Death Warnings - Superstitions surrounding death.
collected by me from various sources
It is generally believed by sailors and fishermen that death is delayed till the ebb of the tide
"He went out with the tide."
(Scotland) A white rose blooming in autumn is an omen of an early death.
(Devon) If a sick person begs for a draught of cider, it is also a sign of death.
That a fire burning black on one side is a token of a death in the family.
A peculiar formation of wax round a burning candle which suggests a white shroud.
When a dying person "sees something white" or if he "sees something black" a less enviable fate awaits him.
When fruit and flowers appear on the same tree is a warning that a death will visit.
If you wash clothes on a Good Friday, you are said to "wash someone out of the family."
If you chance to drop a mirror in which you have seen your own reflection, you have killed the reflection,
hence you are doomed.
Dogs howling in the dark of night, howl for death before daylight.
The spectral black dog or barghest is much feared as a harbinger of death and disaster.
(Scotland)If you are followed by a dog they do not know, especially if it is black is an omen of death.
A howling dog that is driven away but returns to resume its noise is a certain omen of death.
If a dog howls three times and then is silent is a sign that death has already taken place.
If you shiver it is said that someone is walking over your grave.
If you dream of nursing a baby and the baby cries, you will either die yourself or lose a near relative.
The belief that if a person makes a will it is a sign that they will die shortly after.
It is said to be unlucky to save a drowning man, for on being brought back to life it is thought that he will wreak vengeance on his rescuer at the dictation of the water spirits who have thus been baulked of their
lawful prey.
An ancient elm, known as "Prophet Elm," is supposed to shed its branches as a token of the death of the head of the house.
(Cornwall) oaks bearing strange leaves warn a death in the family.
In some country estates the rooks are said to abandon their nests at the approach of death, and do not return until after the funeral, as in humble homes the crickets and the mice retire in like manner from the domestic hearth.
Free Forum Hosting
First 