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Celtic Radio Community > Ireland > Irish Omens


Posted by: Richard Bercot 14-Nov-2003, 12:15 AM
”Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions” by Lady Wilde

Auguries and prophecies of coming fate may also be obtained from the flight of birds, the motion of the winds, from sneezing, dreams, lots, and the signs from a verse of the Psalter or Gospels. The peasantry attach great importance to the first verses of St. John’s Gospel, and maintain that when the cock crows in the morning he is repeating these verses (from the 1st to the 14th), and if we understood the language of the animals and birds, we could often hear them quoting these same verses.

A charm against sickness is an armlet worn round the neck, enclosing a piece of paper, on which is written the first three verses of St. John’s Gospel.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 14-Nov-2003, 12:31 AM
”Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions” by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

To stick a penknife in the mast of a boat when sailing is most unlucky.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 15-Nov-2003, 08:27 PM
”Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions” by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to meet a cat, a dog, or a old woman, when going out first in the morning: but unlucky above all is to meet a woman with red hair the first thing in the morning when going on a journey, for her presence brings ill luck and certain evil.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 16-Nov-2003, 11:56 PM
”Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions” by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

To meet a man with red hair, or a woman with a red petticoat, the first thing in the morning.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 18-Nov-2003, 12:13 AM
”Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions” by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

To have a hare cross your path before sunrise.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 19-Nov-2003, 01:06 AM
”Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions” by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

To pass a churn and not give a helping hand.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 19-Nov-2003, 11:53 PM
”Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions” by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

To meet a funeral and not go back three steps with it.

Posted by: oldraven 20-Nov-2003, 01:55 PM
Sheesh. Were these people paranoid or what? tongue.gif

Posted by: Richard Bercot 20-Nov-2003, 01:59 PM
QUOTE (oldraven @ Nov 20 2003, 02:55 PM)
Sheesh. Were these people paranoid or what? tongue.gif

Old Raven,

This is only a few. Lots more to come yet.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 21-Nov-2003, 01:29 AM
”Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions” by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to pass under a hempen rope; the person who does so will die a violent death, or is fated to commit an evil act in afterlife, so it is decreed.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 22-Nov-2003, 01:11 AM
”Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions” by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

To take away a lighted sod on May days or churning days; for fire is the most sacred of all things, and you take away the blessing from the house along with it.

Posted by: roguepagan 23-Nov-2003, 05:32 PM
QUOTE (Richard Bercot @ Nov 15 2003, 09:27 PM)
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to meet a cat, a dog, or a old woman, when going out first in the morning: but unlucky above all is to meet a woman with red hair the first thing in the morning when going on a journey, for her presence brings ill luck and certain evil.

Gee, I thought we (red heads) were good luck! What happened?

Rogue

Posted by: Richard Bercot 24-Nov-2003, 03:07 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky and a bad omen to carry fire out of a house where any one is ill.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 24-Nov-2003, 03:13 AM
QUOTE (roguepagan @ Nov 23 2003, 06:32 PM)
QUOTE (Richard Bercot @ Nov 15 2003, 09:27 PM)
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to meet a cat, a dog, or a old woman, when going out first in the morning: but unlucky above all is to meet a woman with red hair the first thing in the morning when going on a journey, for her presence brings ill luck and certain evil.

Gee, I thought we (red heads) were good luck! What happened?

Rogue

Maybe Rouge, The author of this book was not a Red Head, and was jealous of them.

I was wondering this same question myself.

May be that is why they say the "Luck of the Irish", because they were all unlucky. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Richard Bercot 25-Nov-2003, 12:49 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

If a chair fall as a person rises, it is an unlucky omen.


Posted by: Richard Bercot 26-Nov-2003, 12:07 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

If the ear itches and is red and hot, someone is speaking ill of you.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 27-Nov-2003, 12:20 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to offer your left hand in salutation, for there is an old saying: ?A curse with the left hand to those we hate, but the right hand to those we honour.?

Posted by: Richard Bercot 27-Nov-2003, 11:54 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to accept a lock of hair, or a four-footed beast from a lover.

Posted by: maggiemahone1 28-Nov-2003, 06:43 PM
QUOTE (Richard Bercot @ Nov 28 2003, 05:54 AM)
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to accept a lock of hair, or a four-footed beast from a lover.

Oh no!!! I have to give my horse back!

maggiemahone1

Posted by: Richard Bercot 29-Nov-2003, 03:55 AM
QUOTE (maggiemahone1 @ Nov 28 2003, 07:43 PM)
QUOTE (Richard Bercot @ Nov 28 2003, 05:54 AM)
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to accept a lock of hair, or a four-footed beast from a lover.

Oh no!!! I have to give my horse back!

maggiemahone1

Maggie,

Maybe you should, you wouldn't want to be unlucky do you? wink.gif

Posted by: Richard Bercot 29-Nov-2003, 03:56 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

A hen that crows is very unlucky and should be killed; very often the hen is stoned, for it is believed that she is bewitched by the fairies.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 30-Nov-2003, 04:30 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

If a man is ploughing, on one should cross the path of the horses.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 01-Dec-2003, 01:59 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to steal a plough, or take anything by stealth from a smith?s forge.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 01-Dec-2003, 11:28 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

When yawning make the sign of the cross instantly over the mouth, or the evil spirit will make a rush down and take up this abode within you.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 02-Dec-2003, 11:39 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

Beware of a childless woman who looks fixedly at your child.

Posted by: oldraven 03-Dec-2003, 08:56 AM
QUOTE (Richard Bercot @ Dec 2 2003, 10:39 PM)
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

Beware of a childless woman who looks fixedly at your child.

yikes, no kidding. That's a sombre one.

Posted by: maisky 03-Dec-2003, 02:42 PM
QUOTE (Richard Bercot @ Nov 17 2003, 12:56 AM)
Omens That Forbode Evil

To meet a ... a woman with a red petticoat, the first thing in the morning.


No kidding, my wife doesn't allow that. She would be sore wroth if I am meeting another woman first thing in the morning...... biggrin.gif

Posted by: Richard Bercot 03-Dec-2003, 11:45 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

Never give away water before breakfast, nor milk while churning is going on.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 05-Dec-2003, 11:47 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

Do not put out a light while people are at supper, or there will be one less at the table before the year is out.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 07-Dec-2003, 04:57 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

Never mend a rent in a dress while on, or evil and malicious reports will be spread about you.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 08-Dec-2003, 12:39 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

Amongst fatal signs, the most fatal is to break a looking glass, for then it is certain that someone in the house will die before the year is out. And there is no mode of averting the evil fate.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 09-Dec-2003, 01:37 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is very unlucky to meet a weasel coming towards you in the early morning, ad you should at once spit at him, for, if he spits at you first, a great danger will fall on you before the sun sets. Yet, you must never kill a weasel; it is fatal, and will bring sure destruction on yourself, for the whole family of the murdered weasel will take vengeance and cause something dreadful to happen to you within the year.

Posted by: Annabelle 09-Dec-2003, 02:49 PM
I heard the one that if a pig should run in front of you as you walk down a lane you should walk to a bar as fast as possible and hit your head on it 5 times and then drink one beer and you will have great luck.
Annabelle

Posted by: Richard Bercot 10-Dec-2003, 01:55 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

When changing your residence, it is unlucky to bring a cat with you especially across a stream, and a red and white cat is particularly ominous and dangerous. If a black cat comes of her own accord to your house, keep her, she is a good spirit; but do not bring her, she must come freely, of her own good will.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 10-Dec-2003, 11:16 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

Whoever kills a robin redbreast will never have good luck were they to live a thousand years.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 12-Dec-2003, 12:51 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

A water wagtail near the house betokens bad news on its way.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 13-Dec-2003, 01:50 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

If the first lamb of the season is born black, it foretells mourning garments for the family within the year.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 13-Dec-2003, 10:55 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to meet a magpie, a cat, or a lame woman when going a journey. Or for a cock to meet a person in the doorway and crow before him?then the journey should be put off.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 15-Dec-2003, 05:05 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

If one magpie comes chattering to your door it is a sign of death; but if two prosperity will follow. For a magpie to come to the door and look at you is a sure death sign, and nothing can avert the doom.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 15-Dec-2003, 10:30 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

A flight of rooks over an army betokens defeat; if over a house, or over people when driving or walking, death will follow.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 16-Dec-2003, 10:09 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

It is very unlucky to ask a man on his way to fish where he is going. And many would turn back, knowing that it was an evil spell.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 18-Dec-2003, 08:29 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

When a swarm of bees suddenly quits the hive it is a sign that death is hovering near the house. But the evil may be averted by the powerful prayers and exorcism of the priest.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 21-Dec-2003, 07:57 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

A crowing hen, a whistling girl, and a black cat, are considered most unlucky. Beware of them in a house.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 22-Dec-2003, 09:46 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Forbode Evil

If a hen crows on the roost it is a sign that the fairies have struck it, and the head of the hen must be immediately cut off and flung on the ground, or one of the family will sure die before the year is out.

Posted by: The Red Haired Celt 22-Dec-2003, 07:58 PM
QUOTE (Richard Bercot @ Nov 15 2003, 09:27 PM)
Omens That Forbode Evil

It is unlucky to meet a cat, a dog, or a old woman, when going out first in the morning: but unlucky above all is to meet a woman with red hair the first thing in the morning when going on a journey, for her presence brings ill luck and certain evil.

Lord and Lady help me then, I'm red headed as I can be. Well, I promise you'll not meet me on the morning you go off on a journey, good sir! wink.gif

That or I'll wear a hat. laugh.gif biggrin.gif


Posted by: Richard Bercot 23-Dec-2003, 09:30 AM
QUOTE (The Red Haired Celt @ Dec 22 2003, 08:58 PM)
Lord and Lady help me then, I'm red headed as I can be. Well, I promise you'll not meet me on the morning you go off on a journey, good sir! wink.gif

That or I'll wear a hat. laugh.gif biggrin.gif

Red Haired Celt,

If I wore Rose Colored Glasses then everything will look red so I would not notice. cool.gif

Posted by: Richard Bercot 23-Dec-2003, 09:31 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

The cricket is looked upon as a mist lucky inmate of a house, and woe to the person who may happen to kill one; for all the other crickets will meet in general assembly and eat up the offender?s clothes, as a just retribution for the loss of a friend a relation.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 24-Dec-2003, 09:59 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

Never disturb the swallows, wherever they may build, and neither remove nor destroy their nests; for they are wise birds, and will mark your conduct either for punishment or favour.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 29-Dec-2003, 02:12 PM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

If, by accident, you find the back tooth of a horse, carry it about with you as long as you live, and you will never want money; but t must be found by chance.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 30-Dec-2003, 10:15 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

A purse made from a weasel?s skin will never want for money; but the purse must be found, not given or made.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 31-Dec-2003, 10:54 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

A coal of fire thrown after the fisherman brings him food fortune.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 03-Jan-2004, 11:10 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

If the palm of the hand itches you will be getting money; if the elbow, you will be changing beds.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 03-Jan-2004, 11:22 AM
QUOTE (Richard Bercot @ Jan 3 2004, 12:10 PM)
If the palm of the hand itches you will be getting money; if the elbow, you will be changing beds.

The way I was taught on this was that if your left palm itches, you scratch it on wood and you would recieve money.

If the right hand itches, then you will shake hands with a stranger.

I have never heard anything about the elbow.

Posted by: maggiemahone1 04-Jan-2004, 10:12 AM
OH my gosh, my left hand was itching Friday. Do ya think I'll hit the lottery? biggrin.gif

Richard, I have heard the same thing too, not the wood part though!

maggiemahone1

Posted by: Richard Bercot 04-Jan-2004, 12:46 PM
QUOTE (maggiemahone1 @ Jan 4 2004, 11:12 AM)
OH my gosh, my left hand was itching Friday. Do ya think I'll hit the lottery? biggrin.gif

Richard, I have heard the same thing too, not the wood part though!

maggiemahone1

I just wonder if the wood part comes from Druidism?

Considering that knocking on wood is suppose to bring you Luck and is believed to asking the tree for a prayer.

And Maggie I Hope you do hit the Lottery. Just Remember your Friends here. wink.gif

Posted by: maggiemahone1 04-Jan-2004, 05:22 PM
biggrin.gif You are such a nice guy, Richard. biggrin.gif You got it, if I win you'll be on my list. biggrin.gif

maggiemahone1

Posted by: Richard Bercot 05-Jan-2004, 09:29 AM
QUOTE (maggiemahone1 @ Jan 4 2004, 06:22 PM)
biggrin.gif You are such a nice guy, Richard. biggrin.gif You got it, if I win you'll be on my list. biggrin.gif

maggiemahone1

Ahhh, you are going to make me BLUSH. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Richard Bercot 05-Jan-2004, 09:31 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

To see three magpies on the left hand when on a journey is unlucky; but two on the right hand is a good omen.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 13-Jan-2004, 05:32 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

If you hear the cuckoo on your right hand you will have luck all the year after.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 23-Jan-2004, 05:25 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

It is very lucky for a hen and her chickens to stray into your house. Also it is good to meet a white lamb in the early morning with the sunlight on its face.

Posted by: Richard Bercot 24-Jan-2004, 03:37 AM
?Irish Cures, Mystics Charms & Superstitions? by Lady Wilde

Omens That Foretell Good Luck

To throw a slipper after a party going journey is lucky. Also to breakfast by candle light on Christmas morning.

Posted by: oldraven 03-Jun-2010, 09:23 PM
Ange and I just watched the movie 'Leap Year', and I had to come to this thread and read a few of these omens to her. They mention the Cat and the journey at the beginning. People are constantly telling the couple that they can't do this, or do that, because it's bad luck.

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