A STRANGE SUPERSTITION
The polished stone hatchet, according to Mr. Thomas Wilson’s report on anthropology at the Paris Exhibition in 1889, is recognised almost all over Europe as an amulet protective against lightning. It is called in many languages “ the stone ol lightning” or "thunder stone.” Th« hatchets are drilled for suspension, or a« put over the fireplace or in the stones of it, or are inserted in a crack. The general belief is that they come from the heavens in a flash of lightning ; and one peasant declared he had seen such a stone fall, and. going for it, had found it and extracted it from the hole still hot. Flint arrow-head* are also regarded in the same way. A common amulet, of great power in Bribtanj is what is called there the pierre du croix,a mineral staurolite, which crystallises in th» form of a cross. It is regarded as a token from God in favour of the religion of th< country, and is given to these his chosen people in recognition of their piety and religious fervour. In Italy the coral is an amulet supposed to guard its owner against the evil eye. These are the principal objects of regard; bub there are many others of less importance, which are, how. ever, much relied upon.
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Bibliographic details
Cromwell Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 1513, 10 May 1898, Page 7
Word Count
217A STRANGE SUPERSTITION Cromwell Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 1513, 10 May 1898, Page 7
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