WATER

Entries

• #282

  Float two cambric needles on water and name them. If they float together, they’ll marry. If they float apart, they won’t marry.

  Petit Codiac, N. B.
• #283

  Girls prepare basins of dirty and of clean water. If a blindfolded girl puts a stick, with which she reaches about, into the dirty water, she will marry a widower. If into clean water, she will marry a young man.

  Labrador.
• #284

  Place three basins on the floor, one containing dirty water, another clear water, and the third empty. Let the (blindfolded?) person crawl up to them on her hands and knees. The one she touches will foretell her fate. The clear water means she is to marry a rich man, the dirty water, a poor man, and the empty basin no man at all.

• #285

  Make ready a mirror, a lamp, a basin of water, a towel and soap. Go to bed backward, not speaking afterwards, and lie awake till midnight. If your sweetheart comes and washes, combs his hair, and looks at you, you’ll be married. If you don’t see him, you’ll see your coffin. (Both sexes.)

  Labrador.
• #286

  When a pot is boiling over, put a small stick in one of the ears and name it for the one you like best. If he loves you in return, the water will cease to boil over; if not, it will continue.

  Double Creek, Md.
• #287

  Let two girls wash and wipe the dishes together, then put a dish of water behind the door with a broom-handle in it. Two men will come in who will be the husbands of the two projectors.

  Deer Isle, Me.
• #288

  Run molten lead into hot water; the shape of the pellets formed shows the occupation of your future sweetheart.

  Labrador.
• #289

  Pour molten lead on a hearth; the shape the metal assumes in cooling foretells the occupation of one’s future husband.

  General in the United States.