BUTTONS

Entries

• #187

  The coming husband is determined by repeating the following words, touching each button of the coat, vest, or dress in order:—

  Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief.
  Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief.
  Or,
  Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief.
  Or,
  Doctor, lawyer, merchant, cheat.

  Ohio.
• #188

  With reference to the habitation to be occupied:—

  Big house, little house, pig-sty, barn.

  New Hampshire.
• #189

  As to the wedding dress:—

  Silk, satin, velvet, cotton, woolen.

  Massachusetts.
• #190

  In regard to the vehicle:—

  Carriage, wagon, wheelbarrow, chaise.

  Massachusetts.
• #191

  The first of these button formulæ is used by boys to foretell their profession in life. A friend remembers how in childhood his buttons were completely worn out by the continual practice of the inquiry.

• #192

  With reference to the acquisition of a coat:—

  Bought, given, stolen.

  Massachusetts.
• #193

  “Rich man, poor man, beggar, thief, doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief.” Said over by little girls on their back hair combs to find the occupation of their future husbands.

  New York.