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Signs, Omens and Superstitions
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Academic folklore and witchcraft studies

Signs, Omens and Superstitions: A Study of Belief in Omens and Auspices Across Cultures and Ages

George Lyman Kittredge19150
Intermediatecomplete

George Lyman Kittredge's systematic scholarly examination of signs, omens, and superstitious beliefs across diverse cultures and historical periods. Traces development of omen interpretation from ancient times to modern era. Analyzes psychological, social, and cultural functions of omen belief. Documents diverse omen systems and their applications in decision-making, divination, and understanding divine will.

Also known asKittredge's Superstitions · Signs and Omens
This edition1915
EditionGeorge Lyman Kittredge's scholarly examination of signs, omens, and superstitions across cultures and historical periods.
Folklore StudiesDream symbolismomen readingfolk divinationCross-CulturalFolk MagicEuropean folklorefolk customsComparative ReligionAmulets and charmsFolklore & SuperstitionDivinationdream interpretation

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Folk Magic

Folk magic texts and practical traditions covering charms, cures, household rites, prayers, talismans, and vernacular magical practice.

Comparative Religion

Comparative religion texts on ritual, myth, sacrifice, belief, ancient religion, and cross-cultural theories of sacred practice.

Folklore Studies

Folklore studies texts on folk tales, fairy belief, superstition, regional customs, oral tradition, and the collection of vernacular belief.

Astrology and Divination

Astrology and divination texts on zodiacal symbolism, astrological doctrine, geomancy, dream interpretation, and related predictive arts.

Contents94 chapters

  1. 01SIGNS, OMENS AND SUPERSTITIONS
  2. 02CONTENTS
  3. 03CHAPTER I POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS
  4. 04CHAPTER II WEDDING SUPERSTITIONS
  5. 05LUCKY PERIODS FOR MARRIAGES
  6. 06BRIDAL CAKES—BRIDESMAIDS
  7. 07SHOES AND WEDDINGS
  8. 08CHAPTER III RINGS
  9. 09ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS
  10. 10CHAPTER IV LUCKY AND UNLUCKY DAYS AND SEASONS
  11. 11NEW YEAR’S SUPERSTITIONS
  12. 12APRIL FOOL’S DAY
  13. 13ASCENSION DAY
  14. 14EASTER SUPERSTITIONS
  15. 15ST. JOHN’S EVE.
  16. 16CANDLEMAS DAY
  17. 17ST. VALENTINE’S DAY
  18. 18HALLOWE’EN CUSTOMS
  19. 19HARVEST SUPERSTITIONS
  20. 20CHRISTMAS
  21. 21CHAPTER V SIGNS OF GOOD OR BAD LUCK
  22. 22THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
  23. 23KNOCKING ON WOOD
  24. 24CHAPTER VI LUCKY AND UNLUCKY OMENS
  25. 25CHRISTENING CUSTOMS
  26. 26BELIEFS CONCERNING CHILDREN
  27. 27BELIEFS CONCERNING EGGS
  28. 28CHARMS AND AMULETS
  29. 29MASCOTS
  30. 30HORSESHOE LORE
  31. 31PIN SUPERSTITIONS
  32. 32CHAPTER VII THE INFLUENCES OF MYTHICAL BEINGS
  33. 33WITCHES
  34. 34CHAPTER VIII SIGNS CONNECTED WITH THE BODY.
  35. 35SNEEZING
  36. 36SPITTING
  37. 37MOLES, TEETH, WARTS, ETC.
  38. 38YAWNING
  39. 39TINGLING AND ITCHING
  40. 40STUMBLING AND FALLING
  41. 41CUTTING NAILS AND HAIR
  42. 42PERSONAL APPEARANCE
  43. 43CLOTHES SUPERSTITIONS
  44. 44ON ARISING
  45. 45SQUINTING, CRIPPLED AND HUNCHBACK PERSONS
  46. 46DEATH AND CORPSES
  47. 47THE EVIL EYE
  48. 48CHAPTER IX HOUSEHOLD BELIEFS
  49. 49LOOKING-GLASS OMENS
  50. 50SPILLING OF SALT
  51. 51KNIFE SUPERSTITIONS
  52. 52CANDLE SUPERSTITIONS
  53. 53CONCERNING LADDERS
  54. 54CHAPTER X DIVINATION
  55. 55THE MYSTERY OF NUMBERS
  56. 56LOTTERY NUMBERS AND USAGES
  57. 57PREDICTIONS OF WEALTH
  58. 58DIVINATION BY LETTERS
  59. 59DIVINATION BY BOOKS
  60. 60PRECIOUS STONES
  61. 61COLOR SUPERSTITIONS
  62. 62CHAPTER XI PLANT SUPERSTITIONS
  63. 63CHAPTER XII BIRD AND INSECT SUPERSTITIONS
  64. 64INSECT OMENS
  65. 65BEES
  66. 66CHAPTER XIII ANIMAL PORTENTS
  67. 67HOWLING OF DOGS
  68. 68BLACK CATS
  69. 69CHAPTER XIV METEOROLOGICAL BELIEFS
  70. 70WEATHER SIGNS AND PORTENTS
  71. 71COMETS AND METEORS
  72. 72CHAPTER XV VOCATIONAL SUPERSTITIONS
  73. 73SUPERSTITIONS OF KINGS
  74. 74CARD PLAYERS’ SUPERSTITIONS
  75. 75ACTORS’ SUPERSTITIONS
  76. 76THEATRE SUPERSTITIONS
  77. 77COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS’ SUPERSTITIONS
  78. 78DRESSMAKERS AND SEAMSTRESSES
  79. 79SAILORS’ SUPERSTITIONS
  80. 80FISHERMEN’S SUPERSTITIONS
  81. 81TURFMEN’S SUPERSTITIONS
  82. 82BASEBALL SUPERSTITIONS
  83. 83WAITERS’ SUPERSTITIONS
  84. 84CHAPTER XVI MISCELLANEOUS
  85. 85PORTENTS OF EVIL
  86. 86BREAKING FRIENDSHIP
  87. 87DRINKING TOASTS
  88. 88PIOUS EJACULATIONS
  89. 89CHAPTER XVII SUPERSTITIONS OF THE ORTHODOX JEWS
  90. 90THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
  91. 91"Cover"
  92. 92The Project Gutenberg eBook of Signs, omens and superstitions
  93. 93Signs, omens and superstitions | Project Gutenberg
  94. 94Signs, omens and superstitions | Project Gutenberg

Contributors

George Lyman Kittredgeeditor

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