Thoroughly modern woman, I am. Sensible(ish), logical, level-headed, rational and reasonable, all of those kind of things. I don't think of myself as being superstitious at all, but Strawberry Shortcake and Ginger Nuts have both pulled me up on some of my more oddball notions recently, and prompted me to think about how fruitcakey they are. My top 7 are as follows (7 being one of the "good" numbers):
- Always salute lone magpies (and then anxiously scan the horizon for more of the little fuckers. Preferably a second -for joy- or a total of four, for a boy...). Country folk spit at them, but then they spit at redheads too, and that's just not nice. A nod will suffice, and a muttered "hello, Mr. Magpie".
- Never cut your nails on a Sunday. Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesdsay for news, Thursday; new shoes, Friday for sorrow, Saturday; see your true love tomorrow, but Sunday... the devil will be with you all week.
- Never put new shoes on the table (I don't know why, I just know that the consequences would be dire)
- If you spill salt, throw some over your left shoulder (with your right hand) or you'll die a horrible death. Maybe.
- Never try a ring on on your ring finger (you'll end up an unmarried spinster) unless it's someone else's engagement ring, in which case you may try it, turn it three times towards your heart and make a wish (which cannot be for a man, or money, so it's not much fucking use anyway)
- Always wear new clothes for Easter.
- Never cross more than two fingers, or you'll jinx whatever you're wishing for.
