout the year. If you place one on a slate on that day, it will describe by its turnings the initials of your future partner’s name.
If a young man or young woman, on going up a flight of stairs, should stumble in the middle of the flight, it is a sign that his or her marriage will take place in a short time; if the stumbling should be near the top of the stairs, then his or her marriage will be immediately consummated.
If a marriage procession, on proceeding to church or chapel, should happen to meet a funeral procession, it is considered an unlucky omen to the expectant bride; if, on returning after the solemnization of the rite, a funeral procession should pass the bridal party, it is an unfavorable sign to the bridegroom.
If a young person, when seated at the tea-table, should observe one or more stalks of the tea plant in the newly poured out cup, and if, on stirring the tea and holding the spoon in the middle of the liquid, the stalk or stalks should come close to the spoon handle, it is a token that he or she will be soon married.
When the house dog is unusually restless, and howls dismally in the night time, it is a sign that sickness and death are about to visit the family to whom the dog belongs.