“In the ancient family of Ferrers, of Chartley Park, in Staffordshire, a herd of wild cattle is preserved.  A tradition arose in the time of Henry III. that the birth of a parti-coloured calf is a sure omen of death, within the same year, to a member of the Lord Ferrers family.  By a noticeable coincidence, a calf of this description has been born whenever a death has happened of late years in this noble family.” (Staffordshire Chronicle, July, 1835).  The falling of a picture or a statue or bust of the individual is usually regarded as an evil omen.  Many cases are cited where this has been soon followed by the death of the person.

It would be easy to multiply instances of this sort:  of personal omen or warning.  The history and traditions of our great families are saturated with it.  The predictions and omens relating to certain well known families, and others, recur at once; and from these it may be inferred that beneath the more popular beliefs there is enough fire and truth to justify the smoke that is produced, and to reward some of the faith that is placed in the modern dreambooks and the books of fate and the interpretations of omens.

OMENS

ACORN.—­Falling from the oak tree on anyone, is a sign of good fortune to the person it strikes.

BAT.—­To see one in day time means long journey.

BIRTHDAYS.—­

     “Monday’s child is fair of face,
     Tuesday’s child is full of grace,
     Wednesday’s child is full of woe,
     Thursday’s child has far to go,
     Friday’s child is loving and giving,
     Saturday’s child works hard for its living;
     But a child that’s born on the Sabbath-day
     Is handsome and wise and loving and gay.”

BUTTERFLY.—­In your room means great pleasure and success, but you must not catch it, or the luck will change.

CANDLE.—­A spark on the wick of a candle means a letter for the one who first sees it.  A big glow like a parcel means money coming to you.

CAT.—­Black cat to come to your house means difficulties caused by treachery.  Drive it away and avoid trouble.

CHAIN.—­If your chain breaks while on you means disappointments or a broken engagement of marriage.

CLOTHES.—­To put on clothes the wrong way out is a sign of good luck; but you must not alter them, or the luck will change.

CLOVER.—­To find a four-leaf clover means luck to you, happiness and prosperity.

COW.—­Coming in your yard or garden a very prosperous sign.

CRICKETS.—­A lucky omen.  It foretells money coming to you.  They should not be disturbed.

DOG.—­Coming to your house, means faithful friends and a favourable sign.

DEATH-WATCH.—­A clicking in the wall by this little insect is regarded as evil, but it does not necessarily mean a death; possibly only some sickness.

EARS.—­You are being talked about if your ear tingles.  Some say, “right for spite, left for love.”  Others reverse this omen.  If you think of the person, friend, or acquaintance who is likely to be talking of you, and mention the name aloud, the tingling will cease if you say the right one.