Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 51.djvu/20

knocked down with a broom from the left. In Japan a similar superstition prevails. In eating rice (which is always eaten with a spoon), if the first spoonful is accidentally spilled it is a sign of bad luck. My informant's father often did this, and purposely challenged other superstitions as well, to show his contempt for them. In parties meeting together it is desirable to have an odd number, as in two, four, six, etc., there is an end, while in three, five, seven, and the like, there is no end; hence thirteen at the table is considered a lucky number. If a bride, in coming to her husband's house, stops on the threshold, it is a sign of bad luck. A horseshoe fastened over the door is to invite good luck. Bad dreams are, as with us, neutralized by saying that dreams go by contraries. If the hat is blown off by the wind it is a sign that something will be lost. In occupying a new house it is customary to have a woman, either the wife or a servant, enter first, carrying a bunch of matches; this insures prosperity, as a flame burning up. To avert infectious diseases, it is believed that a paper obtained from a priest and fastened over the door will be effective. A fierce face carved out of wood and placed over the door will drive away diseases which are supposed to be brought by the devil; also the burning of strong incense will have the same effect. Nothing can be removed from the house structure without vigorous protest from the womenfolks. (The women in Korea, as elsewhere, are the conservers of superstition. Old women, even in the higher classes, are superstitious, though there are some exceptions.) If the removed portion is to be replaced by other structures, then no objection is made, but to take anything away from the house structure without substituting something else is considered a bad omen. If a coal gathers on the lamp wick, it is a sign that one is to receive money, or some lucky windfall; so fixed is this superstition that many will not remove the coal. In Japan also this is considered a good omen. If the ear itches, it is a sign that some one is talking about you. If the chin itches, it is a sign that candy or cake will come as a gift. If one dreams of a Buddhist priest, it is a sign of being poisoned. A certain bird singing in a tree near the house presages the coming of a guest. If an owl hoots near the house, it is a sign that the master will soon die. If a fragment of tea floats vertically in the cup, it is a sign that a guest will come. If a candle is lighted in the middle of supper, it is a sign that the boys will get fierce wives. If money is found, it is considered a sign of bad luck, as it is gained without labor; an unexpected calamity will occur unless the money is spent before entering the house. If one accidentally places his spoon on the table upside down, it is a bad sign. If one's boot is upside down, it is considered bad; one will remain in the house if this happens rather than risk the consequences,