“If you sing afore bite,
You’ll cry before night.”
“It is unlucky to sing carols before Christmas;” or before the first “arish mow[9]” is made. Also, “To scat[10] hands before Christmas,” i.e., beat them for warmth.
“It is unlucky to pour out water or any other liquor back-handed.”
“It is unlucky to lend, or say thank you for a pin.” And
“If you see a pin, and pass it by,
You’ll want a pin before you die.”
“It is unlucky to mend your clothes on you, for then you will never grow rich.”
It is unlucky to wear a hole in the bottom of a shoe, for
“A hole in the sole,