Old wives tales, truth or fiction....

   It was a bright sunny day, late in the month of May. There was a cool breeze blowing in from the north, a warning of  an impending cold night and potential late Spring frost. 

   We walked the streets of the Old Port in Portland, Maine, and even though it was a Friday, there seemed to be a number of tourists. You can always spot the tourist. They all are looking up at the sky, hoping to see a sea gull and are wearing brand new LL Bean sweatshirts (no, the sea gulls are not wearing the new sweatshirts). 

   I am sure they  just wanted to get an early start on the long weekend, part of Maine's financial growth plan to improve our economy. We really do like the people from away to come spend their money here, even if it does make for congested streets and highways.

   After a few hours of  shopping, (Lucky and I window shopped) it was time to return to the house  to enjoy a glass or two of wine before the family barbecue. A glass of wine, some cheese and crackers and an interesting discussion, what more could a body want? 

   Somehow the discussion focused on old wives tales and how true they may have been. Were they truth or some form of urban legend? I mean, how many times did your mother warn you about something like... “stepping on a crack will break your mother's back”. Was she really that worried about her back being broken?

   I can remember my grandmother looking out the window and if the leaves on the trees were turned up, she made sure she took an umbrella with her if she was going out of the house to the hair dresser. In her mind, without a doubt, it was going to rain!

   There are old wives tales about all kinds of topics. Here are just a few of my favorites.

   “If the nose itches, company is coming. If the thumb itches, it will be unwelcome company. If your left hand itches, money is coming your way. If your ears are ringing, someone is talking about you. The right ear means they are saying good things. The left ear means they are criticizing you.” No wonder there were times that it is really noisy in my head!

   “Red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning, Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.” But what's it mean if there is a red sky at noon time? Oh...lunch time.

   “An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples are good!

   Cat's have always held a special place in wives tale and folklore. For example...

   “If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it.”
   “Keep cats away from babies because they "suck the breath" of the child.”
   “A cat on board a ship is considered to bring luck.” OK. Who takes a cat on a boat?

   I have spent years on my hands and knees looking for that 'lucky four leaf clover'. Perhaps I would have better spent my time buying lottery tickets. The result would probably have been the same.

   This is one I had not heard before, but maybe does explain a thing or two.

   “To drop a comb while you are combing your hair is a sign of a coming disappointment.”And my disappointment, not having any hair to comb anymore!!

   I will often heat up a bit of milk on a cold winter night to make some hot chocolate. I can still remember my grandmother warning me to not let the milk boil over. It's bad luck.

Really Gram?

   This is one I am not too sure about either.

   “You sleep best with your head to the north and your feet to the south.”

Truth is I can sleep regardless of which direction my head is pointing, whether it be north, south, east or west. As long as my eyes are closed....

   Stars also seem to be a common topic for wives tales and folklore. What child has not been told that... “all wishes on shooting stars come true.” Well, I'm, still waiting! 

   Or, “star light, star bright. first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might have the wish I wish tonight.”

   Unfortunately, it didn't work for me last night. Maybe for a wish to come true it needs to be both the first star and a shooting star. And the chances of that happening?

    It was time for another glass of wine and that was a 'wish' I could make come true. My hope was that when I got back from pouring myself another glass the discussion would have changed... and it did. But now everyone was talking about 'deflated balls' and Tom Brady. Hmm. I wonder if Tom has any old wives tales he would like to share?