[249] From the late Colonel de Vic Tupper.
[250] From J. R. Tardif, Esq.
Editor’s Note.
The following scraps of Folk-Lore I have gathered from old people in St. Martin’s parish, in the years 1897-99.
The Man in the Moon.
“J’ai ouï dire à ma gran’mère i’y a be’tôt chinquante ans qu’l’bouan homme que nou veit dans la lune enlevit un fagot de bouais le Dimanche, et pour chut fait le Bon Gyu le condamnit à s’en allair dans la lune jusqu’au Jour du Jugement. V’la l’histouaire de chut poure Mâbet que non vait si souvent perqui là-haut.”—From Mrs. Le Patourel.
A robin flying to the window or in the house is a sign of death. Crows flocking together and cawing over the house are most unlucky. To go out and meet three crows or three magpies means good luck, all other numbers mean misfortune.
None should ever cut their finger nails on either a Sunday or a Friday if they wish to prosper. A baby’s first nails should never be cut, but bitten.
On being given a present of scissors or a knife, a double[251] should always be given in exchange. Parsley should never be taken as a gift, but it is very lucky to steal some (!).
No berried plants such as ivy, etc., should be brought into the house before Christmas, and it is especially unlucky if, when they are brought in, they are allowed to touch the mantel shelf. May should never be brought into a house, and many people, especially in Alderney, consider that to bring in furze or gorse means to introduce sorrow.