Medical Beliefs of the Past

• Carrying a potato in your pocket is thought to cure or prevent rheumatism.
• A girl who brings her thimble to the table is destined to remain single.
• Piercing a child's ear is believed to improve or strengthen weak eyesight.
• To stop hiccups, place your thumb against your lower lip, fingers under your chin, and say, “Hiccup, hiccup, over my thumb” nine times.

Predictions and Omens

• When extinguishing a candle, if the wick's flame flickers brightly, expect pleasant weather the next day; if it dims, prepare for rain.
• During Christmas or New Year’s, children shout “My Christmas-gift” or “New Year’s-gift” upon meeting, and the first to call will receive a gift from the other.
• Shingling the roof while the moon wanes ensures the shingles lay flat, preventing warping.
• Country folk turn mirrors to face the wall when someone has passed away in the house.
• A newlywed woman who discreetly takes her mother’s dishcloth will never feel homesick.
• If a neighbor’s cat lingers around your home, it’s a sign they are gossiping about you.
• Ringing in the ears signifies an impending death within the week.
• Breakages occur in threes.
• “Wash and wipe together, live in peace together.”
• A whistling girl and a laughing sheep are the best fortunes a man can possess.

More Curious Beliefs

• “Rosemary is effective for deterring thieves.”
• “An error in the first word of a letter foretells poor reception.”
• “Tripping up the stairs is a sign of good luck, while stumbling down indicates misfortune.”
• “Gifting cake, salt, or an egg to a friend's child brings them good luck.”
• “Passing a squinting woman on the street is an omen of bad news.”
• “Exiting bed backward predicts a troublesome day.”
• “Sweeping at night brings ill fortune to a woman.”

Wishing you and your family love and prosperity.

Warm regards,

Thomas