It only remains for us, in conclusion, to add once more that the preceding pages are not intended to be by any means exhaustive, our object having been to give a brief and general survey of that extensive folk-lore which has, in the course of years, woven itself around the affairs of home-life. However much this may be ridiculed on the plea of its being the outcome of credulous belief, yet it constitutes an important element in our social life, which the historian in years to come will doubtless use when he studies the character of the English people in this and bygone centuries.
Apple-tree blooming twice, a sign of Death, 52
Banns, Superstitions about putting up, 43
Baptism, how rendered propitious in Scotland, 19
Birth and Infancy, Folk-lore relating to, 2
Bishop's Left Hand, Superstition respecting, 20
Cats and Toads, Form of, assumed by Witches, 177
Christ's College, Cambridge, Fellowships at, 103
"Creeling" the Bridegroom in Scotland, 48
---- First Note heard in Bed, Ominous of Illness or Death, 52
Dead Children cannot rest if Mothers fret for them, 15
---- Man's Hand at Bryn Hall, Lancashire, 79
Death and Burial, Superstition respecting, 48
Destiny of Children, how augured in Scotland, 19
Dog, Howling of, at Death, how caused, 50
Ecclesiastical Dignity and Gloves, Association of, 94
Elder Sister Dancing in Hog's trough at younger Sister's Marriage, 43
Fair, Opening of, announced by hanging out Glove, 94
First Teeth, Precautions taken when they come out, 10
---- Meeting of, by Bride or Bridegroom, 40
---- Favourite Days for appearance of, 176
Going in at one Door and out at another at Marriage, 41
Home-life, Superstitions relating to, 131
Howling of a Dog at Night indicative of Death, 49
Last Day of Year, Marrying on, in Scotland, 39
New Clothes, Superstitions relating to, 82
"Nose out of Joint," and "Paying through Nose," 69
Number Thirteen, Superstitions about, 100, 101
Odd Numbers, Antipathy to, in School Games, 25
Onymancy, or Divination by the Finger-nails, 141
Ox or Cow breaking into Garden, Omen of Death, 51
Palmistry, or Divination by the Hands, 78
---- Taught by poor People to their Children, 21
Rubbing Shoulders with Bride or Bridegroom, 41
Seasons admitting or prohibiting Matrimony, 38