Manx Superstitions.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18009, 20 November 1926, Page 20

Manx Superstitions.

Superstitions are still firmly believed in bv old country people living in the Isle of Man. Each old cottage has a “ trammon,” or elderberry tree, outsde the. door. This is used by the “ Phy nodderree ”to swing in. He is a kind of faun who can bring much luck, and who even helps sometimes in outside work. Old people will not look be hind them in the dark, fearing to see the “ Mauthe dhoo," a blade dog. the shape adopted by the devil when he walks abroad in Manxland. Boats running out to the fishing grounds will not sail if one boat goes third. Two must be roped together. On New Year’s EJve each household awaits its “ ijualthough." or first foot, which must be a dark man to bring luck- But the luck he brings will disappear unless Christmas decorations are kept to be burned under the pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.