NEW YEAR SUPERSTITIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14250, 22 December 1909, Page 2 (Supplement)

NEW YEAR SUPERSTITIONS.

Many are the old superstitions peculiar to the Now Year, and some are practiced even in this matter-of-fact twentieth century in country places far from the hoot of the motor horn or the whistle of tho approaching train. It is believed that on New Year's Eve the housewife should Take out the kitchen fire and carefully spread tho ashes on tho floor. When she rises the- next morning she may chance to find a footmark in the ashes. If the mark is turned to the door, it forebodes a death in tho family; but if tho footmark appears to bo entering the room, it presagGs a birth. It is lucky to see a man from the window on New Year's morning, and a dprk man as first foot is a sure luck bringer to tho home. No floors must be swept on New Year's Day, or tho year's luck will be swept out with tho dust. On New Year's Eve all water becomes wine between twelve and one o'clock, but should anyone be curious enough to test tho truth of the story lie will bo temporarily bereft of eight! Northampetonshiro people believe that it is lucky to be paid money on New Year's Day, and Irish folk giro away food "for luck." ' Tho most curious superstition is perhaps that relating to tho future husband of any girl who is anxious to know her fate and cares to " put it to the touch." She must cat a hard boiled egg whose yolk lias been replaced with salt, and then go to bed without quenching tho inevitable thirst sho will suffer from. She will dream of someone who will bring her a glass of water, and the someone will be her future husband. Now Year's Day, in tho Yorkshire Dales, is chiefly remarkable for tho men and boys who go from house to house singing an old doggerel which invariably meets with a generous rosponso in the shape of' coppers and the spiced cake so dear to the Yorkshire housewife.

Willie's Friend: Teacher, when are you going to let Willio out?" Teacher: "When he stops being such a dunce." Willie's Friend: "Gracious! T'iru h*'" in for life I"-