“Many other superstitions, as well, have a symbolical origin.  But the nineteenth century does not deal with such picturesque methods of expression.  We pride ourselves upon saying in so many words just what we mean; therefore much of the poetic imagery of other days has no significance in ours.  And is it not symbolism without sense which constitutes one of the phases of superstition?  As for your bread-and-butter exorcism, Anna, I presume it was simply the expression of a hope that nothing might interfere between hungry folk and their dinner.  This is, indeed, but a bit of juvenile nonsense; just as children will ‘make believe’ that some dire mishap will befall one who steps on the cracks of a flagged sidewalk; and so on through a score of funny conceits and games, innocent enough as child’s play, but hardly worthy of sensible girls in their teens.

“You know, the practice of refraining from beginning a journey or undertaking on Friday,” continued Miss Irene, “arose from a religious observance of the day upon which Our Lord was crucified.  As the early Christians were accustomed to devote this day to meditation and prayer, it followed that few went abroad at that time, or set about new temporal ventures.  Superstition early perverted the import of this pious custom.  As on that day Satan marshalled all the powers of evil against the Son of God, so, said the soothsayers, he would beset with misfortune and danger the path of those who set forth on a Friday.  As regards the case in point, since we do not go into retreat once a week, I presume Anna and Rosemary have not this reason for refusing to visit their young friend on Friday.”

There was a general laugh, after which Miss Irene went on: 

“For the rest, we know God’s loving providence carefully watches over us at all times, and constantly preserves us from countless dangers; that nothing can betide us without His permission, and that He blesses the work of every day if we ask Him.  Far from being influenced by the common superstition with regard to Friday, it would seem as if we should piously prefer to begin an undertaking (and in this spirit seek a special blessing on the work thus commenced) on the day of the week which commemorates that most fortunate of all days for us, on which was consummated the great act of Redemption.

“The superstition with reference to thirteen at table dates from the Last Supper, of which Our Lord partook with His twelve Apostles on the eve of His crucifixion.  Hence the saying that of thirteen persons who sit down together to a repast, one will soon die.  I think it was originally the custom to avoid having thirteen at the festive or family board, not so much from this notion, as to express a horror of the treachery of Judas.  Such would be, for instance, the chivalrous spirit of the Crusaders.  We can understand how, in feudal times, a knight would consider it an affront to his fellows to bid them to a banquet spread for thirteen.  In those