[93] E. B., (Liverpool) in _Notes and Queries_, 3rd series, vol. ix. p. 187. [94] T. T. W. [95] Another version has the last four lines thus:-- "Five for a fiddle, Six for a dance, Seven for England, Eight for France." [96] J. O. Halliwell's _Nursery Rhymes_. [97] _Pictorial History of Lancashire._ [98] Hampson's _Medii Ævi Kalend._, vol. I. 255. [99] Hickes's _Thesaurus_, II. 194. [100] _Bibl. Cott. MSS. Tiberius, A._ III., fol. 39 b., and 40. SUPERSTITIONS, GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS. There are great numbers of small superstitions, beliefs, and practices which we must place under this general head. Before entering on these at length, we may briefly notice the fact in many cases, the probability in a still greater number, that the origin of superstitions still held to the popular heart, is to be found in other countries and in remote times. Indeed Folk-lore superstitions may be said to be the _débris_ of ancient mythologies; it may be of Egypt or India, Greece or Rome, Germany or Scandinavia. Many of the following superstitions have been already glanced at or briefly referred to in the introductory chapter. POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS. Lancashire, like all other counties, has its own peculiar superstitions, manners, and customs, which find no parallels in those of other localities. It has also, no doubt, many local observances, current opinions, old proverbs, and vulgar ditties, which are held and taken in common with the inhabitants of a greater extent of country, and differ merely in minor particulars,--the necessary result of imperfect oral transmission. The following are a few of these local superstitions:-- 1. If a person's hair, when thrown into the fire, burns brightly, it is a sure sign that the individual will live long. The brighter the flame, the longer life; and _vice versâ_. 2. A young person lightly stirs the fire with the poker to test the humour of a lover. If the fire blaze brightly, the lover is good-humoured; and _vice versâ_. 3. A crooked sixpence, or a copper coin with a hole through, is accounted a _lucky_ coin. 4. Cutting or paring the nails of the hands or feet, on a Friday or Sunday, is very unlucky. 5. If a person's _left_ ear burn, or feel hot, somebody is praising the party; if the _right_ ear burn, then it is a sure sign that some one is speaking evil of the person. 6. Children are frequently cautioned by their parents not to walk _backwards_ when going an errand; it is a sure sign that they will be unfortunate in their objects.