To remove an engagement or wedding ring from the finger is also a bad omen.[17] To lose either of them, or to have them broken on the finger, also denotes misfortune.
It is extremely unlucky for either the bride or groom to meet a funeral when on their way to be married.
It is an unlucky omen for the church clock to strike during the performance of a marriage ceremony, as it is said to portend the death of one of the contracting parties before the year is out.
[IX]
OF EVIL OMENS
“A woman’s story at a winter’s fire.”—Macbeth.
We come now to those things considered as distinctly unlucky, and to be avoided accordingly. How common is the peevish exclamation of “That’s just my luck!” Spilling the salt, picking up a pin with the point toward you, crossing a knife and fork, or giving any one a knife or other sharp instrument, are all deemed of sinister import now, as of old.
One must not kill a toad, which, though