Product Description

Did you know that it used to be the custom to fight at Scottish funerals until blood was drawn? If you've ever wanted the definitive answers on subjects such as black cats, magpies and spilt milk, look no further than this classic, critically acclaimed dictionary. Hundreds of superstitions and beliefs, including spells, cures, rituals, taboos, charms, and omens are covered, and illustrated by quotations that trace their development through the centuries. Subjects include advice on the signs to observe when getting married, the significance of animals, plants, stones, colours, food and drink, the elements and heavenly bodies, precautions to be taken after a death in the house, and many more. Superstitions are arranged alphabetically by subject, and fully cross referenced for easy browsing. In addition to providing quotations illustrating references to superstitions in everyday life , the dictionary also contains a wealth of information illustrating the history of popular superstition. For example, the lucky horseshoe was protection against witches in the sixteenth century, and touching wood may be a lingering memory of the veneration attached to the relics of the cross. Both informative and accessible, this dictionary is a browser's delight, and a fascinating work of reference for anyone with an interest in superstitions and their history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #240884 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 512 pages

About the Author
Iona Opie is the author, with her late husband Peter, of a number of admired works on the folklore of children. This dictionary of superstitions was one of the books they had planned in the adult field.

Customer Reviews

explanations?
I was led into buying this as one of the Opies of childlore fame compiled it... Yes. a host of BRITISH superstitions are listed - but simply alphabetised (so there are few 'connections' made), and very few explanations (of any kind) or origins are explored. Some one can guess of course, some are nuts, and some are too famous to bother with, but that leaves hundreds where one is given five occurrences of the belief from 1600 to 1960 - but no clue as to WHY the practice sprung up. Surely that's the interest of superstition... Disappointing.

Wholly admirable, highly readable
If you have ever wondered why you cross your fingers or touch wood, then this is a wonderful read. It is essential reading for reference, study and everything to do with belief.

"Recomended" by Tom Waits
I heard about this book in a Tom Waits interveiw.
Being a songwriter with a love for both Tom Waits and referencebooks, i couldn't resist buying this one. It's a nice addition to any reference library. When i use it for songwriting, i use it to get ideas and/or give my songs unexpected twists. The book is well written and is fun and easy to read. I often open at random and learn somthing. My wife reads it just for fun.